Structural Integrity Tester enables automated part inspection.
Press Release Summary:
NDT-RAM(TM) Resonant Acoustic Method for Non-Destructive Testing system comes in kit configuration suited for integration with existing automated component handling systems. Product uses resonant inspection to test structural integrity of powder metal, cast or forged components. NDT-SEMI includes NDT-RAM software running LanSharc smart digital controller with NDT-MICI microphone sensor, electric impact hammer, touch panel computer with 15 in. LCD, and acoustic test chamber.
Original Press Release:
The Modal Shop Announces a New System Configuration for Its NDT-RAM(TM) Resonant Inspection Production Line
CINCINNATI, OH (July 1, 2003)- NDT-RAM(TM), The Modal Shop's Resonant Acoustic Method for Non-Destructive Testing system has been updated with a new kit configuration ideally suited for integration with users' existing automated component handling systems. Ideal for manufacturers or users of metal parts who require 100% inspection, produce or use safety-critical parts, have substantial scrap costs due to false rejects, or simply want to improve their part quality, NDT-RAM uses resonant inspection to test the structural integrity of powder metal, cast or forged components. It has been used for the inspection of parts in a variety of markets, including the automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and medical industries.
The NDT-SEMI includes NDT-RAM software running the LanSharc smart digital controller with the NDT-MICI microphone sensor, an industrial electric impact hammer model 086M92, a rack-mountable, all-in-one touch panel computer with integrated 15" LCD touch panel screen, an acoustic test chamber model NDT-ACI and other necessary cables and accessories.
The system is easily integrated with existing automated component handling systems or can be designed into new automated production lines, typically needing about four to six feet of conveyor space to position, strike, analyze and sort parts. Once integrated, the system provides quality control testing of parts as fast as one part per second, allowing for fully automated, 100% part inspection.
Resonant Inspection as an NDT technique continues to gain acceptance as a reliable method of quality control, particularly for powder metal and cast parts. With no part preparation required, this technique can successfully identify internal and external flaws due to cracks, voids, material density, bonding, out-of-tolerance dimensions and manufacturing processes. The Modal Shop's system uses its impact hammer to "ping" test parts as they move along the conveyor handling system. The microphone sensor provides a non-contact measurement of the acoustic signature of the part without stopping the line. The LanSharc smart digital controller compares this signature against a pre-set template and accepts or rejects the part accordingly. This implementation of resonant inspection greatly simplifies automation handling requirements, typically eliminating the need for robotic maneuvering and complex part fixturing. Part throughput rates are kept high by never stopping the line to make the inspection measurement. Everything is done "on the fly" and can easily be adapted to multiple types of parts with the same system.
For more information about how the NDT-RAM system can benefit your operations, contact THE MODAL SHOP, INC., 3149 E. Kemper Road Cincinnati, OH 45241-1516, Internet: www.modalshop.com, (800) 860-4867, Fax (513) 458-2172 or e-mail: ndt@modalshop.com.
