Theta Technologies will show RD1-TT system for NDT at Formnext

Theta Technologies will be showing its game-changing, non-destructive testing (NDT) solution, the RD1-TT systems, at the upcoming Formnext (hall 12.0 stand E67). The nonlinear resonance technique employed by the RD1-TT has been shown to detect the presence of flaws in 3D printed components: it is designed to excite components using a variety of different sources. Once the component is excited, a detector system watches for non-linearity within the tested component.

With the metal additive manufacturing industry rapidly evolving and subsequently allowing manufacturers to design and create much more complex metal components, this unique non-destructive testing technique is emerging at a convenient time for those wanting to manufacture bespoke metal parts – particularly for safety-critical applications.

The RD1-TT system promises non-destructive testing via nonlinear acoustics, with greater speed, ease of use and lower costs, making it possible to implement NDT at more stages throughout the AM development and production process, rapidly eliminating defects. This is of key importance as AM increasingly makes its way into production.

The company is looking to meet visitors in one-to-one meetings to show the new systems and its technology. Over the past year, Theta also launched an exclusive campaign to give additive manufacturing users a first-hand look at its new testing process. As part of the campaign, Theta Technologies will test the most complex parts companies send them* to demonstrate how its RD1-TT machine is more accurate, efficient and affordable than conventional NDT processes. Click here to participate in the campaign.

What is Nonlinear Acoustic testing?

Theta Technologies’ patented NLA technology takes advantage of the fact that every printed part has a unique acoustic signature. The part’s material, size and geometry all play into what this signature is. NLA works by exposing the part to ultrasound frequencies and measuring the response. As Theta CTO James Watts explained to 3dpbm in a recent interview: “We exploit the fact that the acoustic signature of a flawed component changes as we change the excitation, whereas the signature of a flaw-free sample remains unchanged. We can thus detect the nonlinear response of a flaw in the sample.”

NLA is also designed to be easy to use. The upcoming system, for instance, can rapidly detect the presence of cracks, delamination and creep in a 3D printed part. “Theta Technologies delivers accurate pass/fail results in a matter of seconds, dramatically enhancing the efficiency of metal additive manufacturing production processes,” the company explains. “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.”