What is a recommended practice when utilizing control charts in NDT?

Regularly updating the control chart with new data is essential in the context of non-destructive testing (NDT) as it allows for the continuous monitoring of processes and their performance. Control charts are dynamic tools that help practitioners visualize variations over time and detect any trends or anomalies that might indicate issues in the inspection process. By incorporating new data consistently, practitioners can maintain an accurate representation of current performance, making it easier to identify any shifts or patterns that suggest a need for corrective action.

This practice supports the fundamental goal of control charts, which is to help ensure the stability and capability of processes. In the context of NDT, maintaining up-to-date control charts aids in making informed decisions regarding process adjustments, improving quality, and reducing the risk of overlooking potential defects.

Other practices suggested, such as only using charts when defects are suspected, relying solely on historical data, or creating separate charts for each type of inspection might not provide a comprehensive view of process quality. For example, waiting until defects are suspected can lead to delayed responses to issues, while only using historical data may overlook changes in processes or new variables affecting quality. Creating separate charts for each inspection type could also complicate the analysis and integration of data, making it harder to assess overall performance trends