With the advancements in ultrasonic thickness gauge technology, ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) has become an indispensable part of manufacturing and maintenance. NDT methods are helpful because they allow manufacturers and maintenance technicians to identify potential issues before they affect the integrity of their products and cause defects that would otherwise require costly rework or replacement. Here are six reasons why ultrasonic thickness gauge is essential for any industry that values NDT methods.
Ensures the Safety of Your Assets
The ultrasonic thickness gauge uses a non-destructive testing method and is crucial in quality assurance. It can measure the thickness of various materials, from metals to plastics. The NDT gauge works by sending out high-frequency sound waves into a material. The sound waves bounce off surfaces within your object, then an external receiver collects and analyzes them.
By comparing these signals to a baseline reading, you can determine how thick your material is and thus detect accumulation or loss of material such as corrosion. The NDT method is, therefore, suitable for effectively monitoring corrosion across various materials. The data helps ensure you’re using safe equipment or avoiding faulty parts before they cause damage or injury.
Accurate and Precise Measurements
The sound waves used by ultrasonic gauges aren’t limited to metals; these devices can be as precise as several human hairs. In many industrial applications where measurements are essential, they utilize ultrasonic thickness gauges because their accuracy and precision make them more reliable than other methods.
The high accuracy makes them suitable for medical fields, aerospace engineering, and many others. Most industries value accurate and precise measurements so much that they include ultrasonic gauges in their quality assurance programs.
For example, a company might want to ensure that a part’s measurements are correct before shipping out. It could do this by taking ultrasonic thickness measurements on samples from each batch of parts. If all components meet or exceed specifications, then shipping can begin; if not, then adjustments will be necessary before sending out any products. That way, companies avoid costly recalls due to faulty products.
Can Perform Thickness Tests in Hard-to-Reach Areas
Besides ultrasonic thickness gauges, most thickness gauges need direct access to a part or object to perform a test. But ultrasonic equipment can perform tests in hard-to-reach areas since sound waves travel through most materials, and the object’s surface will reflect it to the gauge. That makes ultrasonic gauges ideal for general non-destructive testing (NDT) needs.
For example, you could use an ultrasonic gauge to inspect components inside jet engines without removing them from their casings. That is especially important for aircraft manufacturers and maintenance technicians who want to avoid unnecessary downtime on jets or other vehicles. It’s also effective in storage containers or underwater tests, where traditional gauges might not be able to detect objects due to water interference.
Speed and Ease of Use
When it comes to ultrasonic thickness gauges, nothing can beat their speed and ease of use. Unlike radiography, you don’t need to wait for an x-ray plate to be made and then exposed to film. You also don’t need to lug around a heavy Geiger counter or any other type of radiation detector. Instead, with ultrasonic gauges, all you have to do is point and shoot. It’s as simple as that! No waiting, no fussing—just instant results.
That makes ultrasonic gauges ideal for anyone who needs quick answers when inspecting their products. The ultrasonic equipment can instantly help find flaws in your design without wasting time on laborious testing methods.
Cost-Effective and Safe Method
Ultrasonic thickness gauges offer a fast, reliable measurement without exposing workers or expensive equipment to high-risk situations. By providing quick, accurate information about your product’s quality and safety, ultrasonic gauges make it easy to keep costs down and help create products that meet industry standards and are fit for sale.
The ultrasonic NDT method also helps you quickly identify quality issues so you can fix them immediately—reducing downtime and letting you take advantage of opportunities faster than your competitors. Since the testing method is fast and accurate, there’s no need to send samples back and forth between multiple facilities; you can get results in one place and use them immediately.
Conclusion
The ultrasonic thickness gauge is a non-destructive testing method with high diagnostic capabilities and is a great way to improve your product quality and save money. Not only does it allow you to measure an object’s thickness accurately, but it also allows you to inspect parts without causing damage. However, it’s crucial to identify a reputable company dealing with ultrasonic technology if you want to ensure that you’re getting a reliable instrument.