Principle
The conformability is obtained with a flexible membrane filled with water between the transducer and the inspected component. The coupling between the membrane and the component requires a small quantity of water or couplant.
Advantages
The conformable wedge combines
- The acoustic performance of immersion technique with good coupling and low attenuation
- The flexibility and ease of use of contact technique
- The compliance with non-regular and/or variable surface geometry
Main features
- Compatible with most types of arrays (linear, matrix, focused, curved, etc.)
- Bubble trap system
- Easy implementation and easy membrane replacement
- Good chemical stability
The membrane is a key component of the conformable wedge, and it offers the following features
- Acoustic performance close to water thanks to acoustically invisible membrane
- Halogen free
- Good chemical stability
We offer 3 types of membrane, depending on the intended use
| Membrane material | Black (standard) | Grey | Blue |
| Conformability | + | ++ | – |
| Mechanical resistance | normal scanning ( 1km* ) | limited scanning | extensive scanning ( 5km* ) |
| Attenuation | OK | OK | OK |
| Recommended use | General purpose | High conformability requirement on smooth surface with limited lateral scanning effort |
High resistance to extensive scanning with limited need of conformability |
*distance tested before appearance of a hole, at 10cm/s over a corroded steel part with Ra of 12µm, with lubrication and load of 1Kg
Standard evaluation kits
- 5MHz 64ch, pitch 0.6mm linear array
- compatible with other probes having same dimensions
- Trim setting with 3 adjustable feet
- lateral holes for attachment of manuel handle, automated scanner, water inlets, encoders, etc.
- Bubble trap system
- Normal incidence, 20mm water path membrane
- 3 possible flexibility grades (black, grey or blue)
Compact standard kit
- Low profile 5MHz 64ch, pitch 0.6mm linear array
- compatible with other probes having same dimensions
- Reduced dimensions frame with improved bubble trap and trim setting system
Integral evaluation kit
- Integrated probe and frame
- 5MHz 64ch pitch 1mm
- Easy assembly/disassembly with clips
- Advanced bubble trap system
- Compatible with probe holders or manual use
- Normal incidence, 20mm water path membrane
- 3 possible flexibility grades (black, grey or blue)
Examples of transducers with conformable wedges
Example of TRL probes with conformable wedges
Example of reduced dimensions probe with integral conformable wedge
Example of extra flat probe including conformable wedge (10MHz 128ch 22mm overall thickness)
Options
- Angled and L0° membranes
- Water inlets for coupling between wedge and inspected part
- Lateral guides for manual use
- Mechanical interface for automated use with scanner
Example of probe holder including water inlets for couplant
Example of conformable wedge with angled membrane
Example of long conformable wedge with normal and angled incidence