Computer mainframe package could have high-speed NDT applications High-speed non-destructive testing is one of the prospective applications highlighted by Hewlett-Packard for its HP 6944S multiprogrammer data acquisition and control system. Used with one of the company's series 200 desk- top computers the system can measure up to 48 channels of data simultaneously.

Two elements form the basis of the system: a hardware mainframe with 29 functional plug-in cards, and a computer-aided test pro- gramming package.

Use of functional plug-in cards gives design flexibility and ease of assembly to meet specific applications. The mainframe system, says the company, enables different instrumentation functions to be used with the computer rather than having to buy individual instruments. Multiprogrammer cards can be used individually or interconnected. The following are some of the functions available: voltage output, current output, analogue-to-digital conversion, scanned measurements, pulse counting, frequency measurement, and event/alarm sensing.

To simplify operation, the computer-aided test software package is a set of sub-programs designed to assist the system programmer by linking the user's basic application program with the hardware functions.

Hewlett-Packard Ltd, Eskdale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire RG 11 5DZ, UK

Eddy-current detector has high s e n s i t i v i t y

Cracks 0.025 mm deep can be detected using an eddy-current system from Advanced Inspection Systems, says the company, which claims that its Dynamic Crack Detector is the most sensitive production crack detector available.

The detector uses a range of differential inspection probes and a 'phase-window', which together provide automatic balance control and lift-off compensation. This permits higher orders of detection sensitivity, says the company, or larger probe-to-part gaps--gaps up to 6.35 mm are feasible when testing for cracks 0.127 mm to 0.254 mm deep.

Hewlett-Packard model 6944S multiprogrammer system supports 29 plug-in cards providing various data acquisition functions

Eddy-current system from Advanced Inspection Systems, the Dynamic Crack Detector, is claimed to detect cracks 0.025 mm deep

The unit is based on a modular design, for easy servicing and flexibility. Defect signals are shown on a high intensity baragraph display. Up to four channels are provided and two levels of defect registration are provided on each detection channel to permit automatic segregation of small and large flaw signals.

Advanced Inspection Systems Inc, 895 East Highland Road, Macedonia, OH 44056, USA

Video gauging system tests gears and turbine blades An optically advanced non-contact video gauging system introduced into the UK by Spline Gauges can be used for testing and inspection of components such as gears and turbine blades.

The microprocessor-controlled Vidicom Qualifier 863 has specially designed optics to ensure repeatable video gauging accuracy. A patented slide geometry gives precise linear motion of the camera in three dimensions over a volume 20.3 x 15.2 x 7.6 cm. The relay lens optical system allows automatic control without moving either the part or the camera for accurate imaging at a constant working distance. Automatic magnification selection is determined by the gauging tolerance requirement and is monitored electronically.

Interactive software leads the operator through each inspection programme and controls movement of the camera to follow component edges, whether in simple lines or complex curves.

The system is supplied as a complete plug-in system with a Hewlett-Packard 9826 desk-top computer for system input.

Spline Gauges Ltd, Picadilly, Tamworth, Staffordshire, UK

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