Non Destructive Testing methods: development of innovative solutions for in-line applications
Due to unprecedented competition in the international automotive industry Swedish manufacturers need to cut costs, reduce time to market and improve quality, simultaneously. Quality improvements require minimisation or elimination of manufacturing defects such as porosity, cracks, uneven case hardening etc. Auto industry still relies heavily on destructive testing techniques which are both expensive and due to sample based testing have a higher probability of producing components with non-conforming quality. 100% quality check i.e. each component being tested fully for defect identification instead of sample based inspection is one alternative to avoid costly non-conformances. This approach necessitates the use of Non Destructive Testing (NDT) methods. The NDT methods used in automotive industry today strongly needs further development. They should be brought out of the lab and installed in-line to be used for testing the produced components without disturbing the production flow.
Expected achievements
- Industrial application of existing and new NDT methods with a wider scope in terms of defect identification and components being tested
- Reliable and robust NDT solutions for in-line implementation on the production lines for each case study
- A strong and effective platform for collaboration among the research and industrial partners for successful developments both within the project and future R&D endeavours
Project partners: KTH, Scania CV AB, AB Volvo, Chalmers, Swerea IVF, SWEREA KIMAB, SKF Sverige Aktiebolag, LEAX
Project time: 2010-2013
