PMRC Develops Crack Detector and U.S. Patent Issued
The Powder Metallurgy Research center through the support of the Consortium members and the CPMT (Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology), has developed the technology and prototype instruments for detecting cracks in green compacts. Beta site tests were performed on simple and complex geometry parts. The instrument exploits electrostatic current flow through the sample under test. It requires low and medium conductivity values of approximately 25,000 S/m and less.
Surface areas as large as 20 by 20 mm can be inspected at a time. Surface breaking cracks be detected, and 20 micron hairline flaws can reliably be detected with the use of the PMRC crack detector. The Minimum crack depth which can be detected is 3mm. Typical inspection time including data analysis and presentation is in the order of 5-8 seconds.
The detector is a contacting sensor. An array of up to 100 spring-loaded needles are in contact with the sample under test. A Patent has been granted, US patent No: US 6,218,846; issued April 17, 2001.
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