The Situation
Continued improvements in PCs and constantly expanding data communication networks provide new opportunities for PC-based testing and inspection techniques as an answer to the increasing requirements imposed on Quality Control (QC) services.

The aspects of component and plant safety, availability, and life extension define the requirements for concise QC activities. Today, many QC inspections, which include all the pertinent information (e.g., inspection parameters, inspection results, and critical path schedules), can be planned ahead of time, precisely managed during the given time window, and retro fitted after the examinations by using centralized data and information banks

Our Solution
Intelligent testing and inspection instruments permit the retrieval of stored inspection and component information, including results from pre-service and in-service examinations and other pertinent data from existing data banks. This capability allows the virtual replaying of past inspections for result comparisons and analyses of component conditions on a standard PC.

The Fraunhofer-IZFP has developed a high-end PC-Card, the PCUS 10, which when combined with a standard PC and custom-made software, forms an intelligent, state-of-the-art ultrasonic testing instrument. This instrument exhibits tremendous versatility with flaw detection and complete inspection documentation, and also with material characterization applications such as case hardening and stress-state testing.

The Advantages

• All components required for ultrasonic testing (e.g., timer, pulser, amplifier, A/D converter, A-scan memory, PC-interface, etc.) are contained on a single card.

• Minimum power requirements (less than 5 W) are suitable for portable PCs (lunch box size) with power management features.

• The PCUS 10 card accommodates automated inspections (CPS-UT software), automated and semi-automated analysis (SAFT), and manual inspections (PCUSWare3^© software).

• Custom designed software for special applications is also available upon request

Standard Applications

• Material and component inspections, including storage of pertinent exam and component parameters and complete examination results.

• Characterization of solid and liquid materials.

• Wall thickness testing