When using dry developer, when is the drying operation performed?

The drying operation when using dry developer is performed immediately after removing excess penetrant. This step is crucial because the developer must be applied to a clean surface that allows it to absorb the penetrant's remnants effectively. If the excess penetrant is not removed first, it could lead to false indications or interference in the inspection process, as the developer would not be able to highlight any defects properly. This sequence ensures that the developer can capture any flaws present in the material, allowing for accurate inspection results.

In contrast, conducting the drying operation at other times, such as after inspection or before applying penetrant, would compromise the integrity of the inspection process and could lead to misleading results, as the developer interacts with the penetrant to reveal defects. Hence, performing the drying operation right after removing excess penetrant ensures optimal performance and reliability of the Nondestructive Testing (NDT) process.