Non-Destructive Testing?
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is the descriptive term used for the examination of materials and components in a way which does not change or destroy their usefulness.
It is used at all stages of plant or equipment construction and for integrity monitoring during operation and maintenance.
NDT plays a crucial role in ensuring cost effective operation, safety and reliability of plant, with resultant benefit to the community.

Benefits provided by the correct application of NDT include:
• Compliance with technical and statutory requirements
• Safety of plant and structures
• Avoidance of loss from breakdown
• Establishment of fitness for purpose
• Protection of investments through predictive maintenance.

Non-destructive testing is reliable only when undertaken to appropriate standards. To ensure this a wide range of national and international standards are documented which covers specific industry needs.

Non-Destructive Testing?
All principal methods of non-destructive testing are covered by Australian Standards. Major manufacturing construction and maintenance standards reference NDT requirements, together with acceptance standards. AINDT plays a major role in the development and updating of standards through representation on appropriate Standards Australia industry panels.

Awards
Branch and Federal Awards are made annually in a number of categories:

• J H Cole Award for significant contribution to the NDT Industry.
• ETRS Award for the best paper relating to original work on the practice and development of NDT. The paper must be published in Non-Destructive Testing Australia.
• Agfa Award for the highest score in a radiography practical examination.
• Agfa/Krautkramer Award to the applicant with the best Level 2 General Ultrasonic Theory Examination result.

State Branches also offer student awards for papers and studies related to the NDT Industry.