National Technical Systems

Non-Destructive Testing

NTS Chesapeake provides advanced industrial X-ray and computed tomography imaging services to clients in a wide variety of industries. Specializing in high-energy, micro-focus applications, NTS offers its customers unmatched results on even the most complex projects. The applications of X-ray computed tomography are widespread and fast-growing. Results can range from qualitative cross-sectional imagery to full quantitative analysis and CAD geometries. NTS’s highly-trained engineers and analysts work alongside its customers from start to finish, guaranteeing the highest value in testing.

X-Ray CT Scanning & Digital Radiography

X-ray computed tomography scanning, or X-ray CT scanning, has proven to be a very powerful tool in the field of non-destructive testing. NTS Chesapeake has the capability to obtain highly detailed 3D images of the internal components of materials and products, thus eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming destructive inspection.

We operate one of the most powerful, high-resolution X-ray CT systems in use today. A large walk-in 450kV microfocus system enables large objects (up to 37-inches in diameter) to be imaged with extremely high resolution. This system, combined with Chesapeake’s other X-ray capabilities and state-of-the-art processing and visualization tools, allows this technology to solve numerous problems spanning many different industries.

3D Metrology Services

NTS Chesapeake provides 3D metrology services in support of geometric inspection and reverse engineering. This capability includes state-of-the-art inspection of small caliber gun barrels and tube assemblies, using a specialized laser-based system. This new technology enables fully-traceable dimensional characterization of the internal surface with resolutions of 0.001”, or better. The inspection takes only minutes and provides far more valuable data than existing legacy methods.

Gun Barrel Mapping

NTS provides a non-destructive laser-based mapping of gun bores, utilizing industry-leading BEMIS™ (Barrel Erosion and Measurement Inspection System) technology. Located in Belcamp, MD, just minutes from the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground, this laboratory is the industry’s first commercial service lab for gun barrel inspection.

Non-Destructive Testing

Image: Dimensional data (left) and a Laser Video Image™ (right) from a scan of a 5.56mm test barrel tooled to fire saboted fragmentation-simulating projectiles. The origin has been reamed out to accommodate the fragment (seen at the bottom) and barrel damage can also be seen from removing jammed fragments (vertical stripes seen in both images).

Chesapeake Testing currently offers customers scanning services utilizing the BEMIS-SC™ for small-calibre weapons. The BEMIS-SC™ is intended for 5.56 – 12.7 mm (.22 to .50-cal.) barrels. This technology is used to evaluate barrel erosion and endurance, quality assurance and control, and barrel certification and re-certification.

For more information on how to get your product testing, contact us today.

Dedicated Inspection Services, From Design to Rollout

NTS provides excellent end-to-end product lifecycle support for manufacturers in numerous industries. Not only do we back you with the design of superior products that are rigorously tested and properly certified, we can manage your supply chain to ensure that it’s just as effective, efficient and reliable as your products.

Product and Process Auditing for Ultimate Quality Control

These services work together to enhance overall quality control. Product audits identify and document nonconforming products; looking for patterns that will drive the development of countermeasures to prevent the issue from recurring. Process audits examine the construction of a product or component and document noncompliance issues, such as safety violations and incorrect machinery settings.

Source Inspection for Total Confidence

Source inspections are vital to the aerospace and aviation industries, as they identify nonconforming products and minimize risk at all stages of the supply chain. NTS is a full-service source inspection company that provides conformity inspections, FAI (first article inspections), test witnessing and a range of other services. We help OEMs and their supplier partners run leaner operations that are less prone to variance and better positioned to meet the challenges of future growth.

Valuable Insights for Supplier Improvement   

NTS works directly with your partners to identify potential concerns and craft improvement strategies based on proven lean management/Six Sigma principles. Our approach is customized to the needs of each supplier, and it focuses on delivering value through improved quality management. With an emphasis on trust and communication, suppliers are encouraged to refine their internal systems to meet your requirements.

Quality Inspection

Quality inspection services include:

• Pre-product inspections to identify issues with raw materials, machinery and internal processes that can lead to nonconforming products
• During-production inspections (DURPO) that allow you to estimate the quality of the finished product and, if necessary, take corrective action early in the production cycle
• First article inspections (FAI) that measure a finished product’s conformance to the initial drawings
• Container loading inspections that look at how a product is shipped and identify potential issues with its packaging or storage

Additional Value-Added Services

Other quality inspection services we offer include:

• PPAP
• Counterfeit parts
• DAR/DMIR