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QMS Asset Integrity
Visual Testing (VT) services across Australia
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Visual Testing (VT)

Comprehensive visual testing services for castings, forgings, rolled products and welded joints - both during service and prior to initial service.

Overview

Visual Testing (VT) is the most fundamental and widely applied non-destructive testing method. It is the first line of inspection for assessing the condition of welds, structures, and components, and is a prerequisite or complement to all other NDT methods.

QMS Asset Integrity provides NATA-accredited visual testing services covering a comprehensive range of products: castings, forgings, rolled products, and welded joints. We are accredited for visual inspection both during the service life of assets and prior to initial service - ensuring complete lifecycle coverage.

Our inspectors are experienced in marine classification requirements, structural steel assessment, pressure equipment inspection, and fabrication quality verification across the oil and gas, defence, marine, mining and manufacturing sectors.

Visual Testing (VT) inspection work
In the field

Visual Testing (VT) Capability

Our technicians pair practical site experience with NATA-accredited processes, giving clients clear inspection data, traceable reporting and confidence in every result.

Methodology

Visual testing involves systematic examination of components using the unaided eye (direct VT) or optical aids such as magnifying lenses, borescopes, mirrors, and cameras (remote VT). Surface condition, weld profile, dimensional conformity, and visible defects such as cracks, porosity, undercut, misalignment and corrosion damage are assessed against applicable code or specification requirements.

Adequate lighting (minimum 500 lux for general VT, 1000 lux for detailed examination) and access are essential. All findings are documented with photographic evidence where appropriate.

Advantages

check_circle Immediate results with no special equipment required
check_circle Applicable to all material types and product forms
check_circle Low cost - often the first and most effective inspection method
check_circle Can identify a wide range of surface defects and conditions
check_circle Complements and is a prerequisite for all other NDT methods
check_circle Photo-documented for audit trail and reporting

Applications

  • arrow_right Weld quality verification during and after fabrication
  • arrow_right In-service inspection of castings for marine applications
  • arrow_right Forging inspection for marine and structural use
  • arrow_right Corrosion assessment on general steel structures
  • arrow_right Pre-service and commissioning inspection of welded joints
  • arrow_right Damage and degradation assessment on rolled products

Applicable Standards & Codes

description AS 3978 - NDT - Visual inspection of metal products and components
description ISO 17637 - NDT of welds - Visual testing of fusion-welded joints
description ASME V Article 9 - Visual examination
description AWS D1.1 Section 6 - Visual inspection requirements
description AS 3788 - Pressure equipment in-service inspection
description Marine classification society rules (Lloyd's, DNV, Bureau Veritas)

NATA Accredited Scope

NATA
18957

NATA-accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (Accreditation No. 18957, Site 21253). During service life: castings (marine applications), forgings (marine applications), rolled products (cracking, mechanical damage, pitting, corrosion), welded joints (cracking, mechanical damage, pitting, corrosion in full penetration, clad and fillet welds). Prior to initial service: welded joints.

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Ready to Ensure Your Asset Integrity?

Partner with a NATA-accredited team delivering complete asset integrity - from inspection and testing through to remediation, coatings and certification.