Question

During the inspection of a critical titanium additive component, which Non-Destructive Testing method is required to specifically identify internal spherical voids created by trapped shielding gas?

Accepted Answer

The Non-Destructive Testing method required to identify internal spherical voids caused by trapped shielding gas in titanium additive components is Industrial Computed Tomography, commonly referred to as CT scanning. This method uses X-rays to create a comprehensive three-dimensional internal map of a component. Because spherical voids represent a difference in density compared to the surrounding solid titanium, the X-rays are absorbed differently by the void than by the metal. An X-ray detector captures these variations to produce a series of cross-sectional images, which are then reconstructed into a volumetric model. This allows for the precise location and measurement of gas pores located deep within the material structure, where surface-based inspection methods like dye penetrant or visual testing cannot reach. Computed Tomography is the industry standard for this application because it provides the high resolution necessary to detect the small, rounded geometry characteristic of gas-induced porosity without requiring the component to be cut or destroyed.

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During the inspection of a critical titanium additive component, which Non-Destructive Testing method is required to specifically identify internal spherical voids created by trapped shielding gas?