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Non-Destructive Testing Services for Illinois Manufacturers

At American Metal Testing (AMT), we provide NADCAP-accredited non-destructive testing (NDT) for metal parts and components to manufacturers throughout northeastern Illinois. Located in La Porte, Indiana, we are approximately 60 miles from Chicago and serve the broader Chicagoland manufacturing corridor. We also serve manufacturers in Indiana and Michigan. If your metal components require a certified inspection before use, AMT offers accredited NDT processes and documented results.

NDT Testing Methods for Metal Components in Chicago & Northeastern Illinois

AMT offers three non-destructive testing methods for a wide range of metal components, materials, and inspection specifications. Many of our Illinois customers arrive with NDT requirements already defined on their drawing or purchase order. We test to the standard your application requires.

Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection

Fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) identifies surface flaws in nonferrous metal components. After thorough cleaning, the part is submerged in a high-sensitivity liquid penetrant dye and inspected under ultraviolet light. The dye fluoresces at any surface cracks or inclusions, revealing defects that might otherwise go undetected. FPI is often specified for aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and other nonferrous materials used in precision industrial sectors like aerospace and defense.

Magnetic Particle Inspection

Magnetic particle inspection (MPI) detects surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic metal parts. A magnetic field is induced in the component, and magnetic particles are applied to its surface. Cracks and defects disrupt the magnetic field, causing particles to gather at those locations and make the indication visible for evaluation. MPI is a cost-effective method for testing ferrous castings and metal parts across a broad range of industrial applications.

Radiographic Inspection (X-Ray Testing)

Radiographic inspection uses X-rays to image the internal structure of a metal component, revealing subsurface voids, inclusions, cracks, and other anomalies that surface inspection methods cannot find. AMT performs radiographic testing for material property evaluations (composition, density, and uniformity) and manufacturing property evaluations.

NADCAP-Accredited NDT Services for Industrial Sectors Across Illinois

AMT is a NADCAP-accredited non-destructive testing laboratory. NADCAP accreditation is an internationally recognized quality credential that verifies a lab's processes, procedures, and quality systems meet the exacting standards of aerospace and defense procurement. For Illinois manufacturers supplying those industries, working with an accredited testing provider is often required. Industries we serve include:

Certified Testing to Your Required Standards and Specifications

Our testing methods are governed by the standards and specifications of:

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  • American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International
  • Aerospace Material Specifications (AMS)
  • Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  • American Welding Society (AWS)

We also offer testing to military specifications (MIL), and our equipment is calibrated to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requirements. If your drawing or purchase order specifies an inspection method and standard, we'll work to those specifications.

Get a Quote for NDT Services in the Chicago Area

If you're an Illinois manufacturer seeking NDT services, contact our team to discuss your inspection requirements or submit a quote request to get started. You can also learn more about our NDT services using our informational resources, including FPI 101, MPI 101, and RI 101.