At SSF, quality control is central to everything we do, with a strong focus on compliance with BS EN 1090 and ISO 9001. Beyond simply meeting these standards, we are committed to delivering a level of assurance that gives our customers complete confidence in the integrity of our work.
What is NDT?
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a suite of techniques used to assess welds for defects without causing any damage to the component being inspected. These methods enable thorough examination of weld quality while preserving the structural integrity of the finished product.
Common NDT methods we utilise include:
- Dye penetrant inspection, used to reveal surface-breaking defects such as cracks or porosity.
- Magnetic particle inspection, ideal for detecting surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials.
- Ultrasonic testing, which uses high-frequency sound waves to identify internal flaws within welds and parent materials.
- Phased array inspection, an advanced ultrasonic technique that offers detailed imaging for complex or critical welds.
Exceeding required standards
For Execution Class 2, the relevant standard specifies a requirement of 10% NDT on a rolling annual basis. At SSF, this is treated as a minimum, not a target, and we consistently maintain more than 20% NDT coverage across a broad range of welds and procedures. All formal NDT is undertaken by accredited external operators, providing independent verification and an additional layer of quality assurance.
In-house NDT expertise
To reinforce this approach, SSF also employs PCN Level 2 qualified NDT technicians in-house. These specialists carry out regular inspections using dye penetrant and magnetic particle methods, ensuring that weld quality is monitored continuously rather than only at mandated checkpoints. This proactive internal oversight allows potential issues to be identified and addressed at an early stage.
Assurance for our clients
By combining accredited third-party testing with in-house NDT capability, SSF delivers a robust and resilient quality assurance regime. This integrated approach ensures that every project not only meets but consistently exceeds customer expectations, while upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and long-term reliability.