Overview

What TOFD is used for

TOFD uses a pair of ultrasonic probes placed on either side of a weld. By measuring diffracted signals from crack tips and other discontinuities, it provides accurate through-wall sizing and a clear record for reporting.

Weld inspection & flaw sizing

Detect and size planar flaws (e.g., lack of fusion, cracks) with strong sizing capability to support acceptance decisions and repairs.


Fast coverage on long weld runs

Efficient scanning helps reduce inspection time on pipelines, pressure vessels, and structural welds—without sacrificing data quality.


Reliable documentation

Digital data capture supports traceable reporting, review, and repeatability—useful for QA/QC and project handover packages.


Complementary to PAUT/UT

TOFD can be used alongside conventional UT or PAUT to improve detection confidence and sizing, depending on weld geometry and code requirements.

Key advantages

Why choose TOFD for critical welds

Accurate through-wall sizing

Diffraction-based signals help estimate defect height more reliably than amplitude-only methods in many weld scenarios.

High probability of detection

Strong sensitivity to planar defects makes TOFD a robust option for integrity-focused inspections.

Repeatable, auditable results

Recorded data enables review and supports consistent reporting across projects and inspectors.

FAQ

TOFD testing—common questions

If you’re unsure whether TOFD is the right method for your welds, share your weld details and acceptance criteria—our team will recommend a practical inspection plan.

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