Thermal NDT system for ERW Tube and Pipe

May 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Says the production manager of ERW mill, "This is one of the best NDT systems I have seen.  We ran galvanized and the sensor head still operated reliably in the environmentally, harsh conditions. "

As a supplier to tier 1, quality is paramount to successful programs.  High value and of key importance for this ERW / HFI tube producer, is the ability for the NDT weld inspection system to detect cold welds.

Not only did the system detect cold welds, it is also detected other weld defects such as butt weld splice, squeeze force variations, materials property changes, real temperature of the weld bead and energy  input.  

The QA/QC team is equally impressed with the NDT system.  Back office data recording, viewing and SPC tools allows for more in-depth weld inspection analysis.  In real-time they can view production records, quickly see if a tube length is good or bad, create and edit weld inspection programs.  Individual records they can view the thermal weld profile in a macro time line.

Like any new instrument on a production line, it is only as effective as user acceptance.  A key component of this ERW NDT weld inspection system is the speed at which supervisors and operators alike take to the system.  The main screen is very visual, intuitive and easy to understand.   We have noticed, after a day of use the mill crew uses the NDT system to setup and operate the ERW mill.  The supervisors are able to create their own weld procedure programs, set the proper control limits, and show the operator the meaning of the parameters displayed.

How effective is this system?  A recent project with a tube producer for HSLA using plasma welding, was bidding for a new program for a big 3 OEM. The thermal NDT system was instrumental in our client winning the program and the system is now part of the work procedure, mandated by the OEM.

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Invisual E. Inc is dedicated to advancements of quality, efficiency and capabilities for manufacturing. The firm specializes in control systems, process improvement and quality management systems. A technology firm that helps OEM, integrators and manufacturers deliver improvements on key objectives to building brands, expanding markets, and growing revenues.