---
title: "3dpbm Pulse Podcast Ep. 9: a revolution in NDT for AM"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/3dpbm-pulse-podcast-ep-9-a-revolution-in-ndt-for-am/
date: 2022-07-08
modified: 2022-10-26
lang: en
author: "VoxelMatters"
description: "Today’s NDT technologies, based on CT or X-ray scans, are costly and extremely difficult to use. But one company, Theta Technologies is changing all this by introducing a new NDT..."
categories:
  - "Decision Makers"
  - "VoxelMatters Podcast"
tags:
  - "Featured"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/theta-640x360.jpg
word_count: 315
---

# 3dpbm Pulse Podcast Ep. 9: a revolution in NDT for AM

Today’s NDT technologies, based on CT or X-ray scans, are costly and extremely difficult to use. But one company, [Theta Technologies is changing all this by introducing a new NDT system based on nonlinear acoustic technology. ](https://www.3dprintingbusiness.directory/company/theta-technologies/)And today we have the opportunity to speak about it with the Chief Executive Officer of Theta Technologies, Steve Butler.

How does nonlinear acoustics work and what will this mean for today’s and tomorrow’s digital additive manufacturing production workflows?

![3dpbm Pulse Podcast, revolution in NDT for AM. With Theta Technologies CEO Steve Butler discussing nonlinear acoustics and the RD1-TT system](https://www.voxelmatters.com//wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Theta_Branded-Headshot1.jpg)Steve Butler, CEO of Theta Technologies

Our guest for this episode, Steve Butler, is a private investor in Theta Technologies and has been a non-executive director since December 2012.

An aeronautical engineer by education, he has over 30 years of experience in the commercial and defense aerospace markets. Before moving into general management, he majored in international commercial negotiations both up and down the supply chain. He has led a number of SMEs including Claverham (sold to UTC in 2004) and more recently Sogeclair Aerospace UK.

Founded in 2007 as a spinout from Exeter University, Theta Technologies is currently on the precipice of becoming a full commercial business, following a multi-year transition led by Theta’s CEO Steve Butler.

Non-linear acoustics technology is a non-destructive testing method that can rapidly and cost-efficiently detect defects or inconsistencies in a 3D printed part using audible and ultrasound frequencies. According to the Theta executives, their patented NLA-based technology is capable of detecting cracks, delamination and creep smaller than a millimeter regardless of the complexity of the printed component.

“Theta Technologies delivers accurate pass/fail results in a matter of seconds, dramatically enhancing the efficiency of metal additive manufacturing production processes,” Butler explained. “Our NDT solutions are so simple to operate that testing can take place without the presence of highly skilled operators; helping to reduce costs in the process.”

Listen to the full podcast interview to learn more about it.