New user group initiative will speed up technique validation
15/09/2015
User groups are a new initiative being introduced by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) with a view to bringing international industry specialists together to potentially increase the rate at which a technology develops into commercial use, as well as smoothing its transition.Each user group offers an opportunity for end users, suppliers and researchers of a technology or method to write best practice guidelines and standards, as well as promote the new possibilities available through a method or technology worldwide, ultimately aiding faster take-up by end users.
Although the BINDT NDT and CM Technical Committees will establish the user groups, anyone wishing to get involved as a volunteer does not need to be a member of the Institute or even reside in the UK, but an interest in the specialty subject of that particular group is, of course, paramount.
The Full Matrix Capture (FMC) User Group is the first of its kind and currently has representation from 26 organisations, including nine equipment manufacturers, three universities, three technology development centres and end users from a variety of industrial backgrounds. The aim of the FMC User Group is to promote and advance FMC and associated techniques by using standardisation as appropriate and recommending best practice.
The group held its inaugural meeting earlier this year and will hold its next meeting at the NDT 2015 Conference in Telford, UK. Meetings are held via web conferencing, making it even easier for members to get involved.
A Terahertz User Group is being formed, which will focus on terahertz, microwave and millimetre methods. Plans for an Air-Coupled Ultrasound User Group are also underway.
To get involved in any of the user groups mentioned above or for more information, contact the Committee Secretary, Karen Hickman, tel: +44 (0)1604 89 3811 or email: karen.hickman@bindt.org
