Based on the name “ultrasonic instruments”, it is clear that these are devices that use ultrasound to perform their function. So, to be able to answer the question “what are ultrasonic instruments?”, one should begin by describing what ultrasound is.
What is ultrasound?
Ultrasound makes reference to the principle of using sound waves at very high frequencies, usually higher than those the humans can hear.
This means that ultrasound applies frequencies higher than 20 kilohertz with operating values reaching up to the gigahertz ranges depending on the ultrasonic instrument.
The word ultrasound is commonly heard in the health sector, where ultrasound imaging is commonplace.
Yet, when it comes to the engineering field, ultrasonic instruments are used for different purposes, such as non-destructive testing, measurement and quality control.
Ultrasonic instruments for non-destructive testing
Some ultrasonic instruments are used for non-destructive testing in order to identify and verify mechanical features while keeping the integrity of the part tested.
This type of ultrasonic instruments is especially useful for finished parts or products. They allow you to identify and test aspects such as:
- Flaws on the surface finish which may not be visible to the eye.
- Hardness of the material.
- Pipe fractures that may lead to leakage.
- Other invisible flaws.
Using ultrasonic instruments for non-destructive testing provides you with a series of advantages, for example:
- Both internal and external flaws can be detected.
- Both volumetric and crack like flaws can be detected no matter their orientation
- Some instruments take the exact same time to test pieces with different thickness.
- The radiation risk present with the radiography method of testing is eliminated.
Deepen your knowledge of ultrasonic thickness measurement.
Reference standards for non-destructive testing
Non-destructive testing is regulated by different standards which determine the verification methods to be applied according to the material, the thickness of the metal, the type of joint, etc.
S.A.M.A. Italia is associated with UNI Ente italiano di Normazione:
Being a Member allows you to participate personally in the definition of the rules, helping to define the rules of your sector of reference rather than subject them.
UNI allows members and not to consult the reference standards at any time, purchasing them online.
Italian Association of Non-Destructive Tests
AIPnD has been present in Italy since 1979. It’s a scientific, cultural and professional organization and it’s among the first and most important in the world in its sector.
Its members belong to institutes, research centers, organizations, schools, professional firms, instrumentation manufacturers and companies that provide PnD services.
The association is based in Brescia, Italy and promotes scientific and technical knowledge. It’s also involved in the technological development of non-destructive tests as well as enhancing the profession of those working in the sector.
Ultrasonic instruments for measurement
Another group of ultrasonic instruments is formed by those used to measure parameters such as the thickness of a material or a coating with high precision.
You can find them in the section of our website “measurement of ultrasonic thickness”.
Ultrasonic measuring gauges are capable of measuring the thickness by using a probe that generates an ultrasound pulse and sends it through the thickness of the part being measured.
Then, the instrument calculates the thickness by a calculation that considers the time needed for that ultrasound pulse to go through, get reflected by the opposite surface of the piece and return to the probe.
With the values obtained by the instrument, it is possible to identify and verify:
- Thickness of the material for possible wear.
- Corrosion on the material.
- Possibility of splitting material.
- Accurate coating thickness.
Considered part of the non-destructive testing tools, ultrasonic instruments for measurement offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Not damaging the measured sample.
- High precision achieved.
- Do not require laboratory like conditions to work.
- These instruments are cheap compared to other alternatives.
Here are some ultrasonic instruments that we produce under the SAMA Tools® brand, we are talking about various models of thickness gauges:
- Centesimal – SAUT160
- Graph – SAUT500D-SW
- Millesimal – SAUT350-SW
- Through paints – SAUT310D-SW
- Decimal – SA8812
Ultrasonic instruments for quality control
Both non-destructive testing and measurements are used to compare results with what is expected. If results match the specifications of the part or the product tested, it can be concluded that the part has the quality desired.
It is then obvious that ultrasonic instruments are an important asset for quality control. Most ultrasonic instruments provide information which is essential for quality assurance, such as:
- Roughness measure and control.
- Wall thickness.
- Coating thickness.
- Color and gloss differences measure.
- Hardness of the material.
Therefore, benefits for the quality control department include all the benefits mentioned above, plus the fact that some of these instruments can be applied directly in the production line without the need of taking samples to a laboratory.
Also, all the ultrasonic instruments mentioned above are useful for quality control activities, but we have more. Other instruments we offer and can come in handy for quality control are:
- Portable roughness meters
- Roughness meter with remote probe
- Digital Coating Thickness Gauges with Integrated Probe
- External Probe Digital Coating Thickness Gauges
And this is just a small list.
What materials can be tested?
At this point, you should already known what are ultrasonic instruments, how they work and their main applications. However, it is also important to understand which are the materials that make ultrasonic instruments the right choice.
Fortunately, these instruments work with a wide range of materials, especially if they are high-quality instruments.
For example, our mesuratore di thickness ad ultrasonica – SAUT160 can measure the thickness of conductive materials with ultrasound such as:
- Steel
- Cast Iron
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Brass
- Zinc
- Quartz Glass
- Polyethylene
- PVC
- Gray Cast Iron
- Spheroidal Iron
8 Articles on ultrasonic instruments for further information
Are you interested in learning more about this topic?
We have selected these themed articles for you:
- Ultrasonic thickness measurement: definitive guide
- How to measure the thickness of paint and coatings?
- Ultrasonic graphic thickness gauge for fiberglass
- Sheet metal working and quality control
- Industrial pumps: what checks are needed?
- Quality control of painting on ships and yachts: MCR Marine
- Ultrasonic thickness gauge: the case of Progetto PSC S.r.l
- Measuring gloss with the glossmeter
Final thoughts
It is clear that a short and accurate answer for the question “what are ultrasonic instruments?” could be “powerful measuring and testing tools”. The fact that these instruments are capable of providing essential information to improve the quality of products and processes makes them a must have for any company, that takes their business seriously.
Keep in mind that ultrasonic instruments are not only for quality control, some of them are also very useful on the field to perform maintenance inspections on tanks, metal sheets, pipelines, under pressure containers, bulkheads, and other equipment where corrosion and other defects may be present.
If you are interested in purchasing our ultrasonic instruments or have any questions about these or other products or services, please do not hesitate to contattarci. We will be happy to assist you.
