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When it comes to ultrasonic testing, three types of instrumentation are commonly used. These instruments may be used jointly or individually, but all work together to produce the result.
What is advisable is that you should get accurate and simple-to-use equipment and instruments from reliable developers such as Coltraco Ultrasonics.
What is ultrasonic testing?
Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a non-destructive testing method that inspects materials and components for internal flaws and discontinuities.
The three instruments that can be used in ultrasonic testing:
(1) Transducer
The transducer is an electronic device that emits ultrasonic waves into the part or material to be tested. Ultrasonic sound waves are created by passing an alternating electrical current through a piezoelectric crystal, which vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency.
As these vibrations pass into the test object or material, the piezoelectric crystal is reflected, where their amplitude is converted back to an electrical signal for analysis.
Depending on the system being used, the ultrasonic transducer can be either a handheld unit or a stationary piece of equipment.
(2) Electronic Controller
The electronic controller is used to control and regulate the signal from the generator through the crystal, creating sound waves for UT. The controller regulates frequency, amplitude level, and pulse width.
A visual reading of the test object or material is presented on a screen, which helps identify flaws and discontinuities. The transducer can also be connected to a printer for detailed printouts.
(3) Signal Generator
The signal generator provides the electrical current that operates the transducer unit and produces sound waves for UT. The frequency of the sound waves is adjustable on some generators, while some are fixed for specific purposes.
The signal generator can either be a separate controller or another unit.
What are the common flaws detected by ultrasonic testing?
Ultrasonic testing detects cracks and discontinuities in many materials, including cast iron, aluminium, steel, and plastic. It is also used for non-destructive testing of welds and other metal assemblies where cracks may be present.
Cracks and gaps can be detected in:
The main advantage of ultrasonic testing is that it is a quick, accurate detection method with many benefits. Its ease-of-use is the method of choice for many industries, including automotive, power generation, petrochemical, medical equipment, and more.
Benefits of ultrasonic testing
- Ultrasonic testing is a non-contact method of NDT.
- It uses sound waves that do not degrade the strength of materials and components, unlike many other testing methods.
- Its accuracy makes it useful for inspections under magnification to identify internal flaws, cracks, and discontinuities in metal parts and assemblies quickly and easily.
- It makes use of integrated testing capabilities that can be used to inspect the inside and outside of finished parts, rods, wire, tubes, etc.
- Ultrasonic testing is readily available in all industry sectors for material inspection.
- Its accuracy has made it one of the best methods for detecting flaws in metal components and materials.
- Ultrasonic testing is a versatile, cost-effective method for NDT and is used worldwide by industry professionals.
- It detects flaws and discontinuities that may not be visible to the human eye and cannot be felt with the hands.
Conclusion
Ultrasonic testing is a non-contact method that uses sound waves to discover internal flaws and discontinuities in metal parts, components, assemblies, and materials. Many benefits make it ideal for both industry professionals and manufacturing companies across all industry sectors.
