EADS and DolphiTech are cooperating in the development of non-destructive testing equipment

Raufoss, 08 December 2011

EADS Innovation Works, the corporate Research and Technology network of EADS, and the Norwegian SME DolphiTech AS have signed a cooperation agreement for the development of a new non-destructive testing (NDT) system based on an innovative ultrasonic camera component for composite inspections.

The new tool can be used for all types of NDT applications for composite materials. NDT is a method of screening structures – for example an aircraft fuselage – and detecting damage not visible from the outside without destroying the material. Methods used for NDT include radiography, the application of infrared light, electromagnetism or endoscopy. The new ultrasonic NDT device will be used by manufacturers and operators of aerospace products as well as in other industries. Simple and easy to operate, the new system is more favourably priced than existing NDT camera systems. It is the first product of its kind to be configured for composite materials and can be used easily by maintenance staff. A prototype will be available by the end of 2012.

The 3D ultrasonic camera, developed by DolphiTech, could complete the ‘Smart NDT Tools’ product line of mobile NDT systems offered by EADS Innovation Works. “The new system will speed up NDT procedures in manufacturing and maintenance and will help the users to save time and money,” said Martin Bach, NDT specialist at EADS Innovation Works.

“The adaptation of our novel ultrasound technology for impact assessment by EADS Innovation Works and the EADS Divisions will open a very attractive global market for our technology,” said DolphiTech’s managing director Terje Melandso. “After many years of Research and Development supported by Innovation Norway we have patented the world’s first ultrasonic 2D barcode reader. The cooperation and marketing opportunities within EADS, its suppliers and customers will be very valuable for DolphiTech when we launch the technology on the aerospace market.”