Ultrasonic Testing (UT) in Steel: Process, Benefits & What We Check

In the world of steel, unseen flaws can lead to catastrophic failures in critical applications. That’s why at Goel Steel Enterprises, we go beyond surface inspections. Our rigorous Ultrasonic Testing (UT) process ensures that the steel you receive is sound, inside and out.

Whether it’s Alloy Steel, Tool Steel, Die Steel, Forging Stock, or Rolled Rounds and Flats, each product we supply undergoes non-destructive testing to detect internal flaws that might otherwise go unnoticed.

What is Ultrasonic Testing (UT)?

Ultrasonic Testing is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal discontinuities such as cracks, voids, or inclusions in metals.

How It Works:

1. A transducer emits ultrasonic pulses into the steel.

2. These waves travel through the material and reflect back when they hit a flaw.

3. The echoes are displayed on a screen, helping technicians detect the depth, location, and size of internal flaws.

This method enables deep inspection without damaging the material, making it ideal for high-performance industries such as aerospace, automotive, die and mold manufacturing, and heavy engineering.

Our UT Testing Process at Goel Steel Enterprises

We follow a standard yet rigorous process:

1. Surface Preparation – Ensuring a clean surface for accurate wave transmission.

2. Application of Couplant – A gel or oil is used to eliminate air gaps between probe and surface.

3. Scanning – Our trained operators move the UT probe methodically across the product.

4. Interpretation of Echoes – Any reflected signal that indicates a flaw is carefully analyzed.

5. Reporting – A complete UT report is provided with details like flaw size, depth, and type.

What We Check in UT

We use UT to detect:

• Internal cracks

• Laminations

• Non-metallic inclusions

• Voids or gas pockets

• Weld flaws (if applicable)

Our goal is to ensure that the steel you receive is defect-free and reliable under mechanical stress.

Understanding UT Report Terms & Technicalities

What Does "100 dB" Mean?

• 100 dB is a standard reference gain setting used during UT inspection.

• It is set using a known reflector such as a side-drilled hole (SDH) or flat-bottom hole (FBH).

• This level is used as a baseline to compare flaws found in real materials.

What is "100 + 6 dB"?

• Increasing the gain by +6 dB means the sensitivity is doubled, enabling detection of finer flaws.

• This is often used in more critical inspections or for thin materials.

• Every 6 dB increase = Double the echo amplitude

What Does 10% or 20% Flaw Mean?

• This is a relative measurement of flaw size compared to the reference reflector.

• 10% flaw: Reflects 10% of the reference signal amplitude.

• 20% flaw: Reflects 20% – indicating a larger or more reflective flaw.

Acceptability Guide:

• 0–10% – Minor, often acceptable

• 10–20% – Needs review, depends on application

• >20% – Often critical, may be rejected

What Are “Spots” and “Continuous Flaw”?

• Spots: Isolated, scattered signals—may indicate minor inclusions or gas pockets. Often acceptable if limited in number and size.

• Continuous Flaw: Long, uninterrupted reflection—usually from a crack, lamination, or major internal defect. Generally not acceptable.

Why This Matters to You

As a buyer, engineer, or manufacturer, you want steel that won’t fail under pressure.

At Goel Steel Enterprises, we believe:

That’s why:

• Every material is ultrasonically tested

• All UT reports are shared transparently

• We reject material that doesn’t meet our high standards

Applications That Demand UT-Verified Steel

• Forging dies & press tools

• Hot & cold work tool steels (D2, H13)

• Automotive shafts and axles (EN19, EN24)

• Mold bases and die inserts

• Precision machining components

We Are Here to Serve You

When your project demands flawless, certified, and high-performance steel, you can trust us.

Goel Steel Enterprises
📞 +91-9686477515
🌐 www.goelsteelenterprises.com

"When quality is invisible, trust is visible. That’s why we test what others overlook."

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