Ultrasonic flaw detectors

The quality of the material and the thickness of the parts must be controlled during the manufacturing and operation of industrial components. Ultrasonic flaw detectors support this process by quickly and accurately detecting defects without damaging the tested object. These devices use high-frequency sound waves to identify cracks and internal defects, measure thickness, and evaluate the integrity of a wide range of solid materials.

Application of Ultrasonic Flaw Detectors

Ultrasonic flaw detectors are essential tools for nondestructive testing (NDT) of metals, alloys, plastics, ceramics, and composites. These devices reliably detect internal flaws, voids, and inclusions. They are highly accurate, efficient, and widely used in industries such as aerospace, railroads, energy, construction, and manufacturing.

Most often, ultrasonic flaw detectors are used:

• Railroad Sector: Ultrasonic flaw detectors are widely used to test the rails on tracks, the welded joints, and the wheel pairs of railcars and locomotives.
• Metallurgy: Ultrasound helps detect and evaluate defects in rolled metal, pipes, and other products at various stages of production. Additionally, it is used to measure the thickness of different products.

Features of Ultrasonic Flaw Detection Equipment Operation

Ultrasonic flaw detectors operate by transmitting high-frequency sound (ultrasound) waves into the material of the inspected object. When these waves encounter a defect or boundary in the object, they are reflected, absorbed, or scattered. The flaw detector records these signals, which specialized PC software then analyzes. This enables the NDT technician to identify the presence, type, size, and exact location of a defect, as well as the thickness of the object.

The ultrasonic probes, which are supplied in a kit with the flaw detector or can be selected individually, are connected to the device. During testing, the ultrasonic probes are moved along the surface of the object, with a couplant applied to improve acoustic contact.

Ultrasonic waves are transmitted into the material at different angles, depending on the probe type. The type of probe used depends on the shape and size of the parts being tested. Portable flaw detectors may have one or two ultrasonic probes, while multichannel flaw detection systems may have several hundred.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Flaw Detection

1. High-frequency acoustic waves have strong penetration capability, making it possible to detect flaws deep within parts—up to 7.87 inches (200 millimeters) in metals. This enables quality monitoring of parts and assemblies without disassembly.
2. The ultrasonic flaw detection method is highly sensitive, allowing early identification of small internal defects. These defects may be invisible on the surface or appear as fine lines, such as fatigue cracks. This helps prevent accidents, reduce repair costs, and minimize equipment downtime.
3. The location and depth of defects can be accurately determined, allowing NDT specialists to make informed decisions on whether parts should be repaired or replaced. This enhances the reliability and safety of the equipment being tested.
4. Real-Time Results: Inspection results are displayed immediately and conveniently visualized on the screen of the flaw detector. All data is stored in internal memory for later review. Additionally, data can be sent to a remote NDT workplace at any time.

Sales & Development Proposals

OKOndt GROUP produces a wide range of flaw detectors and develops customized solutions for industrial companies that use ultrasonic testing to monitor production processes and product quality. Our catalog has an extensive selection of rail flaw detection equipment.

OKOndt GROUP produces a wide range of flaw detectors and develops customized solutions for industrial companies that use ultrasonic testing to monitor production processes and ensure product quality. Our catalog includes an extensive selection of rail flaw detection equipment.

Contact us for more information about ultrasonic testing equipment and pricing. Our specialists will help you select the optimal configuration of ultrasonic NDT equipment to meet your industrial and inspection requirements.