Metallurgical Flaw Detection Using Eddy Current and Ultrasonic Testing
Metallurgical heat treatment utilizes careful heating, holding, and cooling processes in a controlled environment to alter metal properties such as hardness, strength, electrical resistance, ductility, and corrosion resistance. During this alteration of properties, metal is often prone to flaws due to the change in its metallic structure. Improper heat treatment and annealing can result in flaws such as voids, inclusions, and other discontinuities in the metal.
When visual inspection can’t be relied upon to detect these anomalies, manufacturers often depend on non-destructive testing (NDT) for metallurgical flaw detection. Advanced ultrasonic and eddy current testing are suitable NDT methods for metallurgically heat-treated materials.
NDT for Metallurgical Flaw Detection
Eddy current technology is widely used by manufacturers to ensure proper heat treatment, verify the enhanced properties, and detect flaws in a material. Eddy current testing utilizes an electric coil to induce a magnetic current in the metal to be inspected. Any change in the flow of the current can be an indication of flaws or irregularities in the material structure. With the help of advanced eddy current probes and instruments, industries can conveniently and accurately verify the quality of the metallurgically heat-treated metal.
Ultrasonic technology utilizes high-frequency sound waves transmitted from transducers to identify potential anomalies. Any changes in the reflected wave can be an indication of cracks, corrosions, porosity, or inclusions in a material.
Zetec’s wide range of advanced inspection instruments and probes can assist you in the selection of eddy current and ultrasonic non-destructive testing solutions for effective metallurgical flaw detection in heat-treated metal parts.
Metallurgical Flaw Detection Resources and Applications
Non-destructive testing is used in the inspection of metallurgical parts in many industries to verify the component meets quality and safety standards. We have compiled a list of resources that explain how NDT solutions can help industries achieve their quality and production goals.
- Flaw Detection Capabilities in Aerospace (White Paper)
- Corrosion Mapping (Application Note)
- Gears Inspection (Application Note)
- Large Rotor Shaft Inspections (White Paper)
- Turnkey Weld Inspection Solution (White Paper)
- A Better Way to Inspect for Surface and Sub-Surface Cracking
Product Recommendations for Metallurgical Flaw Detection
Zetec offers a wide range of eddy current and ultrasonic testing instruments to meet your industrial specification. To assist in your selection of desired NDT instruments for metallurgical flaw detection, we have compiled a list of our advanced industrial inspection and analysis solutions.
Application | NDT Technology | Product Recommendation(s) |
| Heat Treatment Inspection | Eddy Current | InSite – Manufacturing Instrument |
| Metallic Surface Inspection | Eddy Current | MIZ-21C – Affordable and advanced handheld MIZ-200 – High-performance instrument InSite – Manufacturing Instrument Surf-X Flexible Array Probes |
| Corrosion Inspection | Ultrasound & Eddy Current | TOPAZ Family of Instruments PaintBrush Scanner MIZ-21C – Affordable and advanced handheld Surf-X Flexible Array Probes |
| Weld Inspection | Ultrasound & Eddy Current | TOPAZ Family of Instruments Weld Crawler Scanner Weld Crawler Scanner MIZ-21C – Affordable and advanced handheld Surf-X Flexible Array Probes |
| Material Hardness Inspection | Eddy Current | InSite – Manufacturing Instrument |
Zetec’s advanced NDT instruments, scanners, and probes allow manufacturers to effectively identify anomalies during metallurgical flaw detection while also maintaining the industry standards for product quality and safety.
Zetec can help you match the right NDT instruments for your metallurgical flaw detection requirement. Contact us today to learn more.