Ultrasonic Testing: A Short Introduction
Posted July 12, 2013
Ultrasonic testing or ultrasonic inspection is an examination and measurement method which uses the power of sound to complete its tasks. This method works by launching short ultrasonic pulse waves into materials. The main goal / objective of this process is to help engineers and technicians identify flaws within a material. In fact, engineers consider it a quite versatile measurement method, because it has many advantages. Here are the top 5 benefits of ultrasonic inspection:
1. It provides instantaneous results. Besides providing immediate results, some devices are able to evaluate the depth of the flaws, as well as their size or even shape.
2. It is more accurate than other non-destructive measurement methods.
3. It is a highly automated operation.
4. In addition to flaw measurement, the process has other uses. You can use ultrasonic testing to measure the thickness of a material, for example.
5. You can obtain detailed images if you have the appropriate automated system.
Where can you use ultrasonic inspection and why?
Ultrasonic testing comes in handy on construction sites, for example, where technicians can test pipelines welds for defects. This kind of testing is, in fact, usually performed on metal or metal alloys. Some technicians use it for concrete, wood and composites as well. Because this method provides a means of non-destructive testing, it can be implemented in a variety of industries such as aerospace, automotive or the transportation sectors.
One of the main drawbacks of ultrasonic inspection is that it does not work on all types of surfaces. For examples, you will not get the best results if you are trying to run a test on irregular surface materials. Also, in the case of rough, very small, very thin or non-homogenous materials the inspection is quite challenging.
However, ultrasonic testing remains one of the best testing and measurement techniques available on the market and it works for a wide range of materials, providing exceptional results.
