Non-Destructive Testing

Non-Destructive Testing is one of the most vital steps in aerospace finishing, ensuring the integrity of critical parts before any additional processing occurs. At Hytek, our certified Level I through Level III inspectors, trained to NAS410, utilize highly sensitive methods to detect surface and sub-surface defects without causing damage to the components being tested. These methods help identify cracks, inclusions, porosity, or other anomalies that could compromise part performance or safety. Each NDT method we use is in accordance with strict industry/OEM standards and Nadcap certification.

Specification Approvals:

Airbus, ASTM, Bell Helicopter, Blue Origin, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Douglas, Goodrich Aerostructures, Israeli Air, Pratt & Whitney, Military, Safran, Sikorsky, SpaceX, Spirit Aerosystems & Viking, Including D1-4426 approvals for AMS, ASTM, BAC, BSS DPS & MIL specs.

Magnetic Particle

Magnetic Particle Inspection is ideal for detecting surface and slightly subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials such as steel, iron, and certain nickel alloys. The part is magnetized either directly or indirectly, and then a suspension of magnetic particles is applied. Defects at or near the surface cause distortions in the magnetic field, attracting the particles and forming visible indications. High frequent processing for BAC 5424 & ASTM-E-1444.

Applications:

Landing gear components
Engine mounts
Structural support hardware

Process Highlights:

Detects cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts, and inclusions
Uses fluorescent particles to make defects easier to see
Performed under UV light for maximum visibility with fluorescent particles
Conducted in accordance with NADCAP and customer-specific standards

Specification Approvals:

ASTM-E-1444/E1444M, BAC 5424, BAPS 176-004, CPC 9108, CSTI001, DPS 4.704, PCS-3100, PS 21201, RPS 18.08, SOPM 20-20-01, SPS-104240, 8-SS805, VPS 20.01

Penetrant

Penetrant Inspection is a widely used method for detecting discontinuities on nonporous metal surfaces, such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel. A fluorescent dye penetrant is applied and allowed to seep into surface-breaking defects. Excess penetrant is removed, and a developer is applied, drawing the penetrant out of flaws to form visible indications under ultraviolet (black) light. High frequent processing for BAC 5423, ASTM-E-1417 & AITM6-1001.

Applications:

Fittings
Torque Tubes
Bushings
Springs
Precision machined parts

Process Highlights:

Highly effective at revealing fine cracks and porosity
Water-washable or post-emulsifiable options available
Conducted in accordance with NADCAP and customer-specific standards

Specification Approvals:

208-14-13, ABP6-5230, AITM6-1001, ASTM-E-1417/E1417M, BAC 5423, BPS 4089, CTI002, DPS 4.707, FPM-CODE2, PCS-3200, PS 2030, PS 21202, RPS 18.10, SOPM 20-20-02, SPS-104230, 8-SS8806, VPS 20.03

Nital Etch

Nital Etch is a chemical inspection process used to detect heat-induced surface damage that causes microstructural changes in hardened steels. It exposes anomalies like overheating (grinding burns), decarburization, case leakage, and other thermal effects that are often invisible to the naked eye. The process uses a solution of nitric acid to etch the part surface, revealing contrast variations where issues are present. High frequent processing for BAC 5436 & MIL-STD-867.

Applications:

Gears and bearings
Hardened steel components
Heat-treated parts post-machining
Cannot be used on corrosion resistant steels

Process Highlights:

Reveals overheating and machining damage
Ensures compliance with metallurgical specifications
Critical for aerospace safety and gear system reliability

Specification Approvals:

BAC 5436, DPS 4.715, MIL-STD-867, SOPM 20-10-02