Southwest Steel Casting Company achieved certification to ISO-9002 on December 26, 1996. In so doing, SWS become only the second foundry in Texas to distinguish itself in this manner.

Non Destructive Testing is a descriptive term used for the examination of materials and components in such a way that allows materials to be examined without changing or destroying their usefulness.

Visual Inspection
Visual inspection is the one NDT method used extensively to evaluate the condition or the quality of a weld or component. It is easily carried out, inexpensive and usually doesn't require special equipment.

Magnetic Particle Inspection
Magnetic particle inspection is a method that can be used to find surface and near surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials such as steel and iron.

The technique uses the principle that magnetic lines of force (flux) will be distorted by the presence of a flaw in a manner that will reveal it's presence. the flaw (for example, a crack) is located from the "flux leakage", following the application of fine iron particles, to the area under examination. There are variations in the way the magnetic field is applied. but they are all dependant on the above principle.

Ultrasonic Inspection
Ultrasonic inspection uses sound waves of short wavelength and high frequency to detect flaws or measure material thickness.

Radiographic Inspection
X-ray or gamma rays are placed close to the material to be inspected and they pass through the material and are then captured on film This film is then processed and the image is obtained as a series of gray shades between black and white. Careful inspection of the film will revel internal flaws that may not be found by other inspection methods.

Inspection Equipment in use at Southwest Steel:

All radiographic and customer required ultrasonic inspection is performed by an outside NDT service. All equipment and systems are strictly calibrated and maintained to the requirements of ASTM E1444 and E709.