Safran Engineering Services Advances Non-Destructive Testing with SMV2 Software Suite
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a pivotal technique for inspecting and evaluating the quality of materials, components, and structures without compromising their integrity. Safran Engineering Services has harnessed NDT's potential and developed the cutting-edge SMV2 software suite, which is instrumental in inspecting critical components like LEAP engine fan blades, fixed internal nacelle structure panels, and internal landing gear pistons.
The SMV2 software suite has been meticulously crafted to cater to diverse testing projects, incorporating various acquisition methods such as thermography, tomography, radiography, and digital cameras. This veritable toolbox ensures precise detection and characterization of defects, including cracks, porosities, inclusions, dimensional variations, and other imperfections in metal and composite parts, including large-scale components.
A standout feature of the SMV2 suite is its application in inspecting fixed internal nacelle structure panels. Utilizing infrared thermography with a flash and thermal camera, this innovative method sets Safran apart from others using conventional digital tomography, 2D digital radiography, or visual inspection. Marc Garas, the application software service manager at Safran Engineering Services, underscores the importance of constant improvement in algorithms and ergonomic research to facilitate analysis and optimize performance.
The software suite seamlessly integrates into robotized cells, enabling efficient communication with infra-red cameras and flashes used in the inspection process. It empowers operators to detect and analyze defects in real-time while storing essential information in a database for further use by data scientists and production managers. The suite's automation ensures that inspection reports, crucial for part validation, can be generated automatically.
To facilitate the widespread adoption of non-destructive testing across Safran, the company entered into an initial consortium agreement with Axiome and Groupe ADF (LATESYS), manufacturers and integrators of robotized cells, at the Paris Air Show. This collaboration showcases Safran's confidence in the product and aligns with the Group's commitment to digitalizing processes, often referred to as Manufacturing 4.0. The consortium aims to create a global, high-performance, tailor-made non-destructive testing solution, encompassing a robotized cell and secure integrated software suite, revolutionizing the industry by ensuring digital continuity by 2024."
