Understanding Phased Array Ultrasonic Examination Of Weld Flaws
If your machine shop is making welded parts for the manufacturing industry, then it's important to test for inadvertent flaws in the welds. This testing is vital to prevent part failures for your end-users.
One of the best ways to examine welds in a non-invasive way is to use phased array ultrasonic testing. If you have never heard of this advanced testing method, then listed below is what you need to know:
What is Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing?
As the name implies, phased array ultrasonic examinations flood your welds with an array of ultrasonic waves. As the waves pass through the welds, flawed areas will show up on a display screen. This allows you to pull damaged parts before sending them on to your buyers.
In the past, the only way to test welds for hidden defects was to use a non-phased array system. This system required you to manually move a single probe over each welded area in an attempt to locate imperfections and flaws. This was a problem because many damaged areas were missed.
Since every flaw that isn't found can lead to a manufacturing defect in your parts, using the older technology leads to a larger number of unnecessary part failures and ultimately, unhappy customers.
How Does Phasing Improve Ultrasonic Array Testing?
The improvement of adding phasing technologies to ultrasonic array testing allows for a lot more control of the ultrasonic wave beams. In addition, the software used with the testing equipment allows you to tightly control which beams are on at any given time. This gives you very tight control over the testing process. And, with better quality control testing you will produce a lot higher quality products for the marketplace.
What are Professional Phased Array Ultrasonic Examination Services?
If your company isn't interested in purchasing the equipment necessary to perform your own weld quality testing, then you can always contract it out to a professional phased array ultrasonic examination service.
Professional testing services will take over the scanning of your parts and eliminate the need for the work to be performed onsite.
Unless your machine shop is making a large volume of welded parts, contracting out for this work can save you a lot of money and save your busy staff from having to take on this task.
Finally, it's important to note that weld quality control for parts that will be under pressure or spinning at high velocities can save someone's life. So, however the testing is performed, doing so is a vital part of the manufacturing process you should never skip.
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