Non-destructive testing

Industry 4.0 and big data methods will lead to a paradigm shift in the application of non-destructive components testing and materials diagnostics methods. These methods are an essential source of valuable data. New sensor concepts, robot-assisted measurements, cloud-based data acquisition, and data evaluation using AI methods are driving this transformation and expanding the application range of new and well-established NDT methods.

Backed by several decades of experience, Fraunhofer IKTS and its Materials Diagnostics Division are positioned to cope with these challenges. IKTS concepts established in ceramics development – covering complete value chains and realizing material and process innovations at the system level – can also be transferred to materials diagnostics. Non-destructive components testing (NDT) and materials diagnostics will be performed over the entire product life cycle, from development to testing or monitoring in production and use. For this, Fraunhofer IKTS draws on traditional methods such as ultrasonic, eddy current, and x-ray inspection as well as acoustic diagnostics, combining or supplementing these techniques with new methods such as laser speckle photometry or optical coherence tomography. By linking the data acquired during testing with a dynamic simulation model of the part or system, it is possible to predict the service life or performance with the help of the “digital twin”.

Fraunhofer IKTS is part of the globally leading Dresden Materials Research Cluster and cooperates with the Dresden Microelectronics Network as well as various established mechanical engineering companies.

Topics

 

Accredited NDT test lab

As NDT specialist and NDT full service provider, Fraunhofer IKTS is accredited by the Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS) for individual procedures in the fields of ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, acoustic emission testing and visual inspection.

 

Ultrasonic methods

Ultrasound is one of the most commonly used methods in non-destructive testing. As a developer for industrial ultrasonic testing systems, Fraunhofer IKTS offers sensors, electronics, software as well as simulation and modeling services.

 

Acoustic methods

Defective components as well as critical plant and operating processes have special noise patterns that can be detected quickly and precisely using acoustic methods. Fraunhofer IKTS is a proven specialist for special elastodynamic methods and acoustic emission analysis.

 

Electromagnetic methods

Electromagnetic methods such as eddy current or Barkhausen noise can be used excellently for defect detection in lightweight construction or for large ferromagnetic components in refineries, power plants or civil infrastructures. Fraunhofer IKTS develops, optimizes and validates these test methods and the associated test systems.

 

X-ray methods

Modern X-ray methods can be used not only to address materials science issues in the industrial sector, but also to carry out examinations of archaeological finds, musical instruments or woody plants. For volume or surface examinations, Fraunhofer IKTS uses various X-ray methods such as microcomputed tomography, CT laminography or X-ray diffraction.

 

Optical methods

At Fraunhofer IKTS, traditional non-destructive testing methods are combined or supplemented with new methods such as laser speckle photometry or optical coherence tomography. These methods allow testing in real time and without direct contact with the sample. High measurement speeds also predestine them for inline testing in industrial production.

 

Advanced NDT

Complex testing tasks in the context of Industrie 4.0 provide an enormous amount of process data. At Fraunhofer IKTS, these data are analyzed using pattern recognition and machine learning methods and customers are shown targeted ways to use this valuable information.

 

Application examples

The competence portfolio of Fraunhofer IKTS goes far beyond that of a classical supplier of NDT testing technology, which has already been demonstrated in numerous projects. The project spectrum ranges from simple services to the selective further development of a process or customer-specific components to complete system development.

Cooperation models
 

Innovation and development are the cornerstones of a promising corporate future. In order to create a competitive edge, Fraunhofer offers tailored options for cooperation, so that small and medium-sized companies can work together in the best possible way. This also allows to utilize development skills at short notice and as needed.