Ultrafine develops semi-automated rig for inspecting hollow shafts05 November 2010

Inspecting interior surfaces of metal shafts, used in the aerospace industry by AgustaWestland, has been partially automated by endoscope and video systems specialist Ultrafine Technology.

Ultrafine built an inspection rig, which allows a rigid endoscope to pass along the hollow centre of the shaft. A nylon block at the eyepiece end, and another at the shaft, ensures that the endoscope is maintained central throughout its travel.

AgustaWestland says that has made a significant difference "and is saving us time and costs" – the main point being that, since the scope is kept central, results are much more reliable. An added advantage is that it is simple to mark and record the positions of any defects.

The endoscope has an ultraviolet light source for detecting minute defects, using UV fluorescence. It can also be switched to a visible light source.

As for the really challenging part, since the shafts to be tested come in different lengths of up to 60cm and have step changes in internal and external diameters at several places, the endoscope optics had to be adapted to provide the appropriate depths of field.

Meanwhile, an accurate indication of the distance travelled by the endoscope into the shaft is provided by a simple measuring rod that moves along the outside of the shaft.

Also, a compass rose on the sliding mechanism holding the endoscope allows the operator to rotate its mirror tube through 360 degrees so that the whole of the internal surface can be inspected in four quadrants.

Brian Tinham

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Ultrafine Technology Ltd

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