Help Needed: Penetrant Inspections

I used to carry out NDT on bomb-hooks whilst in the RAF. Your application sounds very similar! The method we used involved the application of a fluorescent penetrant dye. The paste was applied to the component (after a solvent bath) and allowed time to penetrate any flaws. Once the appropriate time period had passed, excess dye was removed and the component inspected under UV light. Any flaws (cracks, splits, etc) would fluoresce under the UV. As far as I can remember, 'sweating' referred to the tendency of the dye to leach out its solvent base when the temperature was too high. 'Bleeding' would occur if the component had not been cleaned correctly preventing the paste from adhering to the component. Bit sketchy, I know, but I hope it helps?

It's a bit late, but thank you for explaining what all that meant, and no it wasn't a bit sketchy!! I would think that the NDT required on the grips needed to check sweating and bleeding, but maybe not by florescent light. I just left it at "penetrant inspection" in my translation. Thanks again, cynthia