The circular factory

Purpose and goal

In this feasibility project, non-destructive evaluation concepts (quality control) for on-line inspection with laser ultrasonic and EMATs (early in manufacturing processes) have been investigated experimentally. Setups, procedures, and algorithms have been developed and evaluated in a lab. The results from the non-destructive evaluation have then been compared with the results of destructive material characterization.

Expected results and effects

The project has shown that non-destructive evaluation with laser ultrasound can be utilized for detection of critical internal defects and material deviations in extruded brass rods and hot-rolled aluminum as well as for detection and depth positioning of material defects in cast silicon carbide reinforced aluminum components. In order to reach the primary effect goal, energy efficiency, the non-destructive evaluation must be industrially implemented, and for this to be feasible, further research efforts are required, these efforts have been defined in the project.

Planned approach and implementation

The participating industry have specified the requirements on the proposed on-line measurement systems with respect to their selected applications, made samples, and conducted destructive material characterization before and after the non-destructive evaluation experiments. The non-destructive evaluation was performed by KIMAB in their labs. SWECAST contributed knowledge about casting defects. Factory visits have been held to increase knowledge about industrial problems (institutes) and other industries´ similar problems (different industries).