News
14/04/2021 Hand-held 3D scanner
Creaform, a worldwide leader in automated and portable 3D measurement solutions and engineering services, has announced the latest addition to its HandySCAN 3D line-up offer, the Silver Series. With more than 5000 users already, this proven, trusted and patented technology is the industry standard in portable metrology-grade 3D scanners, it is claimed. It will now be available at an accessible price for professionals looking to grow their business by acquiring state-of-the-art measurement solutions.
14/04/2021 Ultrasonic pipe verifier
The PipeCheck 3 is the latest in the PipeCheck Series from Baugh & Weedon, which has been used successfully in the UK water, gas and petrochemical industries for many years. With an established reputation for reliability and enhancing safety, the PipeCheck 3 is now housed in a more rugged and ergonomic case, developed with the operator in mind.
13/04/2021 i4 Insight partners with FNT
i4 Insight, the creator of a platform that provides a single point of access for multiple data streams and applications offering a holistic view of fleet operations, is partnering with FNT at Sea Services to incorporate a condition monitoring service on the i4 Insight platform.
13/04/2021 Henkel invests in Feelit
Henkel Adhesive Technologies has strengthened its capabilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions by investing in Feelit, based in Haifa, Israel. The start-up has developed a unique sensor technology for predictive maintenance for various applications in manufacturing. With the investment, Henkel aims to further expand its leading MRO portfolio for its broad customer base in industrial markets.
12/04/2021 Rolls-Royce runs first engine on world’s largest and smartest aerospace testbed
Rolls-Royce has successfully completed the first engine run on its state-of-the-art Testbed 80, which it claims will be the largest and smartest indoor aerospace testbed in the world when it is officially opened in the coming months.
12/04/2021 Creaform releases upgrade to pipeline integrity assessment software
Creaform, a worldwide leader in automated and portable 3D measurement solutions and engineering services, has announced the release of Pipecheck 6.1 software, a significant upgrade to its pipeline integrity assessment software. Always on the cutting edge of technology in NDT solutions for the oil & gas industry, this latest version offers unique possibilities that will open new doors to various business opportunities.
09/04/2021 Multi-sensor CMM
UK-based coordinate measuring machine (CMM) manufacturer LK Metrology has designed a new, more efficient air bearing and carrier, which are now being fitted as standard to its ALTERAC range of ceramic-bridge multi-sensor CMMs. By significantly augmenting the preload on the structure, stiffness has been uprated without making the guideway thicker, leading to more precise motion control.
09/04/2021 Phased array scanner
Olympus’s new RollerFORM™ XL scanner answers the demand for a wide-coverage and easy-to-implement phased array tool to accelerate the inspection of composite components with large surface areas.
08/04/2021 ATS teams up with Nikola Labs
Illinois-based Advanced Technology Services (ATS) Inc, a provider of technology-driven industrial solutions and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) asset management, has announced an investment and partnership with Nikola Labs Inc, the provider of rapidly deployable end-to-end remote monitoring products and a spin-off from the Ohio State University. This partnership combines over three decades of reliability excellence with the latest in remote monitoring technology to help digitally transform the maintenance strategy of manufacturers.
08/04/2021 Siemens launches condition monitoring solution
Siemens Smart Infrastructure has launched a condition monitoring solution for high-voltage AC and DC transmission lines called PowerLink CM.
08/04/2021 PCN certification meets requirements of EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) is pleased to announce that it has agreed a robust certification process with an EU27 Recognised Third-Party Organisation (RTPO) for the certification of NDT personnel. This process is fully compliant with CEN/TR/15589 Route B requirements and allows BINDT/PCN to issue certification that is acceptable under the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU, Annex 1 § 3.1.3.
07/04/2021 Micro-Epsilon introduces new compact thickness measurement gauge
Precision sensor supplier Micro-Epsilon has introduced a gauge for precise thickness measurements of strip materials, plate and sheet, up to 25 mm thick. A complete ‘out-of-the-box’ solution for thickness gauging and quality control, the system offers precise measurement from ±0.25 µm and is claimed to fill the gap that currently exists in the market between basic thickness sensors and higher cost, dedicated in-line thickness measurement systems.
07/04/2021 Element expands capabilities with Swedish centre of excellence
Element Materials Technology (Element) is creating a new centre of excellence in Linköping, Sweden, which will bring together three laboratories into one site close to major clients in the aerospace, defence and industrials sectors.
06/04/2021 Ericsson report on next-generation connectivity
Autonomous vehicles and smart ventilation control are among the transformative applications highlighted in a new Ericsson report addressing the impact that 5G-ready private cellular networks could have on the mining industry.
06/04/2021 Brookes Bell opens new metallurgy, fuel testing and non-destructive testing laboratory
Brookes Bell, a global technical and scientific consultancy, has officially opened its new high-end laboratory. The virtual opening, which was shared with over 50 online attendees, included a walk-through introduction with the technical leads of Brookes Bell’s enhanced and new departments: metallurgy, fuel testing, non-destructive testing (NDT) and paint sample inspections.
01/04/2021 Renishaw brings connected metrology to the Digital Manufacturing Centre
The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) is further expanding its partnership with manufacturing technology leader Renishaw through the addition of state-of-the-art connected metrology solutions. This new agreement is critical to the DMC’s on-site machining and inspection capabilities, delivered via precision engineering specialist Produmax.
01/04/2021 Bureau Veritas’s expertise in offshore wind farms reaffirmed with EolMed project certification
Bureau Veritas (BV), a world leader in testing, inspection and certification, has been awarded project certification for EolMed, an offshore wind farm pilot project in France developed by Qair and involving Total, Ideol and Vestas Wind Systems A/S.
30/03/2021 Tender opportunity: Testing of NDE technologies on defective pipe welds
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is a non-departmental government body carrying out research into nuclear fusion as a future source of energy. The UKAEA is actively involved in the ITER project. ITER is an international project, with 35 nations collaborating to design, construct and operate a prototype controlled nuclear fusion reactor in southern France.
26/03/2021 High-resolution large-format detector
Carestream’s Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) group has expanded its portfolio of market-leading digital radiography (DR) detectors to support a broad range of customer applications. The new HPX-DR 4336’s 100 micron resolution enhances a customer’s ability to detect defects in quality control inspections that meet demanding industry standards. The large-format 43 × 36 panel allows larger parts to be inspected with one shot so customers can carefully examine a greater number of parts in less time.
26/03/2021 New appointment supports Ionix growth in on-stream inspection
Ionix, a leading manufacturer of high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics and ultrasound devices, has appointed a new Business Development Manager as it looks to expand its on-stream inspection solutions into global markets.
25/03/2021 Amazon develops machine learning tools
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Inc has announced Amazon Monitron, Amazon Lookout for Equipment, the AWS Panorama Appliance, the AWS Panorama SDK and Amazon Lookout for Vision. Together, these five new machine learning services have been introduced to assist industrial and manufacturing customers to embed intelligence in their production processes in order to improve operational efficiency, quality control, security and workplace safety.
25/03/2021 United Road deploys Uptake
Uptake has announced that United Road has deployed its artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled predictive maintenance software across its USA fleet. The United Road Family of Companies provides vehicle and heavy-haul transportation services, shipping over four million units annually for customers throughout the USA and Canada. Specifically, United Road is using the Uptake Radar application to reduce breakdowns, reduce maintenance costs and, ultimately, maximise mileage for its drivers while meeting its commitment to timely, safe transport of vehicles to its customers.
23/03/2021 Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab helps accelerate UK’s capabilities in drone operations
Experts from the University of Bristol are among a UK-wide consortium that is pushing the boundaries of drone development and aviation capabilities.
23/03/2021 HTSL appoints Zetec Business Development Manager
High Technology Sources Ltd (HTSL) has announced the appointment of Stephen Downie as Zetec Business Development Manager.
22/03/2021 Making it Work: free Engineering Council event on engineering competence for a sustainable world
Engineers have a crucial role to play in achieving global goals and building a more sustainable world. A free, online event on 21 April will set out the big picture of how professional standards and guidance can support practising engineers, at all career levels, towards this goal and drill down to how those apply in their day-to-day work.
22/03/2021 Long videoscope
Enabling fast, easy and accurate long-distance inspections, the IPLEX™ GAir long videoscope solution combines manoeuvrability with high-quality wide-view images to make complex pipe inspections fast and efficient.
22/03/2021 Dual-element ultrasonic transducer
Launched in April 2020, Ionix’s new HotSense™ HS582i enables high-temperature in-service thickness and corrosion measurements and surveys for use in applications across refining, oil & gas, energy, nuclear, aerospace and process sectors, helping to reduce inspection time with no duty cycling and robust calibration.
19/03/2021 Petasense launches the first three-in-one industrial sensor
Petasense, a leader in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors and asset reliability and optimisation, has launched what it claims is the first industrial wired sensor that combines vibration, temperature and speed detection into a single sensor. The Vibration Sensor (VSx) plugs into the Petasense Transmitter (Tx) to detect common failures in variable-speed, batch or spared assets.
19/03/2021 Ultra-accuracy portable measuring arms
UK-based LK Metrology, which has been manufacturing static coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) since 1963, has expanded its Freedom arm range of 3D articulating arm metrology systems, or portable measuring arms, with the launch of five ultra-accuracy models in both six-axis and seven-axis variants. The ten new arms bring the total number of different varieties available from LK Metrology to 34. International sales and support are offered through the company’s offices in the UK, North America, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and China, as well as via a worldwide distributor network.
18/03/2021 Zetec names Dave Whitley as new President
Zetec Inc, a global leader in non-destructive testing (NDT), has named Dave Whitley as its new President, effective from 1 February 2021. He replaces Wayne Wilkinson, who is retiring in March.
18/03/2021 Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures invests in CorrosionRADAR predictive corrosion monitoring technology
New investment from Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures (SAEV) is driving the next phase of global growth for UK-based company CorrosionRADAR Ltd. The funding will enable CorrosionRADAR to strengthen its operations and widen efforts to address corrosion under insulation (CUI) and other operational challenges through digitalisation.
18/03/2021 ABB helps digital hydropower plant
The motors at one of Axpo’s hydropower plants in Switzerland have been converted into smart, wirelessly monitored devices thanks to ABB Ability™ Smart Sensors and ABB Ability condition monitoring systems.
15/03/2021 Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17): Possible changes to authorisation
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is proposing changes to the consent authorisation process under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17). The proposed changes will require employers seeking ‘consent’ to prepare a safety assessment, which they will then send to HSE for review. Following this review, HSE will inspect the employer’s facility before granting a consent. Mr James Taylor, HSE, explains…
15/03/2021 Baugh & Weedon introduces magnetic thickness gauge from Danatronics
Baugh & Weedon Ltd is now offering Danatronics’ MTG-99 magnetic thickness gauge to the UK inspection market. Simple to use, the MTG-99 non-destructively measures the thickness of any non-ferrous material up to 2.5 cm thick, with access to both sides.
15/03/2021 PCN certification meets requirements of EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) is pleased to announce that it has agreed a robust certification process with an EU27 Recognised Third-Party Organisation (RTPO) for the certification of NDT personnel. This process is fully compliant with CEN/TR/15589 Route B requirements and allows BINDT/PCN to issue certification that is acceptable under the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU, Annex 1 § 3.1.3.
11/03/2021 Schaeffler adds to its range of lubricators
Manual lubrication frequently takes place too late and with too much lubricant. An automatic lubricant supply prevents over- and under-lubrication and also saves time and extends the operating life of bearings. Maintenance outlay and maintenance costs can be reduced by up to 30% compared to manual lubrication and problem-free production is ensured in the long term.
11/03/2021 Servomotor condition monitoring
German sensor-maker SICK has announced an intelligent add-on for its EDS/EDM35 motor feedback system that allows condition monitoring of servodrives down to individual machine axes. The sHub sensor hub has an integrated acceleration sensor and is said to pave the way for entry into the world of digitalised drive technologies and increasingly intelligent servodrive systems.
10/03/2021 Geocomp delivers structural health monitoring solution for 100-year service life bridge
Geocomp has announced that the company has provided what it claims is the largest and most sophisticated structural health monitoring (SHM) system ever deployed on a bridge structure in the USA on the new Governor Mario M Cuomo Bridge in the state of New York.
09/03/2021 Zeiss revolutionising customised automation in microscopy
Zeiss has introduced Zeiss Solutions Lab, an innovative service that provides its customers with rapid access to new applications for their microscopy systems or correlative microscopy suites. Zeiss Solutions Lab enables customers to select, or to drive demand for, module-based workflows built on Zeiss software packages for a wide variety of requirements specific to their research needs.
09/03/2021 Guidance to support the engineering profession in achieving a more sustainable future
All those working in engineering have a significant role to play in helping society achieve a more sustainable future. To support this, the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for the UK engineering profession, has issued an updated Guidance on Sustainability resource for engineering professionals at all career stages.
04/03/2021 Bilfinger Salamis UK launches new Aberdeen base
Leading integrated maintenance, modifications and services contractor Bilfinger Salamis has opened a new multi-million-pound operations, equipment and logistics site in Aberdeen, marking a long-term commitment to the region and the UK energy market.
03/03/2021 HC85 series hybrid multiple units tested
The Central Japan Railway Company, JR Central, has completed an operational trial of the HC85 series diesel-battery hybrid multiple units, which will now be introduced to replace series 85 diesel multiple units (DMUs) on the Nanki and Hida limited express services.
03/03/2021 New testing facility
Engineering firm Ocean Kinetics has opened a non-destructive testing facility, which is claimed to be the only commercial service of its kind in Shetland in the UK.
03/03/2021 New title from BINDT: An Introduction to Condition Monitoring and Diagnostic Technologies – available now!
A new book from the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT), titled: An Introduction to Condition Monitoring and Diagnostic Technologies, edited by Professor A Hope and Mr D Whittle, introduces the reader to the wide range of technologies that can be used for the condition monitoring (CM) and diagnostics of structures, plant and machinery through surveillance, monitoring and analysis.
02/03/2021 Fatigue strength of hybrid joined multi-material structures: Fraunhofer LBF identifies high potential for lightweight design
Increasingly stringent statutory emission limits are pushing the automotive industry towards innovative lightweight design solutions. In this context, the fatigue strength of thin sheet metal structures, especially those made from multiple materials, is becoming increasingly important.
01/03/2021 Ashtead Technology strengthens team with new NDT market manager
Specialist instrument provider Ashtead Technology has announced Daniel Davies as its new NDT Market Manager, building upon a successful 2020 for the NDT team.
25/02/2021 2nd NDT Student Challenge takes place virtually
Alongside the 12th International Symposium on NDT in Aerospace, which was held fully online in October 2020, the NDT Student Challenge had to be run as an entirely virtual event as well. Three teams consisting of four master and doctoral students from Germany, Lithuania and China participated. The grand final took place live on ndt.net on 19th January 2021.
18/02/2021 Schaeffler wins Industry 4.0 Innovation Award
The Schaeffler OPTIME condition monitoring system was presented to the market just a few months ago and has now won the Industry 4.0 Innovation Award. This confirms the automotive and industrial supplier’s ambition to shape progress that moves the world. VDE Verlag is presenting the award for the fifth time, in collaboration with the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (ZVEI) and the Standardization Council Industry 4.0. Products and innovations that make a valuable or substantial contribution in connection with Industry 4.0 are eligible for consideration for the award.
16/02/2021 Microfocus X-ray systems
Yxlon has announced a new release of the Cheetah and Cougar EVO microfocus X-ray families. The next step towards automation is demonstrated with new options incorporated that significantly increase efficiency in the X-ray inspection of electronic components.
15/02/2021 OES metals analyser
Bruker has launched the new Q4 Tasman™ Series 2, a versatile high-performance spark optical emission spectrometer (OES) for the metals industry. The Q4 Tasman Series 2 extends Bruker’s line of bench-top OES systems, combining reliability and outstanding analytical performance with low cost of ownership.
