At Hansen Aerospace, we specialize in ultrasonic testing and offer a range of services to meet the demands of various industries, including aerospace, manufacturing, and power generation.
What is Ultrasonic Testing (UT)?
Ultrasonic Testing (UT), or UT Testing, is a widely used method of non-destructive testing which uses high-frequency sound waves to measure material thickness and detect internal flaws.
Sound waves are introduced to the testing material where the time it takes for them to reflect back to the sensor provides crucial information about the material’s structure, composition and integrity.
Ultrasonic inspection of this kind is vital for identifying hidden defects such as cracks, voids or delamination in metals, composites, plastics and other materials. This testing ensures the safety and reliability of critical components in the aerospace, automotive and manufacturing industries.
Importance of Ultrasonic Testing in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Ultrasonic testing in non-destructive testing (NDT) is crucial. It provides a reliable and accurate method for evaluating the internal condition of materials without causing any damage, making it ideal for assessing critical components.
This testing method is especially beneficial for materials that cannot be easily assessed by traditional methods, such as visual inspection, and includes materials like metals, composites, and plastics.
Ultrasonic testing is a non-invasive and precise method, making it indispensable in industries where safety and reliability are paramount.
Types of Ultrasonic Testing
At Hansen Aerospace, our team of experts provides a wide range of ultrasonic testing services, including:
Immersion Ultrasonic Inspection
Immersion ultrasonic testing involves submerging the test material in a liquid, allowing sound waves to pass through and provide high-resolution imaging. Immersion UT testing is especially useful for inspecting complex shapes and larger components, as it delivers clear and precise results.
Contact Ultrasonic Inspection
The contact ultrasonic inspection method is typically used for thin materials or small parts where precise detection of flaws and measurements are crucial. This test involves the use of a probe which is placed directly on the surface of the testing material.
C Scan Ultrasonic Inspection
C Scans are particularly valuable for visualizing inconsistencies and defects within the testing material and allow engineers to make informed decisions about the integrity of the component. A C Scan ultrasonic inspection provides detailed 2D and 3D images of the internal structure of materials.
Applications of Ultrasonic Inspection
Ultrasonic testing is used across a wide range of industries where precise and reliable inspection is essential, including the following:
Ultrasonic Testing in Industrial Applications
UT testing is used to evaluate the integrity of components such as pipelines, pressure vessels and storage tanks. This method of ultrasonic inspection is crucial for manufacturers to ensure the safety and longevity of their products and can help prevent costly failures and downtime.
Sonic Testing for Weld Inspections
A sonic test is commonly used to inspect welds in structural and pressure components. This method helps detect defects such as cracks, voids, or incomplete fusion, ensuring that the welds meet the necessary strength and safety standards for their intended use.
Use of UT Testing for Material Thickness Measurement
UT testing is frequently used in aerospace and automotive industries, where material integrity is crucial to performance and safety. It measures the thickness of materials such as metal plates and composites to ensure they meet specific tolerances and can withstand the required conditions.
Immersion Testing in Aerospace and Manufacturing
Immersion UT (ultrasonic testing) is particularly important in aerospace and manufacturing, as it can detect internal factors that could affect the reliability and function of critical components. For example, high-performance materials such as turbine blades and engine parts must meet rigorous safety standards, and Immersion UT plays a key role in ensuring their integrity.
How Ultrasonic Testing Works
Principles of Ultrasonic Waves in Testing
Ultrasonic waves in testing travel through materials at varying speeds based on their density/elasticity. Measuring the time it takes for the waves to return, our ultrasonic testing engineers can determine the material’s integrity and thickness.
Equipment Used in Ultrasonic Testing
Our expert engineers use equipment such as transducers, probes, and testing machines in ultrasonic testing to generate and receive sound waves. This allows us to gather precise measurements and detect defects, even in areas that appear to be hard to reach.
Understanding C Scan Imaging in Ultrasonic Testing
At Hansen Aerospace, our engineers use C scan imaging to create detailed visual representations of a material's internal structure. This technique helps detect flaws in complex components and ensures their integrity throughout production and service.
Single Element and Array Probes in Ultrasonic Examination
Single element probes in ultrasonic testing are used for straightforward measurements, whilst array probes provide more detailed imaging for complex ultrasonic inspections. Both are flexible in ultrasonic examinations and allow us to adapt to different applications and materials.
How Immersion UT Testing Differs from Traditional Testing
Immersion testing, or immersion UT, is a submersion method rather than a contact method, allowing for more thorough scanning. It is ideal for components with intricate geometries or large surface areas, ensuring our engineers achieve complete coverage during inspection.
Analyzing Results from Ultrasonic Inspection
Following ultrasonic testing and inspection, our engineers and technicians analyze the results using state-of-the-art specialist software to identify potential issues and assess material suitability for critical applications.
Benefits of Ultrasonic Testing
There are numerous benefits and advantages to using ultrasonic testing for material inspection and quality control:
Accuracy and Precision in Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic testing ensures highly accurate and reliable results.
Non-Destructive Nature of Ultrasonic Inspection
Ultrasonic inspection leaves materials undamaged, maintaining their integrity.
Cost-Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic testing and examination offers a cost-efficient solution for detecting defects.
Why Choose Hansen Aerospace?
Availability
We provide 24/7/365 access to our management team and senior executives, ensuring we’re always available to support our customers.
Partnerships
We have a proven ability to grow alongside our customers, proactively assessing their future capacity needs and ensuring a long-term, successful collaboration.
Experience and Expertise
With unmatched ultrasonic testing expertise, we are proud to have the largest concentration of IUT testing capacity for jet engine parts in the world, setting us apart as a leader in the industry.
Service
We are committed to providing exceptional customer service, as consistently praised by our clients. As a US-based NDT house, we strive to exceed expectations with every interaction.
Quality and Trust
Our commitment to quality is unwavering. With 4 decades of excellence, we have consistently passed every audit and maintained all necessary certifications, reinforcing the trust our customers place in us.
Ultrasonic Inspection FAQs
What is ultrasonic inspection?
Ultrasonic inspection is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method. It uses high-frequency sound waves to measure internal thickness and detect internal flaws.
What is a scan in ultrasonic testing?
Ultrasonic testing, or UT testing, is the process of using sound waves to inspect materials for defects by analyzing the time it takes for the waves to return. It provides a graph of the sound wave travelling through the part to show both the travel time of the sound and the amplitude.
What is C scan in ultrasonic testing?
C scan ultrasonic testing helps engineers identify defects and assess component integrity by creating 3D images of a material’s internal structure.
How does ultrasonic testing work?
Ultrasonic testing, or ultrasonic inspection, works by sending high-frequency sound waves into a material. The reflected waves are then analyzed to detect material thickness or internal flaws.
What is the minimum thickness for ultrasonic testing?
Typically, the material thickness for ultrasonic testing ranges from 0.030 inches to several inches thick, depending on the material being tested and the sensitivity of the equipment used.