NDT Group Inc., a leading Canadian provider of pipeline inspection and integrity services, has become the first company in Canada to deploy the PLX-Portable in-field material verification system developed by UK-based mechanical testing firm Plastometrex. The move marks the launch of a new service offering at NDT Group, bringing real-time yield and tensile strength testing to field operations without compromising data quality.
With increasing demand for rapid, non-destructive material verification across the energy and infrastructure sectors, the PLX-Portable brings lab-grade testing capabilities directly to job sites—streamlining workflows, improving safety, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
“The PLX-Portable has opened the door to a whole new service line for us. We’re now able to offer material verification as part of our broader integrity services. It’s something that we’ve seen increasing demand for across the Canadian market, and is a seamless fit with the work we’re already doing for our clients,” said Lazaro Manzano, Director of Pipeline Services at NDT Group.
Real-Time Data for High-Stakes Environments
The PLX-Portable is designed to operate in demanding field environments including compressor stations and vibration-prone assets. Using a physics-based simulation rather than traditional correlation methods, it produces direct measurements of mechanical strength with exceptional accuracy and minimal error. Its robust construction and intuitive software workflow enable technicians to generate results within minutes, reducing turnaround time and operational downtime.
“Our technicians are among the best in the business. When you pair that capability with a system like the PLX-Portable, it’s a real step forward. It’s fast, repeatable, and intuitive to use. That means we can give our clients the kind of actionable data they need to move forward with confidence,” said Luis Velandia, Principal Integrity Engineer at NDT Group.
The system’s performance has been validated through a PRCI-led round-robin study, showing the lowest error rates of any system in its class. It is also the only in-field mechanical testing system currently undergoing formal ASTM standardisation, providing additional assurance for regulatory and compliance-sensitive applications.
“This is a great example of how operators benefit when field service providers bring best-in-class tools to the job. NDT Group is the first in Canada to roll out the PLX-Portable, and we’re proud to support them in offering operators more accurate, efficient, and timely strength data when it matters most,” noted Dr. Mike Coto, Chief Commercial Officer at Plastometrex.
With deployment now active and certified technicians in place, NDT Group is positioned to deliver rapid, defensible, and non-destructive material strength verification as part of its integrity services portfolio—offering a vital capability to pipeline operators across Canada.
