Breakthrough Versatility and Speed in Weld Inspection

The Surf-X™ family of eddy current array probes from Zetec Inc. (Snoqualmie, WA) use a unique flexible circuit design and proprietary X-PROBE™ coil technology that allow each probe to conform to a variety of materials, shapes, and geometries for inspection applications in manufacturing, aerospace, oil and gas, power generation, and more. The key advantages of these array probes are their versatility and speed. They feature interchangeable multiple coil sets that enable users in the field to change a coil set in less than a minute and adapt the probe to a range of materials and surface geometries. Surf-X array probes offer a detachable encoder that can connect in multiple locations on both the handle and electronics module, providing maximum versatility for dealing with different positions during probing. This innovative design offers breakthrough inspection efficiencies. The electronics module connector, cable and detachable encoder can be used interchangeably across different coil sets for material cost savings. With subsequent Surf-X array coil set purchases, the module, encoder and cables can be re-used to save time and money.

“Surf-X array probes are easy to use, extremely efficient and can reduce inspection time by up to 95 percent versus pencil probes,” said Bill Ziegenhagen, the eddy current probes product manager at Zetec. “Their innovative design truly delivers an inspection advantage.” These array probes are available with interchangeable coil sets, including:

• The SURF-X Weld Array Probe set combines +point coils to find indications in weld toes while array coils test the remaining weld and heat-affected zones, such as shipboard T and Butt welds.
• The flexible SURF-X Flex Array Probe bends to produce detailed, accurate results across complex geometries and irregular surfaces, such as rivets on airplane wings or grooves in carbon steel mining drums.

All Surf-X array probe coil sets come with three wear-surface options for maximum flexibility: a no-wear surface to inspect smooth materials, a cloth wear surface for smooth or polished surfaces, and a “super fabric” for protecting array coils on rough surfaces. These array probes are a fast, accurate, chemical-free alternative to penetrant testing (PT) that, when used with the MIZ®-21C handheld eddy current instrument, is one of the most cost-effective portable surface array solutions on the market. Recently updated, the MIZ-21C is now a sealed unit with increased operating temperature range, increased internal memory storage, off-the-shelf battery charging, and more. “With a MIZ-21C eddy current instrument and a Surf-X array probe, you can quickly and accurately handle virtually any eddy current test application without extra hardware, chemicals, or complex set-ups,” added Ziegenhagen.

Zetec Inc., 8226 Bracken Place, Suite 100, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, 425-974-2700, www.zetec.com.