CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF NDT SOLUTIONS
 
 
Eddy Current Inspection Systems

MAC eddy current inspection systems incorporate computer based test instruments and test coils. The test coils interact with the material under test and provide data which is processed and analyzed by the instrument. MAC uses two general types of eddy current test coil technologies: Encircling and Sector Coils, and Spinning or Rotary Probe Coils.


MULTIMAC®



MultiMac with built-in display

 

The versatile new MultiMac® lets you configure your eddy current test application the way you want - all with just one tester. MultiMac test channels can be individually configured for use with encircling or sector test coils as well as rotating test probes - eliminating the need to have several instruments.

Yet MultiMac includes the best features of MAC's individual encircling coil and rotary probe instruments. Features include up to 8 test channels in any combination, and a broad test frequency selection from 1KHz to 5MHz. All test channels can operate simultaneously at the same or at different frequencies
 
MultiMac® can operate on a wide variety of non-magnetic products, or use Direct Current saturation systems to inspect magnetic material. Test speeds can range from one foot per minute up to several thousand. Installation can be in-line or at a separate test station. End suppression circuitry, when combined with an optional sensor can be used for testing cut lengths to prevent false signals from leading and trailing ends.
 
The instrument is packaged in a heavy duty cabinet that includes a built-in monitor, air conditioning, and pull- out keyboard. There is no need to access the cabinet interior during setup and operation.

The MultiMac is also available in other cabinet configurations that do not include the heavy duty cabinet and built-in monitor. These models include output connectors for an external monitor, and can be housed in an environmental cabinet with air conditioning where needed.


Typical Application: 

Defect detection in non-magnetic and magnetic bar, wire, or tube where multiple test channels and both encircling and rotary probe technology is desirable.

PDF File:  MULTIMAC FINAL REV APR091.pdf
For Use With:  Bars and RodsTubing


MULTIMAC® SM



MultiMac SM with Built-in Touch Screen Monitor

 

The MultiMac SM is a high speed, computer with Windows® Operating System and MAC's latest proprietary software. The instrument is packaged in a compact cabinet that includes a built-in touch screen monitor and may also be operated with a keyboard or mouse. The output connectors are included for an optional external monitor.

 With these features, MultiMac SM can operate on a wide variety of non-magnetic products, or use Direct Current saturation systems to inspect magnetic material.The system has a broad test frequency selection from 1KHz to 5MHz.  Test speeds can range from one foot per minute up to several thousand. Installation can be in-line or at a separate test station.

 MultiMac SM has up to 4 test channels that can operate at the same or different frequencies for special applications.  The main test display provides all the information needed to set up and operate MultiMac SM. Polar and linear signal traces can be simultaneously displayed, along with all test parameters.  User configurable reports containing customer and product information in addition to defect location, time, amplitude and phase can be stored locally or on a network server.


Typical Application: 

 To detect short weld line defects, and long, continuous surface flaws such as laps and seams in magnetic and non-magnetic tube and bar.

PDF File:  MULTIMAC sm apr 09.pdf
For Use With:  Bars and RodsTubing


MAC® 400



MAC 400 Eddy Current Tester

The convenient MAC® 400 with up to four independent channels can be connected to segmented encircling or sector test coils.

Windows® based, this CE tester displays results and settings on large on-screen windows. Each channel is either independent or synchronized, with the independent setup being used for multi probe scanning applications where multiple probes can inspect the material surface. The synchronized setting can be used for multiple sensors with a common feed system such as in segmented encircling coil applications.

The MAC 400 can be monitored and operated through a network for quick and easy follow up. Settings can be conveniently entered by keyboard, mouse, or by point and drag features on an optional touch screen monitor.


Typical Application: 

Non destructive testing for defects, including weldline defects, laps, or open welds in magnetic and nonmagnetic bar, wire or tubing, on or off line, with straighteners and other production equipment.

PDF File:  MAC 400.pdf
For Use With:  Bars and RodsTubing


MINIMAC® MAC 40



Minimac MAC 40 tester

Designed for continuous production testing applications, where simple set-up without critical operator adjustment is desired.

Windows based industrial quality eddy current tester with complete networking capabilities. Software controls for all functions including phasing, filtering, sensitivity and frequency. Separate full color polar and linear monitor display of real time, true wave form signals for review on site or in remote location. Inspects magnetic and non-magnetic tube, wire and bar stock at speeds up to 4,000 fpm.


Typical Application: 

Defect or weld detection in non-magnetic tubing or wire, and continuity checking on single and multi-conductor insulated wire and cable.

PDF File:  MAC40 MINIMAC.pdf
For Use With:  Bars and RodsTubingWire


VARIMAC® V



The Varimac V, latest in MAC's line of eddy current comparators gives you fast, convenient sorting of metal parts such as fasteners, bearings, and other cold formed pieces. Its high speed continuous operation and reliability in production environments make 100% non- destructive inspection economically feasible. It is also used for checking alloy and hardness in bar or wire.


Typical Application: 

Detect variations in alloy, hardness, some dimensions and certain types of cracks in metal bar, tube or parts. Also used for high speed sorting of parts such as fasteners and bearings. Used with MAC's Parts Gates, parts can be sorted and counted at speeds up to six parts per second into three separate groups.

PDF File:  VARIMAC5.PDF
For Use With:  Bars and RodsMetal PartsTubing


PRODUCTION COMPARATOR VI



A single frequency Windows® computer based nondestructive test instrument that uses low frequency electromagnetic techniques to inspect magnetic materials for variations in physical characteristics such as alloy, heat treatment and case depth. Highly selective gating circuit permits it to discriminate between changes in the signal’s phase, amplitude or harmonic distortion from the fundamental frequency to its 13th order harmonic. The instrument also features a unique display (vector or lissajou) that provides simultaneous display of the standard, acceptable piece and the test piece wave forms for easy comparison. Setup and monitor on site or through a computer network.


Typical Application: 

Checking case depth, core hardness, alloy and structure in ferromagnetic tube or bar at production line speeds on line or off line. Three way sorting of magnetic parts automatically, when used with MAC’s automated Parts Gates.

PDF File:  Production Comparator V.pdf
For Use With:  Bars and RodsMetal PartsTubingWire


AUTOSORT® AND OTHER EDDY CURRENT SORTING SYSTEMS



MAC Model 570 Parts Gate

Standard Parts Test System
MAC standard NDT parts testers usually utilize the Varimac V eddy current comparator with an automated parts sorting gate to separate parts into three categories - above specification, below specification and acceptable. The sort speed of the Varimac V instrument is only limited by the parts handling and sorting mechanism. Used in conjunction with MAC's Model 570 gate system, for example, the Varimac provides reliable, 3 way sorting at speeds up to 6 parts per second, based on differences in alloy, hardness, case depth, grain size, processing variations, plating thickness, some dimensions and orientation.

Customized Parts Testers
Highly sophisticated customized parts testers using several test technologies and appropriate automated handling equipment have been developed and produced for inspecting shell bodies, grenades, bearing races, and automotive parts, among others.


Typical Application: 

Inspect and sort for hardness, alloy, or other physical characteristics in metal parts.

PDF File:  VARIMAC51.PDF
For Use With:  Metal Parts


PROMAC® MAC 141 PROBE TESTER



Used with an internal test probe, the MAC 141 provides a high performance, low cost eddy current test for the inspection of non magnetic heat exchanger tubing in condensers, evaporators and similar applications.

Optional, user friendly tube mapping software produces a permanent tube map of the results, either during or after the job. Data can be shown in tubular, chart or tube map mode and the tube map can be customized for the specific heat exchanger configuration.


Typical Application: 

On site non destructive inspection of specialty stainless alloy and titanium tubing in condensers, evaporators and similar portions of air conditioner units.

PDF File:  Promac 141 Flyer.pdf
For Use With:  Tubing


MAGNETISM DETECTOR



A convenient, hand held gauss meter that records the approximate degree (+/- 20 gauss) and polarity of residual magnetism in ferrous material.

To use the Magnetic Analysis Magnetism Detector, simply place the base of the iindicating needle near the end of the bar or similar object you are testing. The degree of magnetization is indicated by a reading up to +/- 20 gauss. When checking magnetized bar stock or tubing, a reading of 10 or less is usually acceptable.

To order, send email to magnetismdetectors@mac-ndt.com or click here for order form.
Price: $ 35.95each + shipping & tax $ 29.95 each (on orders of 10 or more) + shipping & tax



Typical Application: 

Applications: widely used by steel suppliers and fabricators of bar, tubing or parts where magnetism might interfere with subsequent machining or handling operations, or with the end use of the product. Also used to check products such as tools or aircraft parts. Note: It is not suitable for measuring the strength of electromagnetic fields created by AC power lines.

PDF File:  MAGDET09 new prices nov2009.pdf
For Use With:  Bars and RodsMetal PartsTubingWire


ENCIRCLING AND SECTOR COIL TESTERS

Encircling Coil mounted in an air cooled CP352 Coil Platform
In encircling/sector coil technology, the product under test passes through or adjacent to an electrical test coil which has been excited by an alternating current. This induces a flow of eddy currents around the test material, or, in the case of a sector coil, in the area under the coil. Short, intermittent anomalies or flaws cause a variation in the eddy current pattern which the instrument detects. Absolute, differential, or combinations of both coils are available.
Encircling Coil mounted in a CP 30 Coil Platform

Sector Coil in a CP 21 Coil Platform to test welded tube
Typical applications for encircling/sector test sensors are:
  • Detect short surface and some subsurface defects, on or off-line, in magnetic and non-magnetic wire, bar and tube
  • Inspect welded tube for short ID or OD defects in the weld zone or on the full circumference
  • Test uniform cross sectional material, including squares, rectangles, hex and round
  • Inspect small diameter wire or tube for short defects
  • Check continuity and locate welds in single and multi-conductor insulated wire and cable
For Use With:  Bars and RodsMetal PartsPlate and StripTubingWire

SPINNING OR ROTARY PROBE TESTERS

E-Rotary


750 Rotary

In rotary probe technology, the product under test moves longitudinally through the rotating test probes resulting in a helical search pattern. As the probe passes over a defect, variations in the induced eddy current pattern are detected. The minimum flaw length which can be consistently detected is a function of the rotary speed of the probe and the throughput speed of the material. Similar results can be obtained by holding the test probe stationary and rotating the material past the probe. For rotary testing of hot material, the Rotomac® BQ hot tester is available.

Current MAC rotaries feature continuously variable high speed rotaries (1800 - 6000 RPM), and multi-probe headplates to detect shorter defects without sacrificing throughput speed. Similar results can be obtained by holding the test probe stationary and rotating the material past the probe. Rotary testing is the method of choice for detecting seam type surface defects in non-magnetic and magnetic grades of wire and bar. MAC has rotary mechanics for up to 7-1/2 inch (191mm) diameter material.

The MultiMac eddy current instrumentation operates with MAC rotaries where long, continuous defects may not be adequately detected by encircling test coils.

Typical Application: 

Typical applications for rotary test sensors are:

  • Detect seam type surface defects in cold drawn wire or cut length bar stock
  • Inspect in line with continuous wire operations such as wire drawing, parts forming, re-spooling, or straight and cut
  • Inspect cut lengths, usually off-line
  • Test parts, such as small shafts and bearings for longitudinal surface defects

PDF File:  EDDY CURRENT ROTARIES FINAL may091.pdf
For Use With:  Bars and RodsWire


2WR Wire Rope Tester


The type 2WR Wire Rope Tester is designed to inspect magnetic grades of wire rope up to 1" (2.54cm) in diameter. It is capable of detecting a single broken wire in most forms of wire rope, preformed or otherwise, whether the broken stand is on the surface of the bundle or buried. The system is composed of a compact, ruggedly built solid state flux leakage control unit, plus energizing and detector units. The energizing and detector units create a strong magnetic field which causes lines of magnetic flux to pass through a small length of the wire rope under test. Any broken wire causes a change in the flux field which is sensed by the detector. The detector is a unique split coil, designed to allow the coil to be placed on a rope either in the field or on a production line without having to thread an end through an encircling coil.

 

Typical Application: 

Magnetic wire rope testing for broken stands either in the field, or in the factory.

For Use With:  Wire


TEST COIL PLATFORMS & DRIVE MECHANISMS

Coil Platforms
 

Proper positioning of the eddy current test coil with respect to the material being tested is a key ingredient of any eddy current inspection system. MAC Coil Platforms can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to provide proper alignment with the material to be tested. Encircling (throughput) or tangent (sector) test coils can be accomodated.
 

Coil Platforms for Testing Non Magnetic Material: Standard Coil Platforms are designed for the inspection of non magnetic material.
 

Coil Platforms for Testing Magnetic Material: Specially designed DC Coil Platforms incorporate a direct current encircling saturation coil which is necessary for testing most magnetic material. By adequately saturating the test material, accurate test results can be obtained.
 

In most cases, DC Coil Platforms for encircling test coils require a continuous supply of water for cooling. Tangent Coil Platforms, however, do not require water. Contact MAC for specific water and power requirements for Coil Platforms.
 

Rotary Mechanisms

When using spinning eddy current probe or magnetic flux leakage inspection equipment, a Rotary Mechanism which incorporates the eddy current probe coils in a housing designed to spin the probes around the material, is used instead of a standard encircling or segment coil. The Rotary Mechanism may be adjusted for proper elevation and horizontal position, similar to Coil Platforms.
 

Drive Mechanisms -
 

Bottom Vee roll Systems MAC Drive Mechanisms consist of a series of bottom "V" drive rolls, each with a corresponding top air or spring loaded adjustable pinch roll. This three point contact, ensures consistent pressure on different sized test material. Sophisticated controls are also available to create an entirely automated integrated system.
 

Constant Center Drive Systems MAC's subsidiary M A Nordic offers a constant center, automated triple drive and table to accommodate several testing systems, including stationary or rotary eddy current or ultrasonic instruments. A single point adjustment of the table and diameter of the triple driving and centering guide aligns the table and testers with the production line. It is especially applicable to products such as tubes with badly formed ends, upset pipe or difficult straightening applications.

Typical Application: 

Coil Platforms, Rotary Mechanisms, Drive Mechanisms and Tables are an integral part of most eddy current, flux leakage or ultrasonic test systems. They are used in testing bar, tube, and wire.

PDF File:  coil platforms final.pdf
For Use With:  Bars and RodsMetal PartsTubingWire


FEED SYSTEMS




Modular Design
The Feed System's modular design permits quick assembly into many configurations to handle various lengths of material, and allows for later additions or changes. Both round and hexagonal material can be accommodated. Models are available for handling bars or tubing ranging in size from 1/8" (3.18mm) up to 7-1/2" (191mm).

At left is a view of a MAC Feed System with a feed table and receiving pocket. Below left are receiving pockets with "easy down" belt feature to prevent bars from hitting the bottom.

 


Typical Application: 

Automated feeding, rejecting and handling of bars and tube in ndt test stations.

PDF File:  FEEDSYSTEMS.PDF
For Use With:  Bars and RodsTubing


DEMAGNETIZERS




475 Demagnetizer Water Cooled Coil


Demagnetizers are used in metal manufacturing plants to eliminate residual magnetism in the test material after the eddy current test is completed, or for similar applications where high speed reduction of residual magnetism is required. MAC Demagnetizers can handle bar, tube or wire material ranging up to 8.5" (215 mm) diameter.



Models include:

Low Power for up to 1.75" (44 mm) Diameter Light Material such as thin wall tube and small parts

  • Model 200 Demagnetizer - AC power only - Ambient Air Cooled

    1 KVA Power for 1.75", 4.75" or 5.75" (44, 114, 146 mm) Diameter Material

  • Models 470/471 - Ambient Air Cooled

    Medium Duty 4 KVA Power for 4.5" (114 mm) Diameter Material:

  • Model 475 - Water or Air Cooled (Air cooled coils can be used on some thin walled tubing)

    Heavy Duty 25 KVA Power for 3.75", 4.75" or 5.75" (95, 114, 146 mm) diameter material - Requires continuous supply of water for cooling. Contact MAC for specific water and power requirements.

  • Model 400

    Extra Heavy Duty 75 KVA for 7.5" or 8.5" (190, 215 mm) diameter material

  • Model 750 Demagnetizer. Requires continuous supply of water for cooling. Contact MAC for specific water and power requirements.

    MAC's experienced Field Engineers can recommend the most appropriate demagnetizing equipment for your applications.


Typical Application: 

Used to eliminate residual magnetism in the test material after the eddy current test is completed, or for similar applications where high speed reduction of residual magnetism is required

PDF File:  demagnetizer_06.pdf
For Use With:  Bars and RodsMetal PartsTubingWire


ROTOMAC® BQ HOT TESTER



Rotomac BQ hot coil testing wire

The Rotomac® BQ rotary eddy current test system is successfully detecting long, continuous defects in hot wire during production in a key Scandanavian steel hot mill. Used in conjunction with an encircling coil eddy current test, the system offers reliable detection of both short and long defects in hot wire.
 

The rotary eddy current test utilizes test probes which spin around the wire as it passes through. The helix test pattern that results detects long defects that are present, at each pass. By using rotary probes to detect long defects in combination with an encircling coil to detect short defects, the Rotomac BQ detects the widest range of flaws, even at the high through put speeds typical of wire production.
 

The electronics analyze and present an integrated screen of the data from both the rotary and encircling tests on a monitor. Results are color coded for severity. Low level defects can be counted per unit of length and defects detected by the rotary and encircling tests can be recorded, integrated, stored and networked.
 

Systems for wire ranging up to 37mm diameter are available. Customers who already have an encircling coil system in place can "upgrade" to a Rotomac® BQ complete system with the addition of the rotary tester. For new installations, the customer can install the complete system or begin with either an encircling or rotating test, depending on the type of defects that are most prevalent, and then add the other test at a later date.
 

 


Typical Application: 

Testing wire in hot rolling mills

PDF File:  rotomac BQ hot test.pdf
For Use With:  Bars and RodsWire


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