In-shop inspection

This more advanced radiography technique, more and more used in aeronautics, consists in exposing a reusable phosphor film to an X-ray beam. The film, when digitized, produces a detailed electronic image in shades of gray (lighter shade for thicker material, darker for thinner). The x-ray allows you to "see" through the part.

 

Benefits :

• Intuitive interpretation
• Inspection results with digital evidences
• Much easier and faster transfer and saving of results
• Applicable to complex geometries
• Possible to inspect just about any material
• In the workshop, possibility of quickly inspecting a batch of parts

 

To consider :

• Requires compliant facilities to eliminate risk of exposure

 

Certifications : 

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

The conventional radiography technique used in aeronautics consists in exposing a film to an X-ray beam. The film, when developed, produces a detailed image in shades of gray (lighter shade for thicker material, darker for thinner). The x-ray allows you to "see" through the part. In the workshop, exposure takes place in a lead cabinet, and development is done with an automatic processor inside a darkroom.

 

Benefits :

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

 

To consider :

• Requires compliant facilities to eliminate 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)
• CGSB, radiography, level 2
• NAS 410, radiography, levels 2 and 3

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

 

Benefits :

• Excellent probability of detection
• Applicable on a wide variety of geometries
• Applicable to a wide range of materials

 

To consider :

• Requires a very clean surface with no surface coating
• The inspected surface should be fairly smooth, difficult to use this method on rough surface

 

Certifications :

• AMO # 25-10, Penetrant (FAA, EASA equivalences)
• Bombardier approved supplier
• CGSB, PT, levels 2 and 3
• NAS 410, PT, levels 2 and 3

The non-destructive testing using magnetic particles on a magnetic bench is a very effective method of inspection. An electric current is used to generate a longitudinal or circumferential magnetic field in the part. It is then sprayed with a liquid containing small ferromagnetic 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 on 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 in the part

 

Certifications :

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

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

 

Benefits :

• Quick and precise method
• Very sensitive to surface cracks
• Effective through painted or coated surfaces
• Inspection through multiple thin layers
• Measurement of the 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
• CGSB, Eddy Current, level 2
• NAS 410, Eddy current, levels 2 and 3

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

 

Benefits :

• Volumetric inspection, not just on the surface
• Very precise thickness measurements
• Easy to perform in the case of thickness measurements
• Versatile technique

 

To consider :

• Requires application of couplant to inspection surfaces
• Sensitive to irregularities at the contact surface
• Sensitive to defect orientation

 

Certifications :

• AMO # 25-10, Ultrasound (FAA and EASA equivalents)
• Bombardier approved supplier
• CGSB, Ultrasound, level 2
• NAS 410, Ultrasound, levels 2 and 3