Torngats

This more advanced X-ray technique, increasingly used in aeronautics, involves exposing a reusable phosphor film to a beam of X-rays. The film, when digitized, produces a detailed electronic image in gray tones (lighter, thicker material, darker, less thick). X-rays allow you to “see” across the room. 

Benefits :

• Intuitive interpretation
• Inspection results with digital data evidence
• Transfer and save results much simpler and faster
• Applicable to complex geometries
• Able to inspect just about any materials
• In the workshop, possibility of quickly inspecting a batch of parts

To consider :

Requires compliant installations to eliminate risk of exposure

Certifications: 

• AMO #25-10 Radiography (FAA, EASA equivalences)
• ONGC, radiography, level 2
• NAS 410, radiography, levels 2 and 3

The conventional radiography technique used in aeronautics consists of exposing a film to a beam of X-rays. The film, once developed, produces a detailed image in gray tones (lighter, thicker material, darker, less thick). X-rays allow you to “see” across the room. In the workshop, exposure takes place in a lead cabinet, and development is done with an automatic developer inside a darkroom.

Benefits :

• Intuitive interpretation
• Inspection results with evidence on films
• Applicable to complex geometries
• Able to inspect just about any materials
• In the workshop, the possibility of quickly inspecting a batch of parts

To consider :

• Requires compliant installations to eliminate the risk of exposure
• Conventional films must be passed on to customers and stored in an appropriate location, often for several years

Certifications: 

• AMO #25-10 Radiography (FAA, EASA equivalences)
• ONGC, radiography, level 2
• NAS 410, radiography, levels 2 and 3

The non-destructive penetrant or liquid penetrant testing method is simple to perform but requires a few successive steps (cleaning, penetrating liquid, waiting, cleaning, developer, waiting, interpretation, cleaning). In the workshop, these steps are carried out in batches of parts on a production line to be much more efficient. The method makes it possible to detect defects emerging on the surface and is more frequently used for non-ferromagnetic materials, such as aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel. The technique used in aeronautics is a fluorescent version which requires interpretation under a UV lamp.

Benefits :

• Excellent probability of detection
• Applicable to very varied geometries
• Applicable to a wide range of materials

To consider :

• Requires a very clean surface with no surface coating
• The inspected surface must be rather smooth, a method difficult to apply on rough surfaces

Certifications:

• AMO #25-10, Penetrant Testing (FAA, EASA equivalences)
• Bombardier Approved Supplier
• ONGC, Penetrant Testing, levels 2 and 3
• NAS 410, Penetrant Testing, levels 2 and 3

The non-destructive testing method by magnetoscopy on a magnetic bench is very effective. An electric current is used to generate a longitudinal or circumferential magnetic field. The part is then sprayed with a liquid containing small ferromagnetic and fluorescent particles attracted by magnetic field leaks caused by surface defects. The indications are finally observable under UV light.

Benefits :

• Excellent probability of detection
• Applicable to various geometries
• Fast and effective

To consider :

• Applicable only to ferromagnetic materials
• Detection of surface or near-surface defects only
• A demagnetizer is used after the inspection to avoid residual magnetism of the part

Certifications:

• AMO #25-10, Magnetic particle inspection (FAA, EASA equivalences)
• ONGC, Magnetic particle inspection, level 2
• NAS 410, Magnetoscopy, levels 2 and 3

The eddy current inspection method is based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. A defect present in the conductive surface near the probe will have the effect of disrupting the flow of these eddy currents and their magnetic fields, which will thus modify the impedance of the coil. The instrument therefore presents the variations in amplitude and phase of impedance of the probe, caused by discontinuities in the inspected surface. This method is used for the detection of surface (HFEC) as well as subsurface (LFEC) defects, such as cracks or corrosion, in conductive, but non-ferromagnetic, materials. It can also be used to measure the conductivity of materials.

Benefits :

• Fast and precise method
• Very sensitive to surface cracks
• Effective through painted or coated surfaces
• Inspection through multiple thin layers
• Measurement of conductivity of materials

To consider :

• Not very effective on ferromagnetic materials
• Only applicable to conductive materials

Certifications:

• AMO #25-10 Eddy current (FAA, EASA equivalences)
• Bombardier Approved Supplier
• ONGC, Eddy Current, level 2
• NAS 410, Eddy Current, levels 2 and 3

The ultrasonic non-destructive testing method, with conventional devices, allows the volume of a material to be inspected, not just the surface. Angle ultrasound is generally used to detect cracks on an inaccessible surface. Ultrasound with a straight probe is often used to take precise residual thickness measurements. It is an effective technique, which requires good mastery of the technician in the case of angle ultrasound.

Benefits :

• Volumetric inspection, not just surface inspection
• Very precise thickness measurements
• Simple to carry out in the case of thickness measurements
• Versatile technique

To consider :

• Requires application of couplant to inspect surfaces
• Sensitive to irregularities on the contact surface
• Sensitive to fault orientation

Certifications:

• AMO #25-10, Ultrasound (FAA and EASA equivalences)
• Bombardier Approved Supplier
• ONGC, Ultrasound, level 2
• NAS 410, Ultrasound, levels 2 and 3

The Thermography Inspection method uses a camera that detects infrared and represents it on the visible color spectrum. This method is generally used in aeronautics to detect the presence of water or mold.  

Benefits :

• Without contact with the inspected part
• Rapid coverage of large areas
• Fairly simple execution

To consider :

• Interpretation can be tricky: it is necessary to consider the emissivity, reflection, and transmission of the material
• A temperature differential is usually required. It may be necessary to heat the surface slightly or change the environmental component (indoor/outdoor)
• Generally requires observation perpendicular to the surface being inspected