Electron beam welding is a vital art in many core industries. These include aerospace, oil and gas, and medical equipment. EB welding was invented in the 1950s, which was a time when fusion was very much in vogue. However, electron beams have stood the test of time in terms of their real-world applications. Being able to tightly control electron beams via the combination of a vacuum and precision calculations gives engineers formidable levels of control.
Through EB welding, metals can be bonded in a way that is safe and reliable. This highly specialised industry is all about precision and quality. This is all down to quality control, something that Electron Beam Processes value highly and that clients trust. To see what goes on behind the scenes, read on.
Visual Inspection
The surface of the metals is crucial in precision welding. In the same way that filling in a pot-hole and hoping for the best never works when combining ice and tarmac, metal quality makes a big difference in precision welding.
For metals, microscopic visual inspection is important. This can identify cracks and other flaws, and can help when calculating fatigue. Fluorescent dye is also used to flag tiny details. Knowing the quality of the surface ensures that bonds are entirely reliable.
Radiography
When it comes to electron beam welding, the quality of the entire piece of metal is as important as the quality of the machine. Important issues such as fatigue cannot be ignored. In these cases, radiography can be a useful ally. Radiography can either be used as a sample measurement, or can confirm metallurgic suitability.
Ultrasonic Testing
Sound-waves are an excellent detailed visualisation tool. This non-destructive method of quality checking is a highly effective way to explore the deep structures of a metal or joint.
Ultrasonic testing (UT) can identify invisible cracks and uncover tiny defects. UT is also valuable for its ability to give precise readings in testing. This is required by many industries that rely upon predictable and measurable quality levels.
Batch Control Testing
These are a form of quantitative testing. They allow a weld to be meticulously dissected into macro and micro quality control pieces at any point during production. Batch control gives a good overview of an entire run. Carrying out detailed dissections on a small number of dummy parts means that overall quality can be established.
Reliable Results Each Time
Superior testing is one of the features that has given EB welding its global value. At Electron Beam Processes, we have built a reputation for rigorous testing, reliable results and extremely tight quality controls. For more information about the EB welding process, how we test, and what you can do to ensure that we are working with the best materials, please download our free guide. Or, you can send any questions to [email protected].
Image source: Pixabay
