Process-compensated resonance test
The process-compensated resonance examination (Process Compensated Resonance Testing, PCRT) is a fully automated, non-destructive testing (Non Destructive Testing, NDT), which detects the visible and invisible error causes to safety and fail-critical components; these are structurally checked for their function and the severity of the damage is assessed quantitatively.
PCRT combines the advantages of resonance ultraspectroscopy (RUSPEC; how elastic is a body?) With the patented Vibration Pattern Recognition (VIPR; which defects lead to functional impairments?). This makes it possible to check functional impairments and damage severity of a component in highly complex production processes and to assess them quantitatively.
PCRT makes statements about the physical properties of a component (strength) and not just about its visual indication. For this, the resonance patterns of the components are evaluated. PCRT differs from other resonance methods in that it can compensate for process variations that can lead to a shift in the resonance pattern. This leads to clear, reliable results that significantly improve the quality and safety of the test. With the help of the integrated VIPR software, PCRT reliably differentiates between pseudo defects and real defects and also recognizes to what extent the function of the component is impaired. PCRT results are repeatable, quantifiable and verifiable. The examination evaluation is completely independent of the human quality assessment.
PCRT is used in the production of iron, non-iron, aluminum, ceramic, and composite materials. The process compensated resonance testing method (Process Compensated Resonance Testing, PCRT) has already successfully tested more than 150 million components in the global casting, forging and sintering technology as well as soldering and welding connections . The US Air Traffic Control Authority (FAA) has approved the method for testing turbine blades overheating. The process is protected by 12 patents worldwide and standardized in ASTM E2534-10 of ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials). It is mainly used in the automotive, aerospace and turbine industries as well as medical technology.
Web links
Technical article
- Thomas Köhler: Function-oriented testing of failure-critical parts, Foundry Magazine, 2014 (PDF)
- Thomas Köhler, Eric Biedermann: process-compensated resonance testing of silicon nitride balls for high-performance applications in failure-critical hybrid ball bearings, Keramische Zeitschrift 2014 (PDF)
- Christiane Engelhardt: Dream error rate 0 ppm is approaching, Stahl und Eisen, 2014 (PDF)
- Robert Nath: The Power of PCRT, Quality Magazine 2007
presentations
- Vibrant Technology: A presentation on the basic methodologies of PCRT (PDF)
- Lemna Hunter, Robert Nath: Process Compensated Resonance Testing, Quality NDT Conference 2008 (PDF)
Videos