Portable vs Standard Film Viewers: Which One Should NDT Professionals Choose?
When it comes to radiographic testing (RT) for weld inspections, having the right film viewer is just as important as capturing high-quality X-ray films. In India, two models dominate the market:
2.5″×8″ Portable Film Viewer
4″×16″ Standard Film Viewer
Both are widely used by NDT professionals, but each serves a different purpose. This guide compares them side by side to help you choose the best option for your inspection needs.
2.5″×8″ Portable Film Viewer – Field Use Champion
The 2.5×8 portable viewer is built for mobility and on-site inspections.
Key Features:
Lightweight and compact design for fieldwork
Dual power options (AC & DC) for remote locations
Rugged build for outdoor pipeline projects
Ideal for small to medium-sized films
Best For:
Pipeline inspections in remote areas
On-site NDT checks during construction or maintenance
Teams that require quick mobility
4″×16″ Standard Film Viewer – Lab & Shop-Floor Standard
The 4×16 viewer is the industry standard in weld testing labs.
Key Features:
Large viewing window suitable for full weld radiographs
High brightness (≥100,000 cd/m²) for dense films
Film density capability up to 4.0 D
Reliable performance for continuous lab use
Best For:
Testing labs and shop-floor QA stations
Detailed analysis of pipeline, refinery, and structural welds
Environments with stable AC power
Portable vs Standard: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 2.5×8 Portable Viewer | 4×16 Standard Viewer |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | High – lightweight, field-ready | Low – heavier, lab use only |
| Power Options | AC & DC (battery/portable) | AC only |
| Viewing Size | 2.5″×8″ – compact films | 4″×16″ – large weld films |
| Brightness | Moderate, suitable for field checks | Very high, suitable for dense films |
| Film Density | Good for standard inspections | Up to 4.0 D for detailed weld analysis |
| Best Use Case | Field / pipeline projects | Labs, shop floors, detailed QA |
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
If your work involves field inspections, pipelines, and mobility, the 2.5×8 portable film viewer is the right choice.
If your work is lab-based, requiring analysis of dense weld films, the 4×16 standard viewer is the industry benchmark.
Many NDT professionals in India use both models, ensuring flexibility across field and lab environments.
👉 Call to Action
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