Non-destructive testing for identification of quality defects in constructional glass

Purpose and goal

The project goal is to conform that there is a potential for commercializing non-destructive non-linear ultra sound analysis, NAW®, as a method for classification of constructional glass. The market analysis shows that there is a demand and a good commercialization potential. Several customer categories has been identified within in different market areas. An application of the technology gives economical an environmental gains as well as a possibility to ensure the quality of installed load bearing glass constructions.

Results and expected effects

The technical verification shows that NAW® is a very sensitive technique and can detect hardly visible flaws in the glass surface. The high sensitivity is a strength within the technique. Mechanical testing is a very important tool for calibration of the technique so that just flaws influencing the strength will be recorded resulting in a fast and efficient measurement. More and more load bearing glass components are introduced and it is important to have a non-destructive tool to verify the quality even after longer periods of usage.

Approach and implementation

The planning project has been a collaboration between Acoustic Agree, structural mechanics at Lund University, Glafo and Forserum Safety Glass. The market analysis was coordinated by Lund University. All participants have contributed resulting in a good description of the market. In the project some new testing with non-destructive measurements followed by mechanical testing of the glass to confirm the NAW®- method. These tests gave more knowledge and helped to define a continuation project.