Visual Inspection is a nondestructive testing technique that provides a means of detecting and examining a variety of surface flaws, such as corrosion, contamination, surface finish, and surface discontinuities on joints(for example, welds, seals, solder connections, and adhesive bonds). Visual inspection is also the most widely used method for detecting and examining surface cracks, which are particularly important because of their relationship to structural failure mechanisms.
Even when other nondestructive techniques are used to detect surface cracks, visual inspection often provides a useful supplement. For example, when the eddy current examination of process tubing is performed, visual inspection is often performed to verify and more closely examine the surface disturbance.
Given the wide variety of surface flaws that may be detectable by visual examination, the use of visual inspection may encompass different techniques, depending on the product and type of surface flaw being monitored.
The methods of visual inspection involve a wide variety of equipment, ranging from examination with the naked eye to the use of interference microscopes for measuring the depth of scratches in the finish of finely polished or lapped surfaces
Flexible or rigid borescopes for illuminating and observing internal, closed or otherwise inaccessible areas.
Image sensors for remote sensing or for the development of permanent visual records in the form of photographs, videotapes, or computer-enhanced images.
Magnifying systems for evaluating surface finish, surface shapes(profile and contour gagging), and surface microstructures.
Dye and fluorescent penetrants and magnetic particles for enhancing the observation of surface cracks (and sometimes near-surface conditions in the case of magnetic particle inspection).