The occurrence of the defects is observed in the sheet metal components due to the faulty manufacturing process. Such defects need to be precisely detected without damaging the component, which is only possible by using non-destructive test (NDT). The NDT is preferred for the identification of internal defects such as voids, flaws, and cracks. The present study investigates the defects in the deep drawn Al1050/SS304 sandwich composite cup by using radiography test and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The radiography test is carried out by using gamma rays for the detection of the defects like tearing and flange wrinkling in the deep drawn cup, whereas the SEM is used for the identification of the bonding defects between the adhesive layer and metal blanks. The defects like tearing and wrinkling observed in the sandwich composite skin (Al1050 and SS304 sheet) are successfully detected by using radiography test, whereas the bonding defects between the adhesive layer and metal sheets are identified using SEM. © 2020, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.