Radiography Testing Services in Bangalore | NABL Accredited X-Ray Lab

Frequently Asked Questions About Radiographic Testing

What is radiographic testing (RT)?

Radiographic testing (RT) is a non-destructive method that passes X-rays or gamma rays through a component onto film or a digital detector. Internal flaws such as porosity, slag inclusions, lack of fusion and shrinkage show up as differences in image density, because thinner or less dense areas let more radiation through. RT gives a permanent, reviewable record of the internal condition of a weld or casting.

Is your RT laboratory NABL accredited?

Yes, Trinity NDT's radiography testing laboratory is accredited by NABL to ISO/IEC 17025:2017. This ensures our test reports are internationally recognised. You can download our NABL certificate and scope from our website.

Is your radiography enclosure AERB licensed?

Yes. Our radiography enclosure in Peenya, Bangalore is licensed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), Mumbai, and operates 24/7 with a certified Radiological Safety Officer on site, controlled access, interlocks and regular AERB audits.

Do you provide on-site radiography testing services?

Yes. Our mobile RT teams provide on-site X-ray and gamma-ray testing across Karnataka, including Bangalore, Hosur and Mysuru, and elsewhere in India for larger projects. On-site jobs go through a feasibility check and AERB approval before mobilisation, since moving radiation sources requires prior clearance.

What is the difference between X-ray and gamma-ray radiography?

X-ray radiography uses an electrically generated beam with adjustable energy, suited to thinner materials, and can be switched off when not exposing. Gamma-ray radiography uses a radioactive isotope such as Iridium-192, which is always emitting, is more portable, and is often used for thicker materials or where a power supply is not available on site.

What defects can radiographic testing detect?

RT is most effective at finding volumetric flaws that show as a clear change in image density: porosity, slag inclusions, shrinkage, gas cavities and lack of penetration. It can also detect cracks and lack of fusion, but is less reliable for these planar flaws when they are not aligned with the radiation beam, so RT is often combined with ultrasonic or surface testing for full coverage.

How is radiographic testing of welds done and which standards apply?

Image quality indicators (IQIs) and markers are placed on the weld, then the film or digital detector is exposed to the calculated source-to-film distance and exposure time. The film is processed or the digital image reviewed, film density and IQI sensitivity are checked, and indications are interpreted against the acceptance criteria. Common standards are ASME Section V Article 2, ISO 17636-1 or -2, ISO 10675, AWS D1.1 and API 1104.

How is radiographic testing of castings done and which standards apply?

Castings are radiographed to reveal internal shrinkage, porosity, inclusions and cracks, and indications are classified against reference radiographs rather than by individual judgement. Common standards are ASTM E446 for steel castings up to 2 inches thick and ASTM E186 for heavy-walled castings from 2 to 4.5 inches, alongside IS 2595, the Indian code of practice for radiographic testing generally.

What is the difference between film radiography and digital radiography (CR/DR)?

Film radiography exposes industrial X-ray film, which is then chemically processed in a dark room; it remains the standard for high-contrast, archival images on castings and heavy sections. Computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) use imaging plates or digital detectors instead, giving results in minutes rather than hours, digital archiving and easier remote review, following ISO 17636-2 and the relevant ASTM digital-detector practices.

Is your facility approved for IBR boiler inspections?

Yes. Trinity NDT is approved by the Directorate of Factories and Boilers, Government of Karnataka, as per the Indian Boiler Regulations (IBR), for radiography of boiler headers, economiser tubes and boiler welds. We also support IBR welder qualification through our welding centre.

Can you carry out aerospace-quality radiography?

Yes. Radiography for aerospace components is carried out under the same NABL-accredited quality system, with in-house ASNT Level III review. Our aerospace division separately holds NADCAP accreditation for magnetic particle and fluorescent penetrant inspection; contact us to confirm the specific accreditation status relevant to your aerospace radiography requirement.

What is IQI sensitivity and what level do you work to?

An image quality indicator (IQI), also called a penetrameter, is a device placed on the component during exposure to confirm the radiograph can show flaws of a defined size. Sensitivity is usually expressed as a percentage, for example 2-2T, meaning a wire or hole of that reference size is visible on the image. Our standard sensitivity is 2-2T; higher sensitivity can be specified where the standard requires it.

How long does RT testing take?

In-house testing is typically same-day to 24 hours for film, and a few minutes to review once exposed for digital radiography. On-site testing usually takes 1 to 3 days including travel, feasibility checks and setup. Larger or more complex castings may take 24 to 72 hours depending on size and film quality required. Contact us with your job details for an accurate turnaround estimate.

What are your RT testing charges?

RT testing costs depend on material, component thickness, film quality, sensitivity level and testing location. For a standard weld coupon of 300 mm length and up to 10 mm thickness, charges start from Rs 750 plus GST. Casting and on-site charges vary with size and weight. Contact us on WhatsApp with your job details for an accurate quotation.

Do you offer digital radiography (filmless RT)?

Yes. We operate computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems alongside film at our Peenya facility. Digital radiography typically gives results within minutes of exposure, compared with roughly two to four hours for film processing, along with digital archiving and easier remote review.

What information do you need to quote for radiography testing?

Send the component description and size, material and thickness, drawing or technical specification if available, job location and quantity, the applicable standard (ASME, ASTM, AWS or similar), and your RT procedure or acceptance criteria if you have one. We typically respond with a quotation within two hours during business days.

What is in a radiographic testing report?

Our RT report states the customer, job and part identification, material and thickness, the standard and acceptance criteria applied, source type and exposure details, film type or digital detector information, IQI sensitivity achieved, the location and classification of each recordable indication, the accept or reject evaluation, and the radiographer's certification level with Level III approval.

How do I send components for RT testing?

You can drop components at our Peenya facility, which is open 24/7, arrange courier or transport to our lab, request pickup within the Bangalore region, or schedule on-site testing if components are too large to move. Send us the component details on WhatsApp first so we can advise the best option and quote accurately.

What safety measures are in place for radiography testing?

A certified Radiological Safety Officer is on site, all RT personnel use personal dosimeters and undergo radiation-safety training and health monitoring, radiation survey meters are calibrated annually, the enclosure has controlled access with interlocks, and the facility undergoes regular AERB audits and compliance reviews, following the AERB Safety Code for Industrial Radiography and the Radiation Protection Rules.

Can radiography testing find every type of defect?

No single method finds every defect. RT is strong on volumetric flaws such as porosity and shrinkage, but is less reliable for tight cracks or lack of fusion that are not aligned with the beam, and it does not give flaw depth directly. Surface-breaking flaws are better found with magnetic particle or penetrant testing, and precise flaw sizing is better done with ultrasonic testing. We can advise which combination of methods fits your specification.