When applying developer after penetrant inspection, what is the goal?

The goal of applying a developer after penetrant inspection is to create a contrast for visibility of the penetrant. In penetrant testing, the penetrant is applied to the surface and allowed to seep into any discontinuities or defects. After a dwell time, excess penetrant is removed, and a developer is applied. The developer draws out the penetrant from the defects, creating a visible indication against the surface. This contrast is crucial, as it allows for accurate detection and evaluation of the defects, making the flaws easier to see and assess.

While protecting the surface, improving adherence, or enhancing color might be considerations in other contexts, the primary purpose of the developer in penetrant inspection is to effectively highlight the presence of any defects by creating a stark contrast to the surface. This ensures that any potential irregularities can be identified and addressed properly.