Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to find flaws inside a material and to measure remaining wall thickness, without cutting or sectioning the item under test.
How it works
A probe introduces a short pulse of high-frequency sound into the component through a couplant. The pulse travels through the material and reflects from the far wall — and from any discontinuity it meets on the way. The instrument measures how long each reflection takes to return and how strong it is, which indicates both the depth and the approximate size of what caused it.
What we use it for
- Flaw detection in welds and materials, including discontinuities well below the surface.
- Thickness gauging of walls and plate, which is how wall loss from corrosion or erosion is quantified in service.
Why ultrasonic testing is chosen
It detects internal flaws that surface methods such as magnetic particle or liquid penetrant testing cannot reach. Access is usually needed from one side only, results are available immediately at the component, and there is no ionising radiation — so unlike radiography it does not require an exclusion zone and can be carried out with other trades still working nearby.
Practical considerations
Surface condition, component geometry and material grain structure all affect what ultrasonic testing can resolve, and interpretation depends heavily on the technician. Tell us the material, thickness and joint configuration when you enquire so we can advise whether UT is the right method for your inspection.
Ultrasonic testing with CAST
We carry out ultrasonic testing on site and at our facility in the Kidurong Industrial Area, Bintulu. Because UT needs no exclusion zone, it is often the method we recommend when inspection has to happen while a site is still working. Where wall loss is the concern rather than weld quality, tell us and we will scope it as thickness gauging.
Call +6086 348 938, email cast@ctne.com.my, or tell us about your inspection.