Many industrial and manufacturing businesses use ultrasonic test (UT) equipment to develop its products. Ultrasonic equipment uses high frequency sound to detect flaws, take measurements and characterize material. Companies can utilize UT testing equipment for products such as bars and rods, tubing, wire, metal parts, plate and strip in many sizes and shapes; different materials such as steel, aluminum, titanium and other metals.

Ultrasonic equipment tests for imperfections in different products that could cause failure of the product or part. Such testing can save an end user from using a defective product, and can help a manufacturer identify possible errors in its manufacturing process.

Making the most of ultrasonic test (UT) equipment depends on determining what materials you need to test.

1. Evaluate ultrasonic testing equipment that detects flaws in tubing and piping.

2. Identify ultrasonic test equipment that looks for internal defects in metal bars.

3. Look at ultrasonic testing machines that perform multiple functions on various media.

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Select UT equipment designed for detecting flaws in tubing and piping

Ultrasonic testing uncovers surface and subsurface cracks in the material. Some types of equipment detect short cracks, while others detect long surface defects such as seams. Performing a UT test with this equipment can detect imperfections in the walls of tubing or residual material left behind by the machining process.

I recommend: Magnetic Analysis Corp. manufactures a number of instruments designed to conduct ultrasonic testing on tubing. General Electric Company carries several ultrasonic testing instruments for piping and tubing using different methods of detection technologies.

Study ultrasonic inspection equipment with multiple functions

Other features of material must pass certain specifications with the aid of ultrasonic test equipment. UT testing can analyze uniform depth, uniform diameter, wall thickness, material hardness and heat treatment of material. Examples include car parts, piping, turbine shafts and aviation parts.

I recommend: QNet Quality Network manufactures ultrasonic systems for testing the integrity of car and aviation parts. Such instruments can test parts in situ without having to disassemble components and remove them to a laboratory. Landmark Industrial manufactures ultrasonic flaw detectors, leak testers, vibration analyzers and other instruments for testing metal, rubber and other materials to various specifications. Landmark makes both bench top and portable instruments.

Find ultrasonic test equipment that detects defects in metal bars

Some ultrasonic testing instruments detect internal and eternal defects such as longitudinal and transverse orientation flaws. Testers can reveal the type of material, the uniformity of the material, and the hardness of the material.

I recommend: Berg Engineering makes instruments for testing defects in metal bars. The company also supplies test blocks and other ultrasonic accessories. Olympus Corporation makes a bar inspection system designed for round, flat and square bars. The system can inspect small sized bars with rough and smooth surfaces.

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• •  Unique UT test equipment can perform ultrasonic testing on material already in place and in use. Such material can test for erosion, pitting, holes and fatigue cracks. Such equipment can measure long-term effectiveness of your own or another manufacturer's products that you use.

Ultrasonic test (UT) equipment has several applications. If you have a company in the aerospace, automotive, or related industries, there's a good chance that you can take advantage of UT test equipment. UT testing involves using high-frequency sound waves to test the thickness and structural integrity of various materials, especially metals, without damaging them in any way.

Ultrasonic testing equipment isn't cheap. Therefore, you want to ensure that you get the right equipment for the right price. Plenty of manufacturers and suppliers are out there; you just have to find the right one. Remember three simple things when deciding where to start:

1. Decide what your exact needs are and choose the ultrasonic testing instruments that fit.

2. Research suppliers and find one that's appropriate and affordable.

3. Remember to consider all your options, both in UT test machines and in distributors.

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Figure out UT equipment needs and find the machine and manufacturer for your company

There are various types of UT equipment and suppliers, many specializing in different areas. Look at the dynamics of your business and determine your exact needs for the function and size of a UT machine. Consider all aspects of your business before deciding on the right ultrasonic testing equipment for your work, then look into the companies that can supply you with that equipment. Keep your price range in mind, and get quotes from several companies.

I recommend: Compile a list of reputable companies, both suppliers of small-scale machines and those of larger ones. See what's available or shop for specific products at Olympus and MAC.

Equip yourself and your business with the right UT testing knowledge

You've got the right machine picked out; now get the maximum efficiency out of it. Make sure you and your employees know how to operate it; keep your business safe and get the most from the money you invest in this machinery. The right equipment is useless if it's not being used properly.

I recommend: Several manufacturers and suppliers have training courses or information available. Check out GE Inspection Technologies or NDT Experts for various courses designed to train your personnel in the proper use of ultrasonic testing products.

Consider rental vs. owning ultrasonic testing machines

Ultrasonic testing machines - especially high-end, industrial ones - don't come cheap, so if you'll only need ultrasonic inspection equipment occasionally, think about renting it. Drastically reduce your costs and avoid maintaining and storing equipment you rarely use. But do some math before you make your decision, factoring the number of times you would need the machines against the difference in cost between buying and renting.

I recommend: Berg Engineering gives you some examples of the availability and cost of UT testing equipment rentals. You can also register with GlobalSpec.com for free and peruse its companies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're sticking to a discretionary budget, consider purchasing used ultrasonic testing equipment. It's generally cheaper, and you can still find equipment for your company's needs.
• •  Think about calibrating equipment you rent. You can find calibration services through a few of the links above and ensure that your machines are working properly and at full capacity.

Ultrasonic testing equipment, or UT equipment, are test machines with high or ultra-sound frequencies used to identify material thickness or anomalies. Ultrasonic test (UT) equipment is used by those in the petrochemical industry to test for proper thickness of pipe and pressure vessel walls, which can become thin over time due to corrosion and erosion.

To operate UT test equipment, or to perform ultrasonic thickness testing as well as other more technical testing, it is necessary to receive the appropriate ultrasonic test (UT) equipment education and training. There are various levels of education and the more you receive will dictate the complexity of the UT testing you are able to perform. This article will provide an overview of each of the UT test levels.

1. Level I courses offer a comprehensive overview for those with little or no background in ultrasonic testing and UT testing equipment.

2. Level II ultrasonic testing is considered an advanced course that provides a lot of lab work to help developing practical skills.

3. Ultrasonic testing Level III course work is for those who wish to supervise Level Is and IIs and teaches higher levels of interpretation and evaluation of UT equipment results.

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Gain an overview with Level I UT testing training

An employee with ultrasonic test (UT) equipment education and training -- Level I under their belts can conduct thickness tests, but is usually not authorized to evaluate the results. Level I programs offer a detailed overview of UT theory and equipment operation. Students are taught how to test and record results properly.

I recommend: Rockwood Services' Hellier's Level I course satisfies the training hours needed for SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT CP-189, and NAS-410. TCR Engineering Services' Institute for Materials Technology in Navi Mumbai, India, offers a 40-hour Level I course for international students.

Evaluate findings and get prepared for more 'hands on' work with Level II UT test coursework

Those who go on to receive Level II certification are able to evaluate findings. The course generally teaches students practical skills about weld and bond inspection as well as immersion techniques.

I recommend: PQT Services offers a 40-hour Ultrasonic Testing Level II course. Western Nevada College's Level II course also meets the requirements in SNT-TC-1A and the MIL-Std 410.

Gain supervisory responsibilities with UT testing Level III certification

Level III certification includes instruction in higher-level subjects including ultrasonic shear wave, time of flight diffraction and guided wave testing. Students are also taught more advanced ways to inspect welds and material thickness. Those with Level III UT certification can supervise others with Level I and II certifications.

I recommend: Southern Inspection Services offers UT Level III preparatory coursework. Aquatech NDT Services offers training at its Miami and Trinidad locations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your business is looking to obtain certification for several UT test candidates, consider hiring a training company to offer the coursework on site. While you will likely be responsible for airfare and lodging of the instructors, many companies will offer a negotiated price for several students.

Since ultrasound testing is gaining popularity due to its environmentally safe, non-destructive testing approach, understanding ultrasonic test (UT) equipment key terms helps you communicate with others in the industry. It also gives you an edge over competitors when you know the most recent terminology.

Your knowledge of ultrasonic test (UT) equipment key terms allows you to communicate with others regarding results or when purchasing equipment. Whether you plan to do your testing through an attenuation or reflection, knowledge of the equipment key terms will benefit you professionally.

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Attenuation

Equipment using the attenuation mode sends ultrasound through a surface using a transmitter. Then another separate receiver determines the amount that travels through the medium and reaches another surface.

I recommend: The United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration addresses ultrasonic testing in great detail and provides information on testing equipment and attenuation.

Reflection

Reflection testing equipment uses a transducer, which performs on the receiving end of post waves and on the sending end when the device reflects the 'sound' of the post waves. The results come in signal form with an amplitude that represents the reflection intensity and distance. The distance measures the arrival time for the reflection.

I recommend: QCI International offers information for ultrasonic testing and the equipment it uses including reflection processes.

Ultrasonic thickness gauges

Ultrasonic thickness gauges measure walls that remain in a component, such as a pipeline or storage tank.

I recommend: General Electric Company lists several types of ultrasonic thickness gauges available on the market place.

Digitizer

The digitizer is the part of the ultrasonic test equipment that converts echo waveforms and ultrasonic transducer returns into digital information.

I recommend: National Instruments Corporation offers a tutorial, including charts and graphs, which explain concepts and principles in ultrasonic testing. It explains various parts of ultrasonic testing equipment and explains how to assemble your own ultrasonic test equipment.

Transducer testing

Ultrasonic testing equipment ensures smooth mechanics across all the various parts of the functioning unit. One part of testing is the transducer, which generates high-frequency ultrasonic energy.

I recommend: The NDT Resource Center offers an explanation of different types of testing including transducer testing and how it works. It offers graphs that provide images of a signal path and also highlights other tests. NDT Systems offers images of ultrasonic transducer testing equipment. It shows several different types and styles.

Portable ultrasonic flaw detectors

The term portable ultrasonic flaw detectors refers to a type of equipment one can carry around to check products for flaws and discontinuities.

I recommend: Olympus highlights the benefits of using portable ultrasonic flaw detectors. It describes features one might expect to find in this type of equipment, including its ability to locate and size hidden cracks.