Ultrasonic testing is a non-destructive method to test for invisible defects in metal alloys and any internal flaws. This helps to ensure that our products possess inherent integrity and are ready for use in the most demanding of applications.
Ultrasonic testing, or UT, consists of several non-destructive testing techniques based on the propagation of ultrasonic waves in an object or material. In most UT applications, very short ultrasonic pulse-waves are transmitted into a material to detect any internal flaws.
Ultrasonic inspection uses electronic transducers that transmit high-frequency sound waves to a material. As these sound waves bounce back images, they reveal key characteristics of the material’s properties. The images created by ultrasonic testing can indicate flaws such as cracks, weld grooves, and microscopic fractures.
Sometimes UT can be applied to conduct an ultrasonic thickness measurement, which tests the thickness of the test object, such as tubing or an exposed aircraft component, for example, to monitor metal corrosion.
Ultrasonic testing is often performed on aluminum, steel and other metals and alloys. It is used in many industries including steel and aluminum construction, metallurgy, manufacturing, automotive and, of course, aerospace and other transportation sectors.
The Purpose of Ultrasonic Testing
Because it is a non-destructive testing method, ultrasonic testing is ideal for detecting flaws and defects without damaging the object or material being tested. This makes it ideal for testing finished aerospace parts and materials. In addition, ultrasonic inspections can also be conducted to check for corrosion on structures to prevent potential failure of a part or component.
With ultrasonic testing, a wide variety of microscopic flaws or defects such as cracks, voids, disbonds, inclusions, and similar problems that affect structural integrity can be located and measured.
The ultimate purpose of conducting ultrasonic testing on our finished parts and products is to test material properties related to such failure mechanisms as fatigue, creep, and fracture toughness.
The Benefits of Ultrasonic Testing
Perhaps the single most important benefit of ultrasonic testing is that it is completely nondestructive. This means that the part or product does not have to be cut, sectioned, or exposed to damaging chemicals.
In addition, only one side is required for successful testing, unlike measurement with typical mechanical tools like calipers and micrometers. For our technicians, there are no potential health hazards associated with ultrasonic testing, unlike processes such as radiography, for example.
Other benefits of ultrasonic testing include:
- Results are highly repeatable and reliable.
- High penetrating power, which allows the detection of flaws deep in the part.
- High sensitivity, permitting the detection of extremely small flaws.
- Greater accuracy than other nondestructive methods in determining the depth of internal flaws.
- Non-hazardous and has no effect on equipment and materials in the vicinity.
- Results are immediate.
Your Source for Aerospace Metals Products and Services
AAA Air Support is a manufacturer and stocking distributor of quality raw materials for the Aerospace Industry including roll form stringers and extruded parts, as well many other aluminum, steel and titanium aviation and aerospace products.
In addition, we provide a full range precision aerospace metals services. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing, fabrication, and testing equipment ensures consistent quality production.
Whether you need 100 feet of an aluminum extrusion product, a square foot of titanium, or just a few inches of stainless-steel tubing, AAA Air Support promises to always ship out your order quickly, correct, and efficiently.
Our primary goal is to provide your company with all the materials to complete that project, make the repair, and get that airplane back in the air in challenging AOG situations.
Welcome to including the AAA Air Support Family and thank you for choosing us. As we respectfully ask all our customers, “How may we be of service?”
