NDTE3101 Ultrasonic Testing I

LAB 5: Angle Beam Index & Angle Verification Rev.A-2021

Name: Date:

Purpose: To establish the angle beam transducer index point and angle verification using the
IIW calibration block.

Equipment: UT set, coaxial cable, a 2.25MHz or 5.0 MHz transducer, along with 45/60/70 deg
wedges, couplant, the IIW calibration block.

Instructions: Put couplant between the transducer and the 45 degree wedge. This now is a 45
deg angle beam transducer which introduces a 45 deg angle in steel. Attach the transducer to
the UT set.
Use the following instrument settings: Range to 200mm; Probe/display delay to zero
(Krautkramer) , zero offset to zero (Epoch); velocity to 3240m/sec; gain to 50dB or thereabouts.

If there is no signal on screen, check instrument settings particularly for “Dual off/on” . It should
be set to "off" on Krautkramer. For Epoch 4, it should be set to Pulse Echo.

Index point determination: What is the index point? It is the point where maximum sound from
the centre of the probe exits the plastic wedge and enters the test material. Why do this?
When inspecting rough surfaces, the wedge material wears away depending on the pressure
applied to the probe. The index point will change causing error in the readings that will be
reported.

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 NDTE3101 Ultrasonic Testing I
LAB 5: Angle Beam Index & Angle Verification Rev.A-2021

Place the angle beam transducer with the index point at position D as shown in the above
diagram with the sound beam directed at the 100mm radius. Notice at this position, a “0” is
marked on the side followed by mm inscribed lines either side of the “0”. The “0” represents
the 100mm radius of the curvature.
While looking at the screen, move the transducer backwards and forwards over the “0” point of
the IIW Block. Notice that the signal that appears near mid screen goes up and down in
amplitude. Whenever the top of the signal goes off the screen lower the dB gain until the
maximum amplitude from the signal is at 60 to 80% of the screen height. This is called
maximizing the signal. Now look at the transducer position on the IIW block. The inscribed line
on the wedge should meet the “0” at the interface of the wedge and the IIW block. If not the
index point has shifted. 2 lines on either side of “0” is acceptable (+/- 2mm). Mark new index
point on wedge. Greater than that, a new wedge should be used or index point must be
inscribed on the plastic wedge.
Repeat this exercise for the 60 and 70 degree wedges by attaching the transducer to the
wedge. No signal? Check couplant between transducer and wedge material.

Results:
UT set: Make: __________: Serial # _________
Transducer: Frequency: ______Mhz: Diameter: _______mm: Serial # __________

45degree wedge: index point acceptable Y/N?

60degree wedge: index point acceptable Y/N?
70degree wedge: index point acceptable Y/N?

Angle beam verification: If the exit point changes so will the angle of the wedge also causing an
error in readings. So beam index point is always determined first followed by angle verification.
If using angle beam transducers daily, index point and angle verification is a daily requirement.

Notice angles are inscribed on the sides of the IIW block. Depending on the wedge angle the
probe is placed either at the “C” or “A” position on the IIW block. Move the probe backwards
and forwards to maximize the amplitude of the signal from the target (Perspex)(note on your
rompas block this is the SDH hole) . If the signal amplitude is off screen lower the dB gain
setting such that the maximum signal occurs at 60 to 80% of the screen height. At this location
look at the side of the IIW block and see where the index point lines up with the angle. Record
the angle where the maximized signal occurs.
An angle of 2 degrees of the inscribed angle is acceptable.
The actual angle you determine is the one you would record and use in calculations
One other note, the inscribed angle is the angle of the sound in steel.

45degree wedge angle: acceptable Y/N?

60degree wedge angle: acceptable Y/N?
70degree wedge angle: acceptable Y/N?

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 NDTE3101 Ultrasonic Testing I
LAB 5: Angle Beam Index & Angle Verification Rev.A-2021

Draw and dimension Index point on Wedge:

Dimension Index point from front of wedge and label as X-dimension. Ask why X, and look of
instrument menu options where X can be entered (in trig menu for USM 36).

Draw new Angle beam angle in IIW from Wedge:

Learning Outcomes: 1) with use on rough surfaces, the index point and angle can change due to
wear. 2) To prevent wrong readings, index point and angle verification checks must be done
daily on all wedge angles that will be used during the test. 3) Index point and angle verification
is done on the IIW block.

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