Ultrasonic flaw detectors are digital instruments designed to measure the depth and severity of flaws in all ferrous and most non-ferrous metals and alloys. Flaw detection is a form of non-destructive testing used in many industries including aerospace, automotive, metal production, construction and transportation sectors.
Basically, ultrasonic testing is performed by applying periodic ultrasonic pulses to a transducer (piezoelectric crystal) causing the crystal to vibrate at the selected ultrasonic frequency. Upon mechanically coupling the transducer to the test piece, the ultrasonic vibrations travel through the piece and are reflected by any discontinuities which may be encountered. Usually, a semi-liquid or liquid couplant is placed between the transducer and the test piece to assure good contact so that losses in ultrasonic energy are reduced.
The ultrasound waveform can be received by either of two methods: reflection and attenuation. In the reflection (pulse-echo) mode, the transducer both sends and receives pulsed waves. Waves reflected from an interface such as a discontinuity or the back wall of the test piece are then interpreted with processor. In the attenuation (through-transmission) mode, ultrasound travels from the transmitting transducer on one surface through the test piece to a receiving transducer on another surface. Defects or discontinuities in the space between the transducers cause a reduction in ultrasound transmission and thus reveal their presence.
PortableTesters.com LLC is offering one instrument, the FD580 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector. It has a high capacity lithium-ion battery which allows operation for up to eight hours without needing to be recharged. A high-resolution colored LED display with four different backgrounds makes this instrument very operator friendly.