What is a noted disadvantage of ultrasonic testing?

The reason that skilled operators are essential for interpreting results in ultrasonic testing lies in the complexity and nuances of the method. Ultrasonic testing involves sending high-frequency sound waves into a material and analyzing the echoes that return. The operator must understand how to correlate the time of the received signals to the size, shape, and location of any defects. Additionally, various factors such as material properties, the angle of sound transmission, and interference patterns can complicate the interpretation. This level of expertise is necessary to distinguish between legitimate indications of flaws and normal features or anomalies in the material.

The challenges in interpreting results underscore the technical demands of ultrasonic testing, where a lack of proper training could lead to misinterpretations or overlooked flaws. This requirement for skilled operators is one of the key factors that can limit the widespread application of this technique compared to other methods that may offer more straightforward interpretation processes.