This general category of cast materials includes the majority of applications for ultrasonic thickness gauging. Cast metal parts come in a wide range of geometries: a variety of automotive parts, tire molds, brake cylinders, hoist drums and many others.
Because most castings scatter ultrasound rapidly, the maximum thickness that can be measured is often limited. In general 4 inches (100mm) is about the upper limit, although in some cases it is possible to measure up to 10 inches (250mm). Poor surface conditions, large grain size, and sound velocity variations usually account for calibrated accuracies of ±0.002 to ±0.005 inch (±0.05 to ±0.125mm). Thin aluminum castings may be measured with an calibrated accuracy of ±0.001 inch (±0.02mm), but thick cast stainless steel usually is limited to not better than ±0.010 inch (±0.25mm) accuracy.

Equipment: The Panametrics-NDT Model 35DL-HP with an M110 or M106 contact transducer is a proven gauging system that combines the pulse power and the low transducer frequency needed for many thickness gauging applications in castings. Thick or attenuating cast metal parts may require an M101 or M1036 contact transducer. The Model 35HP can be used in situations where data logging is not required. The advance model 38DL PLUS gage with the high penetration transducer option is also a good option for castings.

For the detection of subsurface flaws, cracks or inclusions, we offer a complete line of fully digital ultrasonic flaw detectors.