Eddy Current Testing
Background
Eddy current testing uses a low energy magnetic field to inspect the surface or areas close to the surface of any conductive metal. The system is used to locate cracks, voids, inclusions or other infractions. It can also detect the difference between alloys of the same metal and between metals that received different heat treatments. The system can also be used to accurately determine coating and material thickness'. Nondestructive testing allows you "see" things ordinary eyes can't see; like fatigue cracks in structural steel, or microscopic flaws in welds, or the corroded interior walls of chemical tanks.
In fact, in most cases using nondestructive testing procedures allow you to inspect processing systems and equipment without dismantling or damaging them in any way.
The point of nondestructive testing is to allow for thorough and complete inspection of your equipment before problems arise,right on your site and without dismantling or taking your equipment out of production for any extended period of time.
Highlights and Capabilities
- The system can test items of any size or shape.
- Determine the thickness of non-conductive coating on conductive metals including paint on sheet metal.
- Materials can be sorted by alloy content.
- Materials can be sorted by heat treatment or the heat treatment of an unknown material can be determined.
- Delaminations, cracks, laps, joints, and weld integrity can all be detected by this equipment.
- Detect cracks or other defects as small as 0.003 inches.
- Inspection can be automated and is capable of testing over 200 feet of material in a minute.
- System will not scratch high polish surface finishes.
Potential Applications
Eddy current examination is used to determine the thickness of coatings such as paint. It can also sort mixed lots of materials and can be used to segregate mixed scrap waste. It can locate cracks, voids, and other material defects in products made from electrically conductive metals. The system can determine if the heat treatment given to a part was correct. The system can be set up on a production line to test materials as it is produced.