It’s important that you know the basics of ultrasonic testing and what to expect when you take your car in for an ultrasonic test. Here are few things to know about the ultrasonic testing services:
Ultrasonic testing is a non-destructive test that uses sound waves to detect flaws in materials. This type of testing is performed on all types of materials, including metals and plastics.
Ultrasonic testing services are used as part of a quality control program for ensuring product quality. The results can help determine whether or not a product should be rejected or accepted.
When it comes to ultrasonic testing, there are many different types of inspections that can be performed with this technology. Here are some things you should know about ultrasonic testing:
What is ultrasonic inspection?
Ultrasonic inspection uses high-frequency sound waves to identify microscopic defects in materials such as castings and forgings, welds and coatings, ceramics, glassware, composites and other industrial parts. The sound waves bounce off the surface of the material being inspected and are reflected back to an instrument called an analyzer that measures the frequency and amplitude changes caused by imperfections in the material being tested. These changes are translated into images on computer screens so engineers can see the defects clearly enough to determine whether or not they need further investigation or repair before continuing with production operations.
The process involves sending a pulse of sound through the material and measuring the speed at which the sound travels through it. The result is called an ultrasonic velocity profile or ultrasonic transit time profile (UTTP). This profile can be used to identify cracks, voids, porosity and other defects in materials such as concrete, steel, wood and composites.
The UTTP can also be used to characterize non-metallic parts like fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite materials used in aircraft and automobiles. Here are some things to know about ultrasonic testing:
What’s the difference between an ultrasonic inspection and an ultrasonic test?
An ultrasonic inspection measures surface damage while an ultrasonic test measures internal defects. An inspector can use either method but doesn’t need special training or equipment for either one. A technician needs training on how to use equipment like a portable ultrasound scanner with software that can generate UTTPs.
Ultrasonic testing is used on a variety of materials including metals, ceramics and plastics. It has been shown to be particularly effective for determining the thickness of thin parts that are too small for other techniques such as magnetic particle testing or liquid penetrant testing. Ultrasonic testing can also be used for inspecting welds for flaws such as porosity and lack of fusion between layers of metal.
The ultrasonic inspection process has two phases: a test signal generator sends sound waves into the part, and an ultrasonic transducer receives the reflected signal from the part. The returned signal is analyzed using spectrum analysis software to determine its amplitude and frequency content.
