REL has developed a TAM panel for fluorescent non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection that is designed to support inspection accuracy and repeatability while reducing environmental and human-health concerns associated with hexavalent chromium processing.
A TAM panel is a known-defect standard used to verify that inspection systems and processes are operating correctly before safety-critical production parts are examined. The panel is processed under the same conditions as production components to confirm that operational and procedural parameters, chemicals, lighting and equipment are functioning as required.
The development comes amid a recent policy shift by the US Department of War (DoW) aimed at minimizing the use of hexavalent chromium processing because of its environmental toxicity and potential effects on human health.
REL TAM Panel targets durability and process repeatability
The REL TAM Panel uses a plated process and material intended to maximise product durability and process repeatability while minimising human health effects and environmental contamination.
The panel consists of an intimately bonded electroplated layer applied over a food-grade 316 stainless steel substrate. It is then heat-treated and processed using diamond tooling and measurement techniques to produce the finished TAM panel.
REL said the durability of the product is verified through environmental testing, followed by NIST-traceable measurements to ensure that the controlled and specified indications can withstand industrial conditions.
The plating is designed to comply with RoHS, REACH, WEEE, ELV and Proposition 65 requirements.
Compliance with aerospace and NDT standards
The REL TAM Panel has been approved to Pratt & Whitney TAM146040 in both polished/mirror finish and grit-blasted configurations. It is also certified to GE Aerospace Process Specification P3TF47 and approved to Rolls-Royce RRP58003.
The panel meets requirements associated with several established NDT specifications and standards, including:
- ASTM E1417
- MIL-STD-6866
- TO 33B-1-1
- NAVAIR 01-1A-16-1
- TM 1-1500-335-23
The combination of controlled defect indications, environmental testing and NIST-traceable measurements is intended to provide a consistent reference for fluorescent NDT inspection processes.
For fluorescent inspection systems, the TAM panel serves as a frontline check against system degradation and drift. Processing the standard under production conditions allows inspection personnel to verify the performance of the complete inspection process before safety-critical components are evaluated.
