Service and/or Process Applicability

In some cases, existing NDT techniques have not been specifically applied to a given geometry, material combination, manufacturing condition, or unique problem faced by a customer. In those cases, research and development (R&D) efforts are required to investigate the feasibility of applying one or more NDT methods to meet the desired inspection goal.

Advanced ultrasonic imaging is typically applied in many R&D applications to quickly assess NDT feasibility, particularly when looking for very small and volumetric defects. 
  

UT imaging results looking at welds
 on the order of .020" thick - clearly shown in both the C-Scan and
B-Scan (top and cross section views).

We perform R&D efforts using the combination of highly experienced personnel and advanced equipment including both ultrasonic imaging and complex contour following motion control. Each R&D effort begins with reviewing the technical needs of the application via discussions with the customer followed by evaluating a sample with transducers available from our laboratory inventory. If shown to be feasible, subsequent efforts typically involve enhancing the inspection technique and/or acquiring an optimized transducer.