Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI)

Detect surface flaws with confidence while maintaining production efficiency. Our liquid penetrant inspection services deliver precise surface defect detection for your critical components, helping you meet compliance requirements - all without compromising your materials or timelines.

Liquid penetrant inspection using type I fluorescent inspection.
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What is Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) at Element?

Liquid penetrant inspection is a non-destructive testing method that reveals surface flaws in components through fluorescent or dye penetrants. At Element, we provide comprehensive LPI services using both Type I fluorescent and Type II non-fluorescent methods, delivering reliable surface evaluation for ferrous and non-ferrous materials.

Element testing specialist examining precision measurement equipment for materials analysis

What Can Element Offer You For Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI)?

Key tests offered

Our testing includes surface flaw detection, porosity evaluation, and crack identification across all commercial and nuclear codes. We utilize multiple penetrant systems including lipophilic and hydrophilic emulsified systems, water washable, and solvent removable methods to meet any sensitivity requirements for your specific application needs. Our services support aerospace, government, nuclear, and after-market applications with both Type I fluorescent and Type II non-fluorescent inspections. 

Key capabilities include: 

  • Comprehensive evaluation of welds and castings 
  • Non-ferromagnetic material inspection 
  • Fracture-critical hardware assessment 
  • After-market component validation 

Components and materials we test

We evaluate critical components across aerospace, nuclear, commercial, and government applications. Our expertise covers both metallic and non-metallic materials, with specialized capabilities for fracture-critical hardware and high-volume inspection needs. We support major prime contractors including Aerojet Rocketdyne, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, GE, Hamilton Sunstrand, Honeywell, Northrop Grumman, and Rolls Royce with certified inspection of their most demanding components.

Methods and solutions offered

We provide both onsite and laboratory-based inspections for maximum flexibility. Our comprehensive service includes: 

  • Pre-cleaning processes (etch, alkaline, or solvent-cleaning) 
  • Precise dwell time management 
  • Developer powder application 
  • Detailed reporting of defect type, size, and location 
  • Certification documentation for compliance requirements 

Cutting-edge equipment we use

Our equipment meets specifications for major prime contractors and nuclear applications, and includes:  

  • A 55’ x 15’ wet room equipped with a 2.5-ton hoist for processing large specimens 
  • All methods of dye penetrant inspection, including lipophilic and hydrophilic emulsified systems, as well as water washable and solvent removable to meet any sensitivity requirements 
  • Certification by major prime contractors for the inspection of fracture critical hardware 

Which labs offer this service

Our specialized facility in Altbach, Germany, delivers high-volume Liquid Penetrant Inspection with the capacity to process up to 12,000 parts per day, providing rapid, precise defect detection at scale. Beyond that, our 8,500-strong team operates from Materials Testing Services hubs worldwide, delivering expert capabilities wherever they're needed. Find your nearest Materials Testing Services hub on our Locations Page. 

Standards we test to and components we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

American Metals Society

  • AMS 2645
  • AMS 2646
  • AMS 2647

American National Standards Institute

  • ANSI/ASME B31.1
  • ANSI/ASME B31.3

American Petroleum Institute

  • API 1104

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

  • ASME Section III
  • ASME Section V
  • ASME Section VIII

American Society for Metals

  • ASM 2700

American Society of Non-Destructive Testing

  • NDT 8

American Society for Testing and Materials

  • ASTM E165
  • ASTM E1417
  • ASTM E1418

American Welding Society

  • AWS D1.1

Deutsches Institut Fur Normung E.V.

  • DIN EN 571-1
  • DIN EN ISO 3452-5
  • DIN EN ISO 3452-6
  • DIN EN 10228-2
  • DIN EN ISO 3452-2
  • DIN EN 1371-1
  • DIN EN 1371-2

Euronorm

  • EN 571

Military Standard

  • MIL STD 271F
  • MIL STD 6866
  • NAVSEA T9074-AS-GIB-010/271
  • MIL-STD-2132
  • MIL-I-6866
  • MIL-STD-1907

National Aerospace Standard

  • NAS410

Society of Automotive Engineers

  • SAE J426

Plus various customer specifications Including Aerojet Rocketdyne, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, GE, Hamilton Sunstrand, Honeywell, Northrop Grumman, and Rolls Royce.

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

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Reliable flaw detection with zero damage

Our non-destructive LPI methods reveal surface defects while preserving your components' integrity. From aerospace components to nuclear applications, our Type I fluorescent and Type II non-fluorescent testing supports both quality assurance and regulatory compliance requirements without compromising material integrity. Our certified inspectors ensure accurate detection of surface flaws, cracks, and porosity.
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Fast turnaround for production schedules

With high-volume processing capabilities of up to 12,000 parts daily and a global laboratory network, we keep your production moving. Our efficient processes and local facilities minimize transportation time and reduce production bottlenecks. Each facility maintains certifications for major prime contractors and industry specifications.
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Comprehensive testing made simple

Our one-stop lab approach combines LPI with in-house chemical etching services, streamlining your testing process. By integrating pre-cleaning, inspection, and reporting in a single location, we eliminate logistical complexities and reduce your timeline. Our Level II and III ASNT certified inspectors provide complete documentation for your compliance needs.
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Multiple material types, one solution

Our versatile LPI capabilities handle both metallic and non-metallic materials, providing consistent results across diverse component types. Our range of penetrant systems, including lipophilic and hydrophilic emulsified systems, ensures optimal detection sensitivity for your specific material requirements and standards compliance.

Why Choose Element

Element materials testing engineer operating precision measurement equipment for quality analysis

Trusted worldwide

Type II non-fluorescent NDT services to all commercial and nuclear codes, Type I fluorescent inspection to aerospace, government, nuclear, and after-market applications.

Comprehensive certification

Level II and III ASNT certified inspectors qualified for fracture-critical hardware inspection.

Advanced facilities

State-of-the-art wet rooms and hoisting capabilities for processing any size component.

One-stop testing solution

In-house chemical etching and multiple inspection methods under one roof.

12,000
parts

processed daily at Element's Altbach lab in Germany for high-volume LPI services.

2.5
ton

hoist capacity in Element's 55' x 15' wet room for handling large specimens.

2
ASNT

Level II and III certified inspectors ensuring expert liquid penetrant inspection.

1
stop labs

In-house chemical etching services allow for seamless LPI processing in a single location.
Element non-destructive testing specialist using advanced inspection equipment with laser technology

But don't just take our word for it

See what others have to say about partnering with Element

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Explore our global network of labs and find your nearest location

VIEW ALL LOCATIONS

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Speak to our team of experts

AMERICAS

Toll free from US lines

+1 888 786 7555

EUROPE

Contact our Central Team
UK

Freephone from UK

+44 808 234 1667

Germany

Freephone from Germany 

+49 800 000 5137

MIDDLE EAST

Toll free from UAE

+971 800 353 6368