What can affect the visibility of indications during inspection?

The visibility of indications during a liquid penetrant inspection is significantly influenced by ambient lighting conditions and the quality of the developer applied. Proper lighting is crucial because it enhances or diminishes the contrast between the indications and the background. Insufficient or incorrect lighting can make it difficult to see even the most significant defects.

Additionally, the quality of the developer plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness of the test. A good developer enhances the visibility of penetrants that have seeped into flaws by drawing them to the surface and changing their appearance, making defects more noticeable. If the developer is of poor quality or not properly applied, indications can be faint or obscured, leading to missed defects.

While factors such as the type of penetrant used, duration of dwell time, and surface preparation are important in the overall liquid penetrant testing process, it is the combination of lighting and developer quality that has a direct and immediate impact on visibility during the inspection.