Final answer:
The dyed penetrant inspection method uses dyes to locate surface defects in materials such as metals and plastics. It is a simple and cost-effective non-destructive test that reveals defects by capillary action.
Step-by-step explanation:
The examination method that uses dyes to locate surface defects is known as dyed penetrant inspection or liquid penetrant inspection (LPI). This non-destructive test is regularly employed in the fields of metallurgy and engineering to detect discontinuities on the surfaces of materials, including metals and plastics. The method involves applying a visible or fluorescent dye to the clean surface of the specimen. The dye penetrates into surface-breaking defects due to capillary action. After a predefined time, the excess dye is removed, and a developer is applied, which helps in drawing out the dye from the defects, thereby revealing the presence of any imperfections under proper lighting conditions.
In comparison to other examination methods, dyed penetrant testing is relatively simple, cost-effective, and can be used on a wide range of non-porous materials to identify surface defects such as cracks, leaks, or porosity.