Test Tanks & Material Handling

Many test systems are not fully automated but still require mechanical components to carry out some of the tasks involved in testing a part. These components include

FIXTURING to make certain that the test piece is precisely positioned enough for the ultrasonic test to be carried out.
CONVEYORS to move test parts to or from the test apparatus.
MANIPULATORS to place the test piece in the fixture.
STAMPERS to mark tested parts.
SEGREGATORS to divert tested parts to the appropriate areas for disposition.
TEST TANKS to hold the test piece (often submerged) during testing.

We build these components to our customer’s specifications.  Examples of some of the material handling equipment we have built are listed below.

Segregator for Kicker Tank

The segregator pictured below is part of a semi-automatic testing system in which the tested parts are ejected from the test tank by a mechanical "kicker". They are diverted by the segregator into "accept" or "reject" bins based on the results of the ultrasonic test.

Fixturing for Ultrasonic and Eddy Current Probes

The success or failure of a nondestructive test often hinges on the precision with which the transducers or probes are held in relation to the test piece. This is particularly true in ultrasonic and eddy current testing. Poor probe positioning often results in invalid test results or no test at all. Good fixturing holds probes in the right position and allows for fine adjustment of the probes once they are in place. Pictured below are two examples of the many fixtures we have built, one for eddy current and one for ultrasonics (right).

Skid Plate for Ultrasonic Testing

For ultrasonic immersion testing, it is especially critical that the ultrasonic transducer is normally oriented with respect to the surface of the test part. This orientation can be maintained by computer control if enough axes are available for full contour following. A cheaper way to follow a fairly regular but wavy surface is to use a skid plate such as the one shown below. This plate houses an ultrasonic probe and keeps it oriented properly as the plate moves across the surface of the test piece.

Ultrasonic Test Tank

Pictured below is an ultrasonic immersion tank in which test parts are loaded and removed by hand. The tank is built of 6mm stainless steel plate for ruggedness and durability. Of equal importance is the fluid circulation system which eliminates the particulates that accumulate as testing progresses, keeps the water well mixed with the corrosion resistant additive, and maintains a near constant couplant temperature.

Part Conveyor

Below is a part conveyor used, in this case, to remove tested parts from a velocity testing system.