Ultrasonic Inspection

Krautkramer USN 60 ultrasonic flaw detector displaying a waveform graph and inspection settings

Ultrasonic Inspection, or Ultrasonic Testing (UT), is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method used to find internal defects or measure the thickness of materials without damaging them.

ULTRASONIC REFERENCE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION

FOR DEFENCE AND INDUSTRY

Large machined metal cylindrical component labeled QTS5 and BVAE 609014 with calibration sticker

DEFENCE APPLICATIONS

SUPPORTING ULTRASONIC INSPECTION OF:

• Naval components

• Defence forgings

• Aerospace materials

• Heavy engineering

• Nuclear supply chain

• Pressure equipment

Produced in accordance with customer specifications and applicable inspection requirements.

REFERENCE STANDARDS

ULTRASONIC REFERENCE BLOCKS

Qualtest Ltd Provides precision ultrasonic Calibrated reference Blocks for:

• Forgings

• Wrought bars

• Plate

• Cylinders

• Complex geometries

• Customer-specific calibration standards

Three large machined aluminum industrial components with stepped curved profiles and calibration labels on a workshop table.

STEPPED REFERENCE
BLOCKS

Multiple steps with relevant
flat bottom holes and end drilled holes for sensitivity calibration.

Stacked polished metal rods with circular drilled ends

RODS & CYLIDERS

Side drilled holes and end drilled holes in the end of 1 metre test bars in line with specific customer requirements.

Gold-colored metal decorative hardware piece with stacked semicircular and circular layers on a dark background

CUSTOM GEOMETRIES

Contoured, radiused and application specific subject to customer projects.

Assortment of machined metal parts, aluminum blocks, steel cylinders, rods, and clamps arranged on a wooden workbench

FLAT BOTTOM HOLES

Precision EDM FBHs for accurate sizing
- all certified to the correct material specifications and UKAS laboratory.

Assortment of metallic cylinders and rectangular metal bars arranged on a dark reflective surface

FULL RANGE

Comprehensive range of
reference standards.

Our reference standards support ultrasonic examination carried out in accordance with applicable customer specifications including Defence Standard 02-729 (Ultrasonic Examination Methods), together with relevant material specifications and recognised NDT standards where specified by contract.

SUPPORTING THE UK
DEFENCE SECTOR

Waving Union Jack flag of the United Kingdom

OVERVIEW

What is Ultrasonic Inspection?

Ultrasonic Inspection, or Ultrasonic Testing (UT), is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method used to find internal defects or measure the thickness of materials without damaging them.

It works in a similar way to medical ultrasound, where high-frequency sound waves are sent into a material and the way those sound waves travel through and reflect from the material provides information about what is happening inside. During an inspection, an inspector places a small device called a transducer or probe against the surface of the material. The probe sends high-frequency sound waves into the component, which travel through the metal or other material. A coupling gel is normally applied between the probe and the surface to ensure the sound waves enter the material efficiently.

When the sound waves encounter a change inside the material, such as a crack, void, inclusion, lack of fusion or other defect, some of the sound energy is reflected back towards the probe. The probe detects these returning sound waves, and the ultrasonic instrument converts them into information that the inspector can interpret. By analysing the strength and timing of the reflected signals, the inspector can determine the location, depth and, in many cases, the size of a defect, allowing the condition of the material to be assessed without causing any damage.