Eibar Precision Casting (EIPC), SPDtek, and AZTERLAN have developed and validated this innovative technique for inspecting components manufactured through investment casting.
SPDtek’s proprietary ultrasonic tomography enables non-destructive testing, analyzing components without altering their properties or integrity. The technique is based on exciting the part using mechanical waves, both in the acoustic range and ultrasonic range, and recording its global vibrational response. Unlike other conventional methods, this is a volumetric inspection technique, where the signal obtained depends on the entire part rather than only its surface.
Each component exhibits a characteristic mechanical wave propagation pattern defined by its properties (elasticity, density) and geometry. The presence of defects (such as cracks, porosity variations, material irregularities, or residual stresses) alters this pattern, enabling fast part screening.
Application in EIPC’s investment casting production process
In the investment casting of steels and superalloys, characterized by complex geometries and high internal integrity requirements, ultrasonic tomography shows strong potential.
100% in-line screening for global volumetric anomalies such as distributed porosity, heat-treatment-related defects, or significant cracks.
Reduced use of radiography and X-ray tomography, reserving these methods for validation or critical parts, thereby lowering costs and avoiding bottlenecks.
Complementarity with dye penetrant testing, combining surface inspection in critical areas with full volumetric ultrasonic analysis.
The system detects and analyzes deviations from the reference model, generating a tomographic representation that reflects changes in mechanical properties, enabling fast and reliable classification of parts as acceptable or rejected. While this technique does not fully replace traditional methods such as radiography or dye penetrant testing, it enables fast, safe, and efficient screening, optimizing the use of more expensive or complex techniques.
AZTERLAN’s contribution: industrial implementation and repeatability
The AZTERLAN Metallurgy Research Centre has participated in the industrial implementation of this technology in quality control processes to ensure its robustness, repeatability, and adaptation to the specific needs of the aerospace sector and its production reality.
This collaboration has taken place within the INSULA project, funded by the Basque Government through the HAZITEK program.
