Ultrasonic non destructive testing (NDT) has been available to verify the integrity of structures since the end of World War II. This variant of NDT technology has historically been a highly accurate evaluative method that does not affect the integrity of the item being tested at all. More recently, ultrasonic testing NDT has enabled higher levels of productivity and efficiency within manufacturing and engineering processes.
How Does Ultrasonic Testing NDT Work?
The primary components of an ultrasonic testing NDT system include a source of pulsing and receiving, a transducer and some mode of data visualisation. The pulsing device creates an electrical signal that catalyses the transducer to produce a very high frequency ultrasonic signal. Sound waves travel through the object being inspected and any irregularities will produce a reflective effect that drives energy back to the receiver. The receiver then converts this ultrasonic energy into visual data.
Ultrasonic waves are directed at the object being tested at a perpendicular angle. This is because waves parallel to the NDT device may go unnoticed by the receiver. There are a few metrics that ultrasonic testing NDT technology can evaluate:
- Detection of discontinuity
- Location of the discontinuity
- Type of discontinuity
- Orientation of the discontinuity
Once discontinuities have been identified then the item being tested can be replaced or repaired as necessary.
What is Ultrasonic NDT Used For?
Ultimately, ultrasonic non destructive testing is used to test the thickness and structural integrity of an object; for cracks and other faults that may inhibit the operation of the object. It does this without requiring a cross section or sample of the material to be cut.
The aerospace industry has adopted ultrasonic non destructive testing in almost all of its structural component manufacturing processes. Ultrasonic NDT has eliminated bottlenecks in machine assembly and has improved efficiency for aerospace engineers who do not have to wait for product testing before eliminating faulty components.
Ultrasonic NDT is similarly used in shipbuilding industries: to check structural components for discontinuities deep beneath the surface of the material.
Indeed, most non-porous, resilient materials used for structural purposes are tested when used in large-scale manufacturing. The list of materials that may be penetrated by non destructive testing include steel, aluminium, titanium, magnesium and ceramics.
Contact NDT Australia for Ultrasonic NDT equipment
Ultrasonic non destructive testing should only be performed by trained professionals using high quality equipment. Contact NDT Australia for all non destructive testing equipment sales, including ultrasonic NDT equipment. We supply NDT equipment all over Australia and are based in Tarren Point, Sydney. We are open for business Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Contact our sales team on +61 2 9524 0558 to ask any questions about our line of ultrasonic non destructive testing equipment or to place an order today.
