Developer Types

Question 1

6 types of developers

Answer 1

Dry developer (Form a)
Water soluble (Form b)
Water suspendible (Form c)
Nonaqueous Type 1 (Form d)
Nonaqueous Type 2 (Form e)
Special Applications (Form f)

Question 2

Form a: Dry developer

Answer 2

Least sensitive. Cannot be used with Type 2 penetrants
Easy to apply
Indications tend to remain brighter and more distinct over time
Difficult to ensure entire part surface has been coated

Question 3

Form b: Water soluble

Answer 3

Powder remains suspended in a tank
Easy to coat an entire part
White coating for contrast can be easily produced which works well with fluorescent methods.
The coating is translucent and provides poor contrast.
The indications show up as dim and blurred

Question 4

Form c: Water suspendible

Answer 4

Powder remains suspended in a tank.

Easy to coat an entire part
White coating for contrast can be easily produced which works well with fluorescent methods.
Indications weaken and become diffused over time

Question 5

Form d & e: Nonaqueous

Answer 5

Form d is for Type 1 Fluorescent and Form e Type 2 Visible. This is the most sensitive and easy to use, as no pooling occurs.
Very portable
Easy to apply to all surfaces
White coating for contrast is easily produced, indications show up rapidly
Difficult to apply to all surfaces evenly
More difficult to clean the part after the inspection

Question 6

Form f: Special applications

Answer 6

An example of this is use of plastic or lacquer developers when a permanent record of the inspection is needed
Another example is the use of Form f developers for high temp applications