-New equzpment_ Eddy current unit operates up to 12 probes Inspection of ferrous metals for surface cracks, inclusions and seams is said to be possible with the Hentschel eddy current instrument from NDT Technology Inc of Ann Arbor, MI, USA. The Hentschel DE-300 instrument can be used to monitor multiple test stations/handling systems or to simultaneously inspect multiple test surfaces. This feature is said to allow the buyer to eliminate the cost of purchasing several mechanical inspection systems or instruments to meet inspection requirements.

The DE-300 multi-channel

instrument uses eddy currents to inspect for surface defects on wire, barstock material, and round mass-produced parts. It has a test frequency range of 1 kHz to 500 kHz, oscilloscope display for easy set up and defect signal analysis, and three independent test channels. The instrument can operate three non-contacting test coils or twelve non-contacting test probes (in selected applications).

Suited for continuous automatic operations, the DE-300 comes with standard analogue outputs for viewing the defect signals on

an external oscilloscope and a gate output connection for controlling external gating devices, spray markers, or industrial controllers.

NDT Technology Inc, PO Box 981, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0981, USA

The Hentschel Model DE-300

Ultrasonic pulser-receiver introduced An ultrasonic pulser-receiver designed for ultrasonic testing, material analysis and research has been introduced by Accu-Tron Inc of Millis, MA, USA.

The 1035PR has a high energy pulser with a broadband receiver for optimum penetration over 0.1-35 MHz. The Model 1035PR employs a fast rise time spike pulser capable of delivering - 250 V into 500 ohms. Damping, pulse repetition rate and pulse energy controls permit the user to vary pulse characteristics over a wide range of adjustment.

The receiver section has switchable 20 and 40 dB gain settings. The standard Model 1035PR provides signal attenuation adjustment in 2 dB steps from 0 to 68 dB, while the Model 1035-HR has 1 dB steps over a range of 50 dB.

Applications are expected to include ultrasonic flaw detection and thickness gauging, ultrasonic transducer characterization, and research.

Accu-Tron Inc, 75 Spring Street, Millis, MA 02054, USA

Videotape shows advantages of multiple cycle high power toneburst method A videotape is now available from Matec Instruments Inc of Hopkinton, MA, USA, which shows the differences between using high power toneburst and single cycle ultrasonic transducer excitation methods. The video demonstrates the increased signal strength and information content gained by using the multiple cycle high power toneburst method to study high-loss materials.

The videotape illustrates the use of Matec Instruments' MBS-8000 Computer Controlled Ultrasonic Test System. Using the

MBS-8000, measurements are made on a typical high-loss material, and the researcher is shown changing measurement variable through the use of on-screen computer menus. The modular design of the instrument is also demonstrated. High power toneburst pulses in excess of 2500 W are a key feature of the system, allowing measurements on advanced materials such as composites and ceramics.

Matec Instruments, 75 South Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748, USA

Ultrasonic gauge offers precision measurement

Precision thickness measurement is the purpose of the CL304 ultrasonic thickness gauge from Wells Krautkramer.

Up to 25 mm, the gauge is said to have a resolution of 2.5 #m and it is said to measure down to 0.1 mm in steel (although 5/~m and 0.2 mm are more usual). The instrument can also measure ceramic thickness by using sound velocities up to 20000 m/s. The CL304, with microprocessor control, supercedes the CL204.

An optional data interface permits connection to data loggers, printers and computers, allowing the instrument to be part of a statistical process control system.

Wells Krautkramer, Blackhorse Road, Letchworth, Hertfordshire SG6 1HF, UK

Up to 25 mm the CL 304 precision thickness gauge has a resolution of 2.5 #m

NDT International June 1988 185