Experiences with Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique in the Field

The detection and evaluation of defects in industrial components relies strongly on ultrasonic inspection techniques. Distance grain size (DG) or reference reflector methods can be improved concerning their localization, signal-to-noise ration and sizing accuracy by the synthetic aperture focusing technqiue (SAFT). To obtain a high quality image, parameters like focal probe versus contact technqiue probe, achieved resolution or features of SAFT images compared with B-scan images are discussed. The implementation of SAFT in a CAD environment allows us to present stacked 2D reconstructions dynamically. On a cladded testbolck with half-penny shaped cracks the advantage of combining CAD with SAFT is shown. A 3D SAFT example finalizes the overview of two decades of experience in applying this technique