The Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing, Germany, reports that researchers have developed a hybrid NDT technology in which micromagnetic and ultrasound inspection are combined. Called MAGNUS (for MAGneticUltraSound), the system involves placing multiple sensors at different positions on sheet steel, enabling accurate characterization of sheet steel properties such as ductility and weldability.
For many years, magnetic test methods have been used in the area of strip steel inspection for online determination of the mechanical-technological characteristics. “While the micromagnetic method helps us to determine properties such as hardness, tensile strength, and internal stress, ultrasound testing informs us about the texture of the material, a critical factor governing its deformation characteristics during the deep drawing process,” explains Fraunhofer research scientist Dr. Klaus Szielasko, who is leading the MAGNUS project.
A demonstrator including two sensors has been assembled and is currently under test. The project runs out in January 2015. Until then, test data will be gathered by Fraunhofer in close collaboration with its French partner and industry experts. After these results are evaluated, first steps shall be taken to initiate working groups for further development of the hybrid micromagnetics/ultrasound application.
MAGNUS brings together scientists from Fraunhofer IZFP and their colleagues at the Technical Centre for Mechanical Industry CETIM in Senlis, one of the network of French Carnot institutes.
“We placed particular emphasis on coming up with a cost-effective tool and sensor concept,” stresses Dr. Szielasko. Within the scope of industrial contracts, three systems for heavy plate inspection have already been manufactured based on MAGNUS technology.
