How can improper lighting conditions impact the results of a liquid penetrant inspection?

Improper lighting conditions can significantly affect the results of a liquid penetrant inspection, particularly in the way indications are perceived. If the lighting is too dim, it may hinder the visibility of subtle indications, such as cracks or other defects, making them difficult to detect. Conversely, overly bright lighting can lead to glare or reflections that obscure the indications or create false positives. Thus, proper lighting is critical for ensuring that the inspector can accurately observe and interpret any potential defects present on the surface of the specimen. This can ultimately lead to misinterpretation or even complete oversight of real indications, severely affecting the reliability of the inspection results. Proper lighting helps ensure that all potential indications are clearly visible and can be correctly assessed.