What can contamination during PT result in?

Contamination during Liquid Penetrant Testing can lead to misleading results and false indications because it can interfere with the integrity of the test. Contaminants such as oil, grease, dust, or other foreign substances on the surface of the test material can hinder the penetrant dye's ability to properly enter cracks or defects. This interference may cause the penetrant to either not penetrate effectively into flaws or to produce indications that are not representative of actual defects, leading the technician to incorrect conclusions about the material's integrity. Therefore, maintaining a clean and uncontaminated surface is crucial for accurate readings and reliable testing outcomes in PT, as contaminants can ultimately compromise the validity of the test results.