What Is Visual Testing?
Visual Testing (VT) is the direct or aided observation of a component or structure by a qualified
inspector to detect and evaluate surface conditions, dimensional compliance, and other visible
features that indicate the presence of defects, damage, deterioration, or non-conformance. It is
the oldest and most universally applied NDT method — required as a mandatory inspection step
in virtually every major inspection code and welding standard.
The effectiveness of visual testing depends critically on three factors: the qualifications and
experience of the inspector, the quality of lighting at the inspection surface, and access to the
inspection area. Each of these is a managed parameter in our VT operations — not an
afterthought.
Direct VT aids we deploy:
- Calibrated illuminance meters — verifying minimum lighting levels per applicable code
- Magnification lenses and loupes — for close-range surface evaluation
- Weld gauges and profile templates — for weld geometry assessment
- Mirrors and flexible inspection mirrors — for angled and restricted-access areas
- Pit depth gauges and surface comparators — for surface roughness and pitting depth
assessment