Using a UV array created by Enfis, it is possible to check for cracks and fatigue in metallic parts in combination with a fluorescent marker.

UV lamps have been around for a while for use in this industry; however they are expensive, have short lifetimes, have some issues with purity of light and can' t readily be used in a portable way.

The LED overcomes all of these issues providing the appropriate light density can be reached. Enfis have supplied product to a leading non-destructive test equipment manufacturer and supplier to the Oil, Gas, Automotive and Aerospace industry. We believe that the market forces of tightening quality thresholds and back to back guarantees/warranties provide a clear opportunity for Enfis.

Non Destructive Testing (NDT) is the name given to any form of testing or inspection that can verify the structural integrity of a component without compromising its ability to perform in service. It is already, or is rapidly becoming, mandatory for safety critical components in applications such as aerospace, oil and gas, pressure vessels and nuclear power, for the verification of weld quality or the monitoring of corrosion damage in service.

By definition non destructive tests have to be non damaging and non invasive, and methods and techniques have been developed to considerable levels of sophistication. They all require operation of equipment and interpretation of results by skilled, well trained personnel.

Surface examination monitoring techniques
Apart from visual inspection of parts, Penetrant Flaw Detection and Magnetic Particle Testing are probably the oldest and most widely used methods for identifying defects in materiel. With penetrant flaw detection, a dye is applied to the surface to be inspected, and allowed to soak for a short period of time.

Capillary action draws the low viscosity liquid into the defect. Excess is washed or wiped off, and a developer applied. This achieves two aims; it draws the dye out, and shows where the defects are. Magnetic Particle Inspection involves using a dye where the iron particles are coating with a fluorescent dye, applying a magnetic source to the materiel, and then applying the dye.

Due to magnetic flux concentration at the edges of the defect, the dye accumulates and can be observed. Enfis are developing a robust product to produce pure white light for use in pentrant flaw detection and an ultra-violet light source for magnetic flaw detection.

Enfis is currently in qualification with key global suppliers of UV systems for NDT. They require a HB-LED replacement for their lamp based product to improve the reliability, robustness, heat and safety issues which occur with lamp based products and are significantly improved using LEDs.