A nondestructive examination method used to:

  • Evaluate an item by observation.
  • Determine the surface condition of an article,
  • Check the alignment of mating surfaces, compliance with physical requirements (dimensions, settings), etc.
  • Usually the first method employed for locating suspected defects

Why Visual Examination?

  Can be used to inspect: 

  • The surface
  • Breaking discontinuities
  • Cracks
  • Holes
  • Corrosion
  • Does not require special equipment other than good eyesight(optical and mechanical aids is optional to improve inspection quality)
  • Low cost

Visual Inspection Optical Aids

  Used when direct visual examination is not possible

  • Microscopes
  • Borescopes
  • Fiberscopes
  • Video Cameras

Visual Inspection Mechanical Aids:

  • Micrometers
  • Calipers
  • Depth gauges
  • Thread pitch gauges
  • Feeler gauges
  • Weld gauges
  • Mirror