Waygate Technologies launches its first phased array ultrasonic testing solution for small diameter steel bars: Krautkrämer ROWA™ Ux 400 mini

Huerth, Germany, March XX, 2021. Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes business (formerly GE Inspection Technologies) and a world leader in industrial non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions, today announced the market introduction of its first phased array ultrasonic testing machine for small diameter steel bars in the 6-25mm diameter range. By driving the inspectable diameter down by 40%, the new Krautkrämer ROWA™ Ux 400 mini meets the increasing demand for ever more lightweight, high-strength steel parts. The new inspection solution specifically targets the automotive industry but similarly suits the requirements for the inspection of steel bars for the mechanical engineering, power generation, chemicals, and construction sectors. ​

The ROWA™ Ux 400 mini combines 20+ years of experience in phased array technology with Waygate Technologies’ robust, low-maintenance, rotating water (ROWA) jacket design which is trusted by manufacturers, certifiers, and auditors alike for proven reliability and detection performance.

Less maintenance for more productivitiy

The ROWA™ Ux 400 mini features the most simplified yet robust test mechanics on the market which allow for an easy handling and a maximum of uptime while safeguarding consistent quality. In contrast to conventional mechanical rotary systems, the new solution relies on industry-leading phased array technology for more efficient testing of metal bars. The stationary mounted phased array probes can easily be set up for each diameter via software and electronics, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Even when switching between diameters, the angle of incidence can be set electronically and with no need to change the water path of probes or probe modules.

The ROWA™ Ux 400 mini thereby not only increases productivity and reduces operational costs through ease-of-use and high uptimes, it also requires lower maintenance and costs for spare parts. The ultrasonic testing device employs a simplistic design with the phased array probes securely mounted on a stationary stainless steel block and without any rotating parts like probe holder mechanisms, seals, and bearings which typically need regular manual adjustment, care, and service.

“We are excited that we can now offer our high-end ROWA™ Ux solution also for much smaller steel bars with a diameter starting from 6mm,” said Stephan Schmitz, Product Manager for Ultrasonic Testing Machines at Waygate Technologies. “Especially the automotive industry and its suppliers are constantly facing pressure to save costs and streamline production processes. Our ROWA™UX 400 mini is addressing this challenge for them and other manufacturing sectors while still delivering our long-established NDT technology that is trusted by operators and auditors.”

The new ROWA™ Ux 400 mini is now available globally. It is the latest addition to the robust Krautkrämer ROWA^TM Ux product series that provides industry-leading metal bar inspection at a low total cost per inspected part. While the new ROWA™ Ux 400 mini allows for the inspection of small diameter metal bars, the ROWA™ Ux can inspect round metal bars up to 260mm in diameter and square or hexagonal bars with a width up to 50mm. Learn more and contact Waygate Technologies:

Henning Juknat

Global Communications Leader, Waygate Technologies

• henning.juknat@bakerhughes.com
• +49 2233 601272

About Waygate Technologies ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes business (formerly GE Inspection Technologies), is an industrial inspection solutions company and the world leader in non-destructive testing (NDT). In its long history, Waygate Technologies brings in together more than 125 years of experience and expertise as well as a global DNA combined with the unrivaled precision of German engineering. Today, hundreds of brands in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, battery and additive industries trust our technologies to ensure safety, quality and productivity. Our business offers a broad portfolio of award-winning solutions in industrial radiography and computed tomography (CT), remote visual inspection (RVI), ultrasound (UT), eddy current, and robotic inspection. We help customers to drive their digital transformation by applying state-of-the-art data and analytics to their assets and processes for best-in-class insights. Headquartered in Germany, the company has offices all around the world and employs over 1,600 experts and dedicated professionals. Waygate Technologies is part of the Digital Solutions segment of Baker Hughes (NYSE: BKR). Inspection starts here: https://www.waygate-tech.com
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