Non-destructive inspection (NDI)

Visuele Inspectie

The oldest NDA technique, and at the same time the most underestimated one, is visual inspection. At CIREX, the product and the material that must be analysed are checked carefully for possible casting errors.

Visual investigation can be done using simple devices (such as a mirror, magnifying glass or microscope) or with more advanced analysis tools such as bore scopes (rigid and flexible) or video probe systems. These systems are used to look into hollow spaces that cannot be observed directly with the naked eye.

Crack analysis using penetrant (‘Farb eindring verfahren’) is an extremely old technique that relies on the capillary working of fluids. With this type of analysis, products are submerged in a fluorescent fluid, which is drawn into any cracks present. If the cast pieces are then inspected in a dark room under ultraviolet (UV) light, any cracks present in the product will light up brightly.

Cracks, holes or casting errors on the surface of the cast piece can be easily detected in this manner. After this analysis, the products are cleaned and delivered to the customer. It is a fast and cheap NDI technique applicable to mid-size series.

Magnetic analysis is an inspection technique with which errors on or just under the surface (up to a maximum depth of 6 mm) can be detected. With this method, the cast piece is magnetised. In a cast piece without defects, the lines of the magnetic fields are found mainly inside the material. An irregularity can cause the lines of the magnetic fields to occur outside the product. This so-called “leakage field” can be made visible by applying small, easily magnetised iron particles (Fe) to the surface. The small, light iron particles are attracted by the area with the largest density of magnetic field lines: the so-called “leakage field”.

So the iron particles stay in place at the location of any discontinuities in the magnetic field. This makes it relatively simple to detect any surface or internal errors under the surface. Depending on whether the iron components are given a black colour or fluorescent colour, the inspection will take place under conditions of visible light or ultraviolet (UV) light. At CIREX, we work with a fluorescent fluid that lights up in the presence of UV.

This analysis can only be used on ferromagnetic materials. It isn’t usable on stainless steel, 17-4PH, Duplex, Inconel, SiMo, Invar or Ni-Resist.

Radiographic examination is also known as “x-ray examination”. An X-ray is made using radiation can penetrate the/ a product. The penetrating property of this electromagnetic radiation is caused by a very short wavelength (10-9m). Two different radiation sources are often used for this examination, the X-ray tube (X-rays) or radioactive material (gamma-rays). Both sources share the same properties although the energy structure differs.   

At CIREX, a X-ray tube is used. With this method we can detect internal defects such as cracks and inclusions in the castings. Absorption differences of the radiation sources are an indication for the defects. These defects are shown ‘live’ on a screen or are captured on an analog or digital photo.  

Ultrasonic analysis is the method of material inspection using ultrasound. This inspection technique is used to detect both internal and external errors. In castings, it concerns primarily cracks or porosities that are not visible on the surface of the material.

Ultrasonic inspection techniques use high-frequency sound that is sent into the material to be inspected by means of a probe (transducer). The sound waves are reflected by any defects (such as cracks). The spectrum of resonances can be detected with a transceiver. Differences in the resonance spectrum are analysed using software. The product is approved or rejected on the basis of this. At CIREX, resonance studies are performed with Quasar measurement equipment.