Non Destructive Testing

Radiographic examination

The objetive

 Radiography is a Non-Destructive Examination method that uses X-ray and Gamma-ray for detecting internal imperfections or defects. Also it is a perfect way to monitor defects.

The principle

  Radiography works on the principle of absorption of the penetrating radiation by the intervening material. The differential absorption due to variation in density (or, due to presence of flaws and defects in the material) produces latent images on the radiographic film

  With radiographic examination the material is exposed to a homogenous ray from a low voltage X-ray tube, while a negative film is positioned behind the material to be examined. After development of the film, thickness and density differences (i.e. material imperfections) will show as blackness differences.

Below a example of a setup to make a x-ray on a frame

Testing technique

 For the examination of carbon fiber, composites and alloy’s we have chosen to use a low voltage tube with a beryllium screen this in combination with an ultra fine grain films. Various tests have proven that this combination give’s the highest quality and the best sensitivity of the radiographs on these specific materials.

What is possible?

 Almost everything can be tested regardless the material carbon, composite, alloy, titanium and even steel. Of course there are restrictions but the products in the biking area are for 99% testable.

 However it is always spot-check examination that will give you a general idea of the quality.

Why testing?

  You can think numerous reasons to test products, but for us there are only two reasons;

  To make sure new products will have the quality and the reliability what we and the customer wants. So before a new product goes on the market we have done loads of tests to make sure the quality and reliability is what we want.

  An other reason is that something happened like a accident, impact etc. Than we will examine the product to make sure that there is nothing damaged, cracked inside or broken or what so ever and it is still save to use the product.

  New Concept Biking works for insurance companies, fabriques, consumers and anyone else who wants to know more about the quality from bike frames or bike components and hires us to do research.

For example,

  At a nice day you are riding and enjoying the views. Suddenly of you go, flying in the air and down you are with a hard impact. Your bike is 5 meter further on and after picking it up and trying everything seems to be ok. Coming home and after cleaning the bike of course you will visually inspect it and think its ok.

  But you never can see what happened inside or if there is a crack somewhere. That is just what we make visible, to make sure it is save for you to keep using your bike. Or to make clear to your insurance company that the frame is damaged and needs replacement.

Examples of radiograph’s

 Defect on the inside

This was a new frame, out of the box well packed.

 So a manufacturing error.

Examples of radiograph’s

 Bad glue connection, lack and excessive glue

Examples of radiograph’s

  In the circled area’s no bonding

Examples of radiograph’s

 Very thin wall thickness

Examples of radiograph’s

 The picture says it all, according to the manufacture the strength was still there, but after a couple of rides the connection broke.

Examples of radiograph’s

 After a small accident examinated the rear chain stay for an insurance company.

Examples of radiograph’s

 This suppose to be tube to tube.

Due to bad preparation it is now a weak spot

Examples of radiograph’s

  The frame was making a funny noise, eventually we found it, a small part of a broken nail. Also bad bonding and misalignment.