New methods of nondestructive testing applicable to automotive industries include xeroradiography, a high-speed, low-cost method of x-ray inspection without use of films or darkroom processing, for tires, plastic parts, welds, and castings; optical holographic nondestructive tests for detection of anomalies and lack of bond in tires; magnetic field tests which measure hardness (or case depth) in engine parts, steering knuckles, and door hinges or latches; x-ray television systems which permit direct, in-motion viewing of plastic, metallic, and tire assemblies; and advanced eddy current test systems with a variety of sorting, dimensional control, and defect-detection capabilities. These supplement presently available methods such as film radiography, magnetic particle, liquid-penetrant, ultrasonic, and visual inspection, and sampling destructive tests, in quality control for reliability in the automotive manufacturing industries.
Further needs for nondestructive tests in the automotive industry include development and application of high-speed, low-cost, automated evaluation test systems which can be incorporated into production lines and operate unattended over long periods. There is need for nondestructive test systems adequate to ensure the manufacturer against liability arising from defective components, designed to provide automatic feedback control of production processes and to eliminate unserviceable components before these can be assembled into automobiles and trucks.