When should non-destructive tests be conducted in relation to destructive testing?

Non-destructive tests are typically conducted before destructive testing to ensure that the material or component being evaluated is suitable for further testing and to identify any existing flaws or defects that could compromise its integrity. The purpose of non-destructive testing is to assess the condition of a material without causing any damage, allowing for an initial evaluation that can inform whether it is safe and reliable to proceed with destructive tests.

By performing non-destructive testing first, analysts can gather critical information about the material, such as stress points, cracks, or voids, which may not be visible through visual inspections alone. Identifying these issues early in the testing process can prevent unnecessary destruction of materials that may still be viable for their intended use. This approach optimizes the overall testing process by ensuring that only materials that pass non-destructive evaluations move on to destructive testing, preserving valuable samples and resources while ensuring safety standards are met.