Developers enhance the visibility of penetrant indications, in this blog we explore the various forms and learn what makes them different.
How do developers work?
Developers enhance the visibility of penetrant indications by pulling penetrant from a surface open discontinuity and spreading the penetrant through the developer coating on the part surface. The penetrant indication may appear larger than its actual size as the penetrant spreads through the developer over time. Specifications state minimum and maximum development times to address the spread of penetrant through developer. The minimum development time should allow enough time for penetrant to be pulled from the surface open flaw and spread on the part surface for enhanced visibility. The maximum development time is in place to minimize excessive penetrant “bleed out” from an indication that could potentially obscure the indication.