• SE Systems Inc

Ndt Inspection System Detects Defective Powder Metallurgy Parts

The smartEDDY 3.0 eddycurrent (EC) test and measurement system is capable of performing real-time, nondestructive inspection of P/M parts as they exit from forming and sintering operations in a routine, production-line environment. smartEDDY 3.0 combines easy-to-use software programs with internally-mounted, eddy-current instrument modules to convert a PC-compatible 386/486/Pentium computer into a multiple frequency, low noise EC test, measurement, or imagine system. With eddy-current technology, no direct probe-to-part couplant or contact is required, providing reliable flaw detection while maintaining high productionline throughput. Detection is virtually instantaneous. The inspection rate is limited only by the mechanical method used to pass the parts by the probes. The project's importance derives from the rapidly expanding use of P/M for net-or near-net-shape formed parts. P/M technology offers significant savings in labour, materials, and energy over conventional metallurgical and machining processes. The reliability of P/M parts can be dramatically improved by a dependable NDT method for detecting cracks, laminations, and other parameters affecting part performance.