The shift from film to digital was already underway, but 2020–2021 accelerated it due to the inability to share physical films during lockdowns. PDF guides from this period highlight:
Despite advances, the transition was not smooth: welding inspection technology 2020 pdf 2021
Before the pandemic, welding inspection relied heavily on physical presence. Manual Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Radiographic Testing (RT) with film were the gold standards. However, the need for remote monitoring in 2020 accelerated the adoption of technologies that were previously considered "nice to have" rather than essential. The shift from film to digital was already
Key pre-2020 limitations included:
In 2020, PAUT became the preferred alternative to RT. Unlike X-ray, PAUT requires no exclusion zone, allowing other trades to work nearby—a critical advantage during tight pandemic schedules. PAUT requires no exclusion zone
Key 2020-2021 advances: