TPT November 2007

Technology Update

New centre of excellence for advanced products

In response to the increase in demand for advanced non-destructive testing solutions, Sonatest Ltd, UK, has created a new centre of excellence, with a dedicated team to support this growing sector and strengthen its position within the advanced NDT product market. The development of the new Application Centre for Advanced Products and Projects (ACAPP) has taken place in order to provide high levels of technical support to end users and their specific applications, from consultancy to post sales stage.

Highly skilled, specialist engineers have been recruited to assist customers who require advanced NDT solutions and their specific applications. With a skill- set covering phased array expertise, mechanical, transducer and electronic design, together with software development, the ACAPP team is able to fully investigate and support all advanced application demands, providing bespoke solutions where required. Products that are supported by the ACAPP group include the Harfang X-32 and other

› Sonatest’s Rapidscan2 unit

phased array products, the Sonatest NDTS Rapidscan2, Rapidscan-3d and the SFD- 100 Systems Flaw Detector. At this level, these technologies require significant technical support throughout the sales process, often requiring proof of application suitability, involving testing and reporting, NDT effectiveness and system integration. Bespoke transducer development and instrumentation customisation are also supported. Some of this work will be carried out in the new facility of testing laboratories within Sonatest Ltd. Particular areas of expertise include composite inspection and on-line high speed scanning. The specialists within the ACAPP group are able to assist in developing procedures for product approval, integrating systems into end-users’ workflows, training users and working on data analysis. Sonatest Ltd is part of the Sonatest NDE Group of Companies, an independent manu- facturer of ultrasonic flaw detectors, x-ray equipment, scanning systems, thickness gauges, transducers and NDT accessories.

Accurate lengths with quick-change cut-off system Roll-Kraft, USA, has launched the Rapid-Konvert cut-off system, an innovation based on Ardcor technology. The quick-change cut-off system provides accurate cut lengths throughout the entire speed range, with operation via a simple touchscreen. The system is operated by press, die, and closed-loop servo-driven controls.

The integrated die frame, cylinder, and carriage can be quickly changed between vertical and angular cuts. The quick-change die inserts are round for easy conversion between vertical- and angle-cut applications. Inserts are designed for long life, and can be sharpened using any conventional grinder. The die set with hydraulic cylinder is easily rotated within the frame for vertical or angled cutting action, with no need to remove hoses or change die sets. Precision linear rails provide a quiet and low- maintenance system, and speeds of over

› The Rapid-Konvert cut-off system

600ft per minute are possible, depending on the application. An electric servo motor and controls provide accurate and repeatable cuts within the specified range, by simply entering the desired speed on the display screen. Ardcor’s Rapid-Konvert cut-off system can be fully integrated with existing equipment.

Sonatest Ltd – UK Fax : +44 1908 321323 Email : marketing@sonatest.com Website : www.sonatest.com

Roll-Kraft – USA Fax : +1 440 205 3110 • Website : www.roll-kraft.com

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N ovember /D ecember 2007