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Best Radiographic Testing (RT) Companies

Radiographic testing (RT) — using X-ray or gamma-ray sources to create a radiographic image of internal structure — remains the gold standard for weld volumetric inspection across oil and gas, aerospace, power generation, and manufacturing. RT provides a permanent visual record of internal discontinuities and is widely specified in ASME, AWS, API, and military codes. Modern RT companies increasingly offer digital radiography (DR) and computed radiography (CR) as alternatives to film, providing faster turnaround, electronic storage, and enhanced image processing capability. Finding a qualified RT company requires verifying ASNT Level II/III certification in RT, proper radiation safety licensing, and equipment calibration documentation.

Why these suppliers?

  • ✓RT companies in this directory hold current radiation safety licenses (Agreement State or NRC), ensuring legal compliance for X-ray and gamma-ray sources — a non-negotiable requirement for any radiographic inspection service.
  • ✓Certified ASNT Level II RT technicians can independently perform radiography, evaluate film or digital images, and prepare inspection reports compliant with the governing code (ASME Section IX, API 1104, AWS D1.1, etc.).
  • ✓Digital radiography and computed radiography providers offer real-time or rapid-result imaging, eliminating film processing delays and providing electronic records for quality management systems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between film RT, computed radiography (CR), and digital radiography (DR)?
Film RT uses photographic film as the imaging medium — the oldest and most established method, still required by some codes and customer specifications. Computed radiography (CR) replaces film with a reusable phosphor imaging plate that is scanned by a laser reader, providing a digital image with the same geometric setup as film. Digital radiography (DR) uses a flat-panel digital detector array (DDA) for real-time image capture — the fastest method with no plate processing step. All three methods can produce ASNT- and code-compliant results, but the specific method accepted depends on the applicable code edition and customer-specific requirements.
What certifications are required for RT inspection?
ASNT Level II certification in Radiographic Testing (RT) is required for independent inspection and film/image interpretation. ASNT Level III can develop and approve RT procedures. Radiation safety licensing is administered by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or Agreement State radiation control programs — companies must hold a valid radioactive material license to use gamma-ray sources (Ir-192, Se-75, Co-60) and comply with all radiation safety program requirements. For aerospace, NAS 410 Level II or III is required for Nadcap work.
When is RT preferred over ultrasonic testing for weld inspection?
RT is preferred when a permanent visual record of the full weld cross-section is required, when client or code specifications mandate radiography, and for detecting planar and volumetric discontinuities (porosity, slag, lack of fusion) in single-pass or multi-pass welds. RT is particularly effective for thin-wall pipe and structural welds where UT probe coupling and geometry can be challenging. However, RT cannot provide flaw depth or through-wall sizing — for fitness-for-service work requiring flaw characterization, UT (especially PAUT or TOFD) is preferred.