Metals Testing Company

C-Scan Primer
The following is a quick introduction to ultrasonic (UT) C-Scan terminology and technology. C-Scan: A view within a part from the perspective of the ultrasonic transducers scanning surface (a.k.a., top or plan view). For example, if scanning a pipe from its outer diameter, the C-Scan is the view looking into the part from OD to ID. B-Scan: A cross-section view within a part perpendicular to the scanning surface (a.k.a., side view). The BScan slice is in the same direction as the scanning path of the transducer. B-Scan: An additional cross-section view within a part perpendicular to the scanning surface and also perpendicular to the B-Scan (a.k.a., end view, B-Prime Scan view). The type of system we own can display either a B-Scan or B-scan, not both at the same time on the same image (other ways exist to show both). A-Scan: The raw data, ultrasonic signal captured by the system. Its location is at the pixel at the cursor cross hair in the C-Scan. It is also the vertical cursor shown in the B-Scan and B-Scan views. The overall digitized and saved UT signal is each entire A-Scan (green & red areas on A-Scan signal). The red portion of the signal is the C-Gate. The C-Gate represents the volume within the material that the C-Scan interrogates. The A-Scan signal can be as many as 4096 data points. Once collected, a C-Gate can be changed to focus on a different area of interest within the part without having to physically rescan it. The following is an example of thickness and simulated flaw size changes using C-Scan imaging. Note that a photograph of the actual part scanned is not available, but a similar sample is shown below. Also note that the data is from a composite material, not steel. Additional information about the composite image and application can be found in MTC UT Capabilities literature entitled Composite Inspection. Top/Scanning Surface

Backwall thickness changes Cross Sectional View

Example of a step wedge calibration standard laying on its side An images of a similar step wedge made out of composite materials is shown on the following page.

Voice: 860-289-8225 Fax: 860-289-5970

80 Kimberly Drive South Windsor, CT 06074

e-mail: mtc62@aol.com website: www.mtc62.com

Metals Testing Company

C-Scan (top view)

Holes drilled from backside

B-Scan (side view)

Backwall steps A-Scan UT Signal

Front surface interface noise The above images provide positional location (XY), depth, relative size, and magnitude of indications in the inspected sample. Note that the A-Scan is of the smallest diameter flat bottom hole drilled to the mid-wall of the third thickest area of the sample. Note that the colors in the C-Scan view represent material thickness. Colors in the BScan represent UT signal amplitude. Other views and scales are also available for both the C & B-Scans. The red signal in the A-Scan is the window in time that the C-Scan pixels value originates from. Note that the front surface interface noise ring down is captured in the recorded A-Scan signal but is not masking signals of interest behind it. This is the result of setting the C-Gate (red line) to begin after the front interface signal. This is just a quick overview of how UT signals can be more readily recognized when part of a bigger image. If you have any questions in this subject, please dont hesitate to contact us.

Voice: 860-289-8225 Fax: 860-289-5970

80 Kimberly Drive South Windsor, CT 06074

e-mail: mtc62@aol.com website: www.mtc62.com