News
16/08/2019 Date set for Bloodhound high-speed test programme
The Bloodhound Land Speed Record (LSR) team has announced that the Bloodhound LSR car will run for the first time on its dry lake-bed racetrack at Hakskeen Pan, Northern Cape, South Africa, in October 2019.
Following the successful 200 mph (320 km/h) UK runway trials at Cornwall Airport Newquay in October 2017, the team will be targeting 500 mph (800 km/h), a key milestone on the journey to setting a new world land-speed record. The record runs are currently scheduled for late 2020.
15/08/2019 Wireless hardware for online asset CM
National Instruments (NI), the provider of a software-defined platform that helps accelerate the development and performance of automated test and measurement systems, has announced new wireless monitoring hardware for InsightCM, an open solution for online condition monitoring with full access to data and customisation with the InsightCM Software Development Kit.
14/08/2019 Direct Conversion opens Application Innovation Centre in Munich
Direct Conversion AB has opened its Application Innovation Centre in Gräfelfing, Munich. The facility will showcase Direct Conversion’s advanced photon-counting X-ray products, allowing customers to see for themselves the latest X-ray imaging technology in action.
13/08/2019 Next-generation portable vibration analyser
Erbessd Instruments has announced the latest improvements to its award-winning DigivibeMX® platform. The company claims that the DigivibeMX GX400 wired interface and WiSER 3X wireless interface deliver the greatest flexibility for portable vibration analysis and dynamic balancing in the industry. The GX400 and WiSER 3X interfaces are the only standard four-channel wired and wireless vibration analysis solutions available industry wide.
12/08/2019 North Star Imaging appoints new global equipment sales director
North Star Imaging, a leading manufacturer of industrial digital radiography and computed tomography X-ray equipment, has appointed Timothy R Lebens as Global Equipment Sales Director.
09/08/2019 Pipeline integrity inspection software
Creaform, a worldwide leader in portable 3D measurement solutions and engineering services, has announced the release of Pipecheck 5.1, which it claims is a major upgrade to the sophisticated non-destructive testing (NDT) software currently on the market for pipeline integrity inspections in the oil & gas industry.
08/08/2019 Aircraft engine condition monitoring system market
Reports Monitor has recently published a document titled: Industrial Growth Forecast Report Aircraft Engine Condition Monitoring System Market 2019-2025: The Global Aircraft Engine Condition Monitoring System Market Report.
08/08/2019 Topaz Marine and BHGE sign agreement
Topaz Energy and Marine, an offshore marine logistics company, has signed a long-term agreement and placed an order with Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), to collaborate on deploying BHGE’s lubricant condition monitoring system, VitalyX, enhancing the maintenance and upkeep of Topaz’s fleet of vessels and helping to significantly increase field time for each vessel. VitalyX is expected to be deployed on Topaz’s entire module-carrying vessel (MCV) fleet in late 2019 and is the largest single collaboration with the technology since it was first unveiled at BHGE’s annual meeting in January.
07/08/2019 Professionally registered engineers continue to out-earn their non-registered colleagues
For the second consecutive year, professionally registered engineers and technicians have reported higher average salaries than their unregistered colleagues, according to the 2019 Salary Survey produced by London-based monthly magazine and website The Engineer.
06/08/2019 High-definition optical gas imaging camera
FLIR Systems has launched a high-definition (HD) hand-held optical gas imaging (OGI) camera, the FLIR GF620.
05/08/2019 CalAmp announces research collaboration
CalAmp (CAMP), an advanced technology solutions pioneer transforming the globally connected economy, has announced a strategic collaboration with Cryoport (CYRX), a global temperature-controlled logistics company dedicated to the life sciences industry, to develop a next-generation condition monitoring system and further assure the security of global temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipments.
01/08/2019 PCN launches online examinations
The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) has successfully conducted Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing (PCN) exams ‘online’ for the first time. The launch took place on 28 June 2019 at IMechE Argyll Ruane’s examination centre in Sheffield and was supervised by Arthur Jones, Examinations and Project Coordinator, BINDT, and John Moody, Senior Technical Engineer, BINDT.
31/07/2019 Norfolk’s Electrical Testing Ltd reinforces commitment to local talent and retains status as official apprenticeship provider
For the second year running, BINDT Corporate member Electrical Testing Ltd (ETL) has gained government approval as a registered apprenticeship provider, further cementing its commitment to the continued development of local people for local communities.
30/07/2019 Machine condition monitoring market capitalisation
A new research report, titled: ‘Global Machine Condition Monitoring Market Report 2018’, provides actionable intelligence on factors that have been driving demand, key trends that are impacting the machine condition monitoring market, challenges that affect the market dynamics, along with the market size, and a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of the key vendors and various segments.
29/07/2019 Laser profile sensors measure conductor rail wear and track gauge
In the railway industry, an important aspect is the aftermarket rail inspection for wear monitoring, recording and track-bed geometry. Donfabs & Consillia Ltd provides complete solutions for railway monitoring, producing a full range of equipment for the measurement of a wide variety of track parameters. The company’s product portfolio covers everything from unattended units for recording ride comfort, through to track parameter measurement and vehicles for rail inspection and maintenance.
26/07/2019 NI releases latest version of SystemLink™ software
National Instruments (NI), the provider of a software-defined platform that helps accelerate the development and performance of automated test and measurement systems, has released the latest version of SystemLink software. NI realises that managing configuration activities and data for a fleet of distributed test and measurement systems can be daunting, especially when the systems incorporate a variety of device configurations and software combinations. With the increasing number of distributed systems and the exponential growth of data, engineering teams must manage the disparities across these systems.
25/07/2019 Determining the thermal characteristics of microelectronic devices
FLIR Systems has reported how researchers from the Microscale Thermophysics Laboratory at the University of Texas (Arlington, USA) are using FLIR thermal cameras to measure heat dissipation in three-dimensional integrated circuits (ICs).
24/07/2019 Apprentices passionate about NDT at ‘Bridging the Skills Gap’ event
Apprentices and employers who are already embracing the benefits of new apprenticeships in non-destructive testing (NDT) have spoken passionately to inspire other employers at the ‘Bridging the Skills Gap’ forum held on 15 May 2019.
23/07/2019 Creaform’s 3D laser scanner meets Boeing requirements
Boeing has released a service letter with guidance on the use of 3D scanners for measuring dents and blends on aeroplanes. The SmartDENT 3D™ solution and the flagship HandySCAN 3D scanner were used in the process of guiding Boeing’s quality requirements for the service letter.
22/07/2019 SKF’s IMx-16Plus
SKF has introduced the new-generation SKF Multilog On-line system IMx-16Plus, based on the proven new-generation SKF Multilog On-line system IMx-8, which allows condition-based maintenance to be integrated in applications that would previously have been too costly to consider.
19/07/2019 Portable 3D scanner
Creaform, a worldwide leader in portable and automated 3D measurement solutions, has launched a thoroughly re-engineered Go!SCAN 3D™: the Go!SCAN SPARK™. This third-generation version of Creaform’s patented professional-grade Go!SCAN 3D portable 3D scanner has been specifically designed for product development professionals who need the most efficient portable scanner to capture the 3D data of physical objects anywhere.
18/07/2019 Understanding cooled versus uncooled optical gas imaging
FLIR Systems has published a technical note that discusses and compares the advantages of cooled versus uncooled optical gas imaging (OGI) technology for different industrial applications.
17/07/2019 Platform for advanced ultrasonic inspection
The Phased Array Company (TPAC), world-renowned experts in the field of ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions, has introduced the Pioneer, its new, powerful and compact acquisition unit providing the most innovative phased array (PA) and advanced full matrix capture (FMC)/total focusing method (TFM) technologies.
16/07/2019 New issues of ENIQ guidance documents published
The European Network for Inspection and Qualification (ENIQ) is a network dealing with the reliability and effectiveness of non-destructive testing (NDT) for nuclear power plants (NPPs).
16/07/2019 Calling notice: NDT Technology Taskforce
In 2014, the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) collaborated with the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) and wider NDT and condition monitoring (CM) communities to create a report, titled: ‘A landscape for the future of NDT in the UK economy’.
15/07/2019 Hydraulic flow monitoring device
Webtec, a specialist manufacturer of hydraulic measurement and control products, has unveiled the FlowHUB ViscoCorrect, an innovative and intelligent hydraulic flow monitoring device with integral temperature measurement and a large digital display, now for use in oils, water and water-based fluids.
12/07/2019 Pexa now part of Addev Materials
Pexa, a leading supplier of aerospace-approved paints, coatings and surface treatment materials, has been present at the Paris Air Show since its start-up in 2002. In 2019, Pexa participated for the first time as a new member of the Addev Materials group of companies, following its acquisition in April as part of Addev’s acquisition of Graytone Ltd.
12/07/2019 Robotics testing facility opens in the Netherlands
Quasset Test Facility (QTF) has opened in the Netherlands to facilitate the experimentation and validation of robotic solutions for inspection and maintenance. The 600 m2 testing facility offers a highly flexible and controlled environment, housing a range of decommissioned assets that serve to test crawling, flying and swimming robotic systems.
11/07/2019 Ultrasound imaging machine
Eddyfi® Technologies has released Panther, which it claims is the ultimate ultrasound imaging machine. Panther comes with M2M’s state-of-the-art phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) and total focusing method (TFM) capabilities.
10/07/2019 IIoT for predictive maintenance
Heidenhain has introduced its Advanced Diagnostic System (ADS), which provides built-in encoder condition monitoring.
09/07/2019 Guided Ultrasonics Ltd expands into the USA
In May 2019, Guided Ultrasonics Ltd (GUL) acquired office facilities in Houston, Texas, USA, in order to better support its clients and partners within North America.
08/07/2019 Non-invasive temperature sensor
ABB’s new NiTemp non-invasive temperature sensor offers a simpler and safer way of measuring process temperature without the need to shut down a pipeline, drill a hole or install a thermowell. With its innovative double-sensor architecture and specially developed calculation algorithm, NiTemp greatly enhances safety and reduces installation costs without sacrificing the quality of the measurement.
08/07/2019 High-performance thermal camera
FLIR Systems has launched the FLIR T840, a new thermal camera in the high-performance T-Series family. The high-resolution FLIR T840 offers a brighter display and an integrated viewfinder to help electric utility personnel, plant managers and other thermography professionals find and diagnose failing components in any lighting conditions, helping to avoid costly power outages and plant shutdowns.
05/07/2019 Vero Equipment’s health monitoring system
Wireless power pioneer Nikola Labs is launching Vero, the perpetually powered equipment health monitoring system. An Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solution, Vero is an out-of-the-box system that allows manufacturers to closely monitor process-critical equipment.
04/07/2019 EEMUA announces new Chair of Council
The Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) has announced that Stuart Turner has been appointed Chair of the EEMUA Council, taking over from John Whitfield, who remains as Chair of the EEMUA Board.
03/07/2019 Schaeffler combines condition and torque monitoring in a single system
The long-term development partnership of Schaeffler and Bonfiglioli, a market leader in yaw and pitch drives for wind turbines, has led to the creation of a compact Industry 4.0 solution package. Schaeffler has combined two of its proven measurement systems, SmartCheck and TorqueSense, to create a new condition and torque monitoring system.
02/07/2019 PAUT instruments with encoding technology
Zetec Inc has announced an exclusive agreement with Structural Integrity Associates Inc to integrate and promote its Latitude™ non-mechanised probe position and orientation encoding technology with the Zetec Topaz® family of portable phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) instruments.
01/07/2019 Wood wins multi-million dollar contract at Hinkley Point C
Wood has won a multi-million dollar contract to provide engineering and technical services to Hinkley Point C (HPC), the UK’s first new nuclear power station for more than 20 years.
01/07/2019 Funding of up to £1,000 for female leaders available
Women & Leadership International (WLI) is administering a national initiative to support the development of female leaders across various UK-based sectors.
28/06/2019 HewSaw Sweden invests in online system
HewSaw Sweden, a manufacturer of sawing machines, has installed the HewSaw R200 1.1 at VIDA Wood Nössemark in Sweden.
28/06/2019 New portable vibration calibrator design
Meggitt, a market leader in sensing and monitoring systems for extreme environments, has launched a newly designed Model 28959G portable vibration calibrator for field validation of vibration sensors.
28/06/2019 Movus launches wireless condition monitoring tool
Movus, a developer and provider of the FitMachine Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solution, has launched an advanced and cost-effective certified condition monitoring technology in a bid to reduce maintenance costs.
27/06/2019 Apprenticeships in Scotland
BINDT has successfully worked with a number of UK employers to develop three NDT Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standards, which are currently in use in England, as can be seen in Table 1.
27/06/2019 Transforming the future of NDT
2019 marks the 100-year anniversary of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), which was first established to support women in engineering following their roles within the industry during the First World War.
27/06/2019 Coordinate measuring system
Built in Castle Donnington, Derbyshire, by LK Metrology, the high-precision Altera range of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) has been coupled with Renishaw’s REVO-2 scanning system and multi-sensor technology to offer manufacturers a powerful five-axis solution for inspecting the dimensional accuracy and surface finish of components.
26/06/2019 ZF introduces condition monitoring for thruster systems
ZF Marine Krimpen introduced its Condition Monitoring System during the Maritime Industry Exhibition in Gorinchem, the Netherlands, in May 2019.
26/06/2019 New predictive maintenance system
Grace Engineered Products has announced the GraceSense Predictive Maintenance System. This technology helps users find failures before they occur. A complete end-to-end solution featuring wireless sensors, configurable hardware architecture and a user interface, the predictive maintenance system is designed to curb unplanned downtime and provide a swift return on investment.
25/06/2019 Introducing TWI lecturer Neil Harrap
Neil Harrap, TWI’s Advanced NDT Lecturer and Examiner, has a wealth of experience behind him, having worked for industry, the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Air Force.
25/06/2019 Collecting thermal data at high speeds
FLIR Systems has published a new guidebook for military scientists, engineers and ballisticians interested in using thermal imaging for long-range measurement and projectile tracking.
25/06/2019 WES announces UK’s Top 50 Women in Engineering 2019
In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day 2019, the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) has announced the winners of the Top 50 Women in Engineering: Current and Former Apprentices (WE50). Now in its fourth year, the WE50 continues to showcase the extensive female talent across the sector, this year focusing on women currently serving as apprentices or those who have previously undertaken an apprenticeship.
