Sonatest, the acknowledged market leader in non-destructive testing systems, has selected a FaroArm as a key component in its revolutionary new RapidScan3D inspection system. This tool employs multi-component ultrasonic technology, allowing rapid inspection of 3D structures with total precision in the context of varied applications.

RapidScan3D is a complete multi-component ultrasonic inspection system, integrating powerful analysis and evaluation software. As the successor to Rapidscan 2, it enables the scanning of 3-dimensional structures using the FARO high-precision coordinate measurement arm and the positioning of C-scan maps on views depicting the inspected object in space. Thanks to a high-performance ultrasonic system and intuitive software, users are thus able to scan and evaluate complex structures. For the inspection of large or medium-sized surface areas, RapidScan3D enables complete capturing of A-scans, and offers a full range of tools for reviewing the A-scan data and carrying out post-editing. Complete control over gating and colour levels after scanning means it is only necessary to scan items once. Powerful fault analysis functions enable the scaling of faults, their documentation and the generation of a report. RapidScan3D is compatible with the complete FaroArm range (Quantum, Platinum and Fusion).

RapidScan3D uses echography and synchronizes automatically with the FaroArm in order to obtain the most rapid scan possible. 128-channel architecture enables it to use high-resolution ultrasonic multi-element modules to cover large areas. The rapid electronic capture of data and excellent analogical electronics optimize the quality of the generated data. Thus the ability to detect flaws is greatly improved.

Martin Sutton from Sonatest comments: "The Rapidscan 3D system has revolutionised the traditional methods of digitisation designed for non-destructive testing applications: costly immersion tanks and tools are no longer needed. It also reduces the time required for localising and identifying faults and anomalies. The FaroArm has proved to be a key element in the success of the system, and we are delighted with its performance."

Its fields of application are numerous and varied. The system has particularly proved its worth in the aerospace, automotive, marine and composite materials sectors – in the latter with an emphasis on the inspection of composites to detect delamination and to check thickness.