The Truth About “Capable of ASTM A388” and Ultrasonic Testing
In industries where safety and precision are non-negotiable, the structural integrity of metal parts can mean the difference between flawless performance and catastrophic failure. Yet, not all quality claims are created equal. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, New Equipment Digest’s Editor-in-Chief Laura Davis unpacks the true meaning behind the label “capable of ASTM A388” and why it doesn’t necessarily mean a part has passed ultrasonic testing. Listeners will learn how ultrasonic inspection works, the types of hidden flaws it can reveal, and why proper surface preparation is crucial for accurate results.
Pressure Vessels: NDT Inspection from Classical to Predictive Approach
The inspection of pressure vessels has undergone a significant transformation, moving from traditional methods to predictive models based on real-time data. This shift responds to regulatory requirements such as API 510 and the growing need to ensure real-time structural integrity. Through advanced NDT inspection techniques and methodologies like RBI (Risk-Based Inspection), it is now possible to anticipate failures and optimize decision-making.
Understanding the Difference between Bonding and Welding
Bonding and welding are two crucial processes for the effective joining of composite structures without the need for fasteners, though they are not interchangeable. Bonding requires an adhesive or bonding agent to “attach” parts and structures made of similar or dissimilar materials together, creating a strong, structural connection. Alternately, welding joins two composite parts together through the use of heat and/or force.
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