Ultrasonics have a long history of use in non-destructive evaluation to ensure quality in manufacturing and to guarantee ongoing safety. Although successful, the reliability of NDT systems to achieve the desired goals of quality and safety have always been weakened by human factors. Existing NDT systems rely heavily on technician skill to accurately locate and interpret defects.

For the first time, Flash Ultrasound offers the NDT industry quantitative material property measurement for improved probability of detection (POD) with significantly less dependence on operator skill. Other system advantages such as instant data capture, 3D visualization and data sharing, exact defect sizing, high spatial and contrast resolution and the ability to image through thick or heterogeneous materials are also valued for many modern non-destructive testing needs.

InnerVision has successfully completed proof of concept tests with both metallic and non-metallic materials such as polymer and composites. InnerVision is actively working with end users in industries such as aerospace, precision manufacturing, power and automotive manufacturing to test new applications of Flash Ultrasound as an NDT tool.

Flash Ultrasound is also uniquely positioned to meet the needs of metrology applications that require dimensional precision. The system is particularly valuable as a measurement tool when the object to be measured is embedded within a thick or heterogeneous material and has been tested for such an application in the construction industry.

Flash Ultrasound measurements can immediately integrate into industry standard computer-aided design (CAD) programs. The system is flexible and can also be used to enhance the sensitivity of other measurement datasets such as digital radiography, computed tomography (CT), and hyperspectral images.

InnerVision is currently exploring potential applications for Flash Ultrasound as an efficient in-line quality management tool to perform simultaneous external and internal structure quality checks without exposure to harmful radiation.