What is the difference between NDT and NDE?

The difference between NDT and NDE is very slight. In fact, the terms NDT and NDE are often used interchangeably. Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a testing and analysis technique used to evaluate materials and structures in order to identify defects and discontinuities. This type of testing is able to recognize faults and defects without causing damage to the original material or structure. NDT also is commonly known as non-destructive examination (NDE).

There is, however, a slight difference between NDT and NDE. While NDT is restricted to testing, NDE includes both testing and the evaluation of the results. That is, NDT is used to locate defects in an asset while NDE is used to locate defects while also measuring the size, shape, orientation, and other physical characteristics of the defect.