With more than 75 years of experience in the non-destructive testing (NDT) sector, Warren NDT has established itself as a benchmark in the manufacture of high-quality products for industrial inspection. The company, led by the third generation of the Gottschalk family, faces a promising future in which technological innovation, such as artificial intelligence (AI), will play a key role. In this interview, Evan Gottschalk, owner of the company, shares his insights on how AI is transforming the nondestructive testing industry, while emphasizing the need to attract young talent to continue to drive growth in the sector.
History of Warren NDT
Founded in 1946 by Evan Gottschalk’s grandfather, Warren NDT is a family-owned company that has gone through three generations of leadership. From its earliest days, the company has been a pioneer in developing products for nondestructive testing, especially in the field of industrial radiography. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company has been able to expand its presence worldwide, participating in international trade shows and establishing relationships with customers in diverse industries, such as aerospace and manufacturing.
Over the years, the company has maintained a constant commitment to quality and innovation. Today, the company prides itself on offering highly specialized products, such as its radiographic intensifying screens, which are used in a variety of critical applications. The Gottschalk family continues to be the driving force behind the company’s success, ensuring that the company’s legacy continues as it adapts to the challenges of the modern marketplace.
Product innovation
One of the aspects that distinguishes Warren NDT in the nondestructive testing market is the quality of its products. The company’s radiographic intensifier screens are noted for their durability and compatibility with a wide range of applications. Designed to provide optimum performance in demanding conditions, these screens are especially valued in the aerospace industry, where safety and accuracy are paramount.
What really sets its intensifier screens apart is their ability to adapt to digital systems. The company’s CR screens are compatible with all imaging boards and feature a protective varnish that prevents scratches, ensuring longevity and efficiency. In addition, the company’s products are the result of rigorous testing that has been perfected over decades, which has enabled the company to maintain its leadership position in the industry.
Throughout its history, the company has been recognized for its ability to innovate and meet market demands. This includes a variety of customized solutions for specialized industries, such as aerospace and energy, where non-destructive testing is essential to ensure the safety and performance of equipment and components.
Artificial Intelligence and the future of NDT
The artificial intelligence (AI) is breaking into every industry sector, and nondestructive testing is no exception. In the interview, Evan Gottschalk shares his vision for how AI will influence the future of the industry as a whole. According to Gottschalk, AI has the potential to significantly improve key areas such as the efficiency, speed, accuracy and reliability of nondestructive testing. However, he also points out that while AI holds promise, there are specialized applications that still require human intervention.
I think there are certain specialized applications where artificial intelligence will not have that much impact, probably for some time. […] Computers, robots, it’s hard for them to get into a small space or climb something high or whatever the case may be. That’s a long way off. I think in those cases people will still be needed for quite some time.
Evan Gottschalk.
Despite this, Gottschalk recognizes that automation and AI will enable Warren NDT and other companies in the industry to optimize their processes, improving both test quality and safety in industrial operations. Integrating AI into NDT’s systems will also enable greater interoperability and digitization, facilitating real-time data management and decision making.
Shortage of young talent in the NDT industry
One of the main challenges facing Warren NDT and the nondestructive testing industry is the lack of young people interested in the field. With many senior-level professionals approaching retirement, there is a growing need for new talent that can replace the outgoing generation.
Despite increasing automation, Gottschalk points out that NDT jobs not only require technical skills, but also a human approach that technology cannot yet replace. He also highlights the importance of organizations such as ASNT and CINDE to encourage the participation of young people in the industry, especially those in STEM areas.
The need to attract young talent young talent is a key issue for the future of Warren NDT. As a family-owned business, Gottschalk feels an added responsibility to ensure his company’s legacy continues, but is also committed to helping revitalize the nondestructive testing industry so that more young people will join it.
Vision for the future
Throughout its history, the company has proven that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. With almost 80 years in the market, the company continues to lead the nondestructive testing industry thanks to its commitment to quality, durability and adaptability to new technologies.
With the advancement of artificial intelligence and other innovations, Warren NDT is in an excellent position to take advantage of the opportunities the future has to offer, while always maintaining a human approach to ensure excellence in service and products.
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Source: Inspenet.
