Final answer:
Fix time is the elapsed time between the application of a developer and the examination of a part.
Step-by-step explanation:
In non-destructive testing (NDT), particularly in the field of penetrant testing, fix time is a critical parameter in the inspection process. Penetrant testing is a method used to detect surface-breaking defects in materials. It involves the application of a liquid penetrant to the surface of a part, followed by the application of a developer. The fix time is the duration between applying the developer and examining the part for indications or defects.
The fix time is crucial because it allows the penetrant to adequately react with and be drawn out of the defects by the developer. If the fix time is too short, the developer may not have sufficient time to highlight indications, leading to potential false negatives. On the other hand, if the fix time is too long, excess penetrant may be drawn out of the defects, causing a loss of sensitivity and potential false positives. Therefore, the fix time is carefully controlled to optimize the detection of defects and ensure the reliability of the inspection process.
In summary, fix time is a critical parameter in penetrant testing, representing the elapsed time between applying the developer and examining the part. This time interval is carefully managed to strike a balance between allowing the penetrant to adequately react with defects and preventing excessive removal of penetrant, ensuring accurate defect detection in materials.