Why should a scanner be used for NDT inspections?

A scanner enables you to precisely position one or multiple probes according to a part being inspected. The distance between the probes, their pressure against the surface, the couplant feed, and the measurement of the distance traveled all have tremendous impact on the data quality. Scanners improve all these factors to provide greater signal stability and repeatability.

Are scanners code compliant?

Yes. In fact, several codes and standards call for the use of a scanner. Scanners fall into two categories—semiautomated and automated. In all cases, the probes are positioned according to the part by the scanner, and the scanner’s position is monitored by an encoder. Semiautomated scanners are moved by the operator while automated scanners are motor-driven.

Why choose an automated scanner over a semiautomated scanner?

An automated scanner can be preferred because they enable users to perform an inspection from a distance. This is valuable when inspecting difficult-to-reach surfaces. In addition, automated scanners offer a steady scan speed, even at low speed, which can be difficult to obtain using a semiautomated scanner. A slower scan speed can be required for demanding applications such as TFM inspection where the instrument acquisition rate is limited. Of course, automated scanners can also be used to perform inspection at a faster pace than semiautomated scanners for increased productivity.