Patent:
US2010292938A1, EP2386850, US8527215
Patent Family:: 043069219
11/2010
Inspecting metal and other electrically conductive parts for hidden flaws like subsurface cracks is traditionally a slow and difficult process. This invention introduces an automated system that speeds up quality control using a combination of induction heating and advanced thermal imaging. A moving carriage guides the workpiece past an induction coil, which safely sends an electrical current through the material. A specialized thermal camera instantly records how the part reacts to the heat. Finally, a connected computer system analyzes these thermal patterns to automatically detect any internal defects without damaging the workpiece.