In today’s technologically advanced world, it seems like everything we do is digital. But when it comes to taking pictures and testing materials, the digital camera that takes pictures and the computer screen you use to review images are only as good as their source. The same can be said for radiographic testing. If a test is taken using an inferior source, results will likely be substandard. That source can be anything from the type of film used to the quality and brand of the x-ray machine being used.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 5 reasons why a radiographic test sourced from an inferior source will yield substandard results, along with tips on how to improve your own radiographic testing process to reduce unreliable or inconsistent results.
If the size of the radiographic source is too small, the amount of energy it can absorb will be limited. This will result in a radiographic beam that is too small to properly expose the material. If the size of the radiographic source is too large, the amount of energy it can absorb will be too great, causing burn-through.
This will result in a radiographic beam that’s too large, leaving gaps or “holes” in the image of the material. It’s important to remember that a small source will naturally result in a smaller radiographic beam and a high ISO will be required to overcome the small size of the beam. A large source can be controlled by the radiographer to produce an image that still has adequate quality, but is much larger than the original object.
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Unreliable settings can be as simple as not having the proper film type for the test being performed or not having the appropriate x-ray machine for the material being tested. Another potential source of unreliable results is the type of film being used, the film stock or developer type, or the quality of the film. Depending on these factors, the radiographic test can yield inaccurate results, or be completely unreliable.
To ensure reliable results, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the type of test being performed. It’s also important to remember that, no matter how carefully the settings are selected, they can be off. Setting the film too light or the light source too dark will cause an image to be overexposed, resulting in a blown-out shadow. Setting the film too bright will cause an image to be under-exposed and lacking details.
The type of material being tested also plays a role in the accuracy of the results. Different types of materials absorb x-rays differently. For example, metals, plastic, and wood will absorb the x-ray differently than soft tissue, so it’s important to choose the right type of film for the material being tested.
A radiographer should always confirm the type of material being tested with a client before performing the radiographic test. A consulting engineer, MRO, or owner may ask the radiographer to perform a test on a different type of material than the client requested. This can be helpful in finding a more efficient way to perform a test and save time as well as money.
The type of equipment being used to take the radiographic test can also be a source of unreliable or inaccurate results. Different types of equipment produce different radiographic images and the quality of the equipment can affect the results. To ensure reliable results, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the type of test being performed.
It’s also important to remember that all radiographic testing can be done on manually operated or digitally operated equipment. Different types of film can be used with different types of equipment. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the kind of film being used. The radiographic equipment used to expose the film can also affect the quality of the test. Different types of equipment produce different radiographic images.
The type of film used can also affect the accuracy of the radiographic test. The film stock used can affect the quality of the test, as well as the results. Different types of film can be used with different types of equipment. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the kind of film being used. Different types of film can be used with different types of equipment. Film quality plays a role in the accuracy of the test, as well as the results. The quality of the film can affect the quality of the test, as well as the results. When performing a radiographic test, the radiographer should always confirm the type of film being used with the client.
The source used for radiographic testing can affect the results and the quality of the test performed. To ensure reliable results, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the type of test being performed. It’s also important to remember that all radiographic testing can be done on manually operated or digitally operated equipment.
The kind of film used can also affect the accuracy of the results and the quality of the test performed. Different types of film can be used with different types of equipment. Film quality plays a role in the accuracy of the test, as well as the quality of the test performed. The source used for radiographic testing can affect the results and the quality of the test performed.