Where to Buy an NDT Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

Every industry that relies on heavy machinery, equipment, and infrastructure that may be prone to damage, flaws, or defects, knows how important it is to conduct regular testing. But the clear need for testing is matched by the need to avoid downtime. Downtime can hurt profits and, in industries that depend on user satisfaction, can damage reputations.

That’s why nondestructive testing (NDT) has become the preferred testing method for the manufacturing, transportation, and energy industries, for example. NDT can be conducted with less impact on operations when compared with many other forms of testing and ensures operational viability while detecting flaws.

Of course, different methodologies produce different results. For many industries, ultrasonic flaw detection provides some of the most efficient and comprehensive volumetric testing abilities with the least amount of downtime and risks.

Knowing the value of ultrasonic flaw detection—and the best way to buy NDT ultrasonic flaw detectors—can make a huge difference in your industry. It can be the difference between damage and downtime or business as usual, for a long time.

The Benefits of Ultrasonic Flaw Detection

Why do many industries prefer to use ultrasonic flaw detection for their nondestructive testing needs? There’s a number of reasons, many of which boil down to a simple few:

Accuracy
Durability
Ease of use
Efficiency
Safety

The latter is extremely important, and something that isn’t discussed enough. For many years, radiography was a popular and effective way to detect flaws, cracks, and corrosion. But there are a lot of dangers inherent in radiography testing, which uses ionized radiation. To mitigate these dangers, workers have to clear out of the space where the test is being conducted. This can limit productivity even on equipment not being tested.

There are safer methods, such as conducting a manual test or visual scan, but those generally can only detect flaws already big enough to be major problems. It can be quick and low cost but visual inspection is not very effective. Another safe NDT methodology is liquid penetrant testing, which is helpful for discovering cracks on the surface. But this method can be time-consuming, can require a lot of preparation as well as cleanup, and is not always practical. It also doesn’t help much with subsurface honeycombing or voids. Eddy current testing is also a safe NDT method but it can’t be used on non-conductive materials.

Ultrasonic technology is an effective NDT solution. It is safe, easy to use, and can be used to handle large-scale operations. There are a lot of ways to have a comprehensive NDT testing regime, and ultrasonic flaw detector equipment is a vital part of that. If you’re looking to buy ultrasonic testing equipment, it’s important to know when, and how.

Ways to Buy NDT Equipment

There are a few ways to buy NDT equipment. This can vary depending on your geographical location, and depending on your immediate needs. But no matter what, there are a few things you want to look for in any NDT supplier.

Expertise. This is a complex field, one that is always changing. Everyone’s total NDT needs are different. You want a supplier who values results-driven expertise, and can build you a solution that works for you.
Equipment. It’s vitally important to get the right equipment, the right combination of probes, of instrumentation, and of software to do the job. Leading edge solutions built on high-quality equipment mean you get what you need.
Innovation. In a changing field, you don’t need a supplier stuck in the past or one that introduces features you’ll never use. You want someone who will build for you. Customer-centric innovation means that you aren’t getting new features just for the sake of innovation. Instead you are getting powerful features that are critical to success and designed to deliver an inspection advantage.

So now you know what to look for in ultrasonic flaw detection suppliers. So how do you find them?

Regional Partners

Whether you are looking to buy products or need information to solve complex problems, if your organization has a single regional focus, you will want an NDT partner who understands the equipment, your industry, and the logistics and regulations within your region.

Ideally, the partner will be part of a globally-known, reputable NDT supplier that embodies the traits listed above. Here is a way to find regional NDT partners in many different locations around the globe.

Finding the right supplier and partner can be key to your inspection success.

NDT Suppliers

In some cases, it may be convenient to work with an NDT supplier directly. Large multi-national organizations in industries such as energy, aerospace, and transportation usually have global supply chain organizations. Headquarters and branches, factories and outposts, are typically located on more than one continent. An NDT supplier should be able to effectively support each of these markets.

The benefits of this direct approach can include:

Strategic locations across the continent
Collaborative teams dedicated to working with you
Responsive results from people who have their name on all your tools
Sales teams that work directly with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams, multiplying their knowledge and effectiveness
Training and on-site support

Working directly with an NDT supplier can be a great way to get a comprehensive ultrasonic testing flaw detector solution.

The Most Effective NDT Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

When looking for a supplier or the partner of a global supplier, as mentioned above, you want a combination of solidity and innovation, a team with a sturdy base that will be around for the long haul and one that is always striving to create something new. You need a partner that has the best equipment and the leading-edge solutions.

Zetec’s suite of ultrasonic instrumentation is cutting-edge, efficient, and durable. It’s backed by engineers, manufacturers, and designers who are constantly creating better products based on the needs of the industry. And when you work with Zetec and its partners, you work with sales teams focused on true customer satisfaction.

Downtime is the enemy. Breakdowns are a disaster. The best way to avoid both is to implement a nondestructive testing plan that includes ultrasonic flaw detection equipment. Finding a regional partner or a global supplier is how you protect your equipment and your investment.

Zetec provides exceptional ultrasonic testing equipment for industries around the globe. To find the NDT equipment which best suits your testing needs, contact us today!