OmniScan MX2 Training Program

Encoded Inspection Preparation

MX2 Training Program Encoded Inspection - Overview Encoders and scanners come in all shapes and sizes and are typically

purchased based on the application requirements for geometry, precision, durability and speed.

Encoders and scanners allow the position and orientation of the probe in one or two axis to be recorded with the MX2 phased array data allowing 2D data views such as a B-scan and C-scan.

Encoded scanners can be as simple as a small wheel connected to the probe or a complex multi probe scanner with multi axis capability controlled from a computer or PLC.

MX2 Training Program Encoded Inspection Overview cont.

A full range of application and market specific encoders, scanners can be found in the Olympus Industrial Scanners and Accessories Catalog.

Additionally, the encoder connector specifications are available in the users manual allowing the MX2 to be integrated with any scanner to a patch cable using a standard 15 pin serial connector.

MX2 Training Program Encoded Inspection Overview cont. The encoder input receptacle of the MX2 is on the top panel and uses a

short IP66 water resistant patch cable (Included with MX2) to interface with a standard 15 pin serial connector common to Olympus and many third party suppliers of encoders and scanners.

The complete connector specifications and wiring pin-out can be found in section 14.2 of the MX2 User manual.

MX2 Training Program Encoded Inspection Scan Menu Overview

The scan menu is where encoders, scanners and their associated parameters are configured for the inspection.

These parameters are typically configured last after the group has been created with the wizards, the UT settings have been configured, and all required calibrations completed.

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Inspection Type Ov erview

Encoder input

Options for scan type are: One line scan. (MX2 Default) Available on either with either a clock or

encoded inspection and is used when the probe is moved in one axis (Scan axis) along the component or weld.

Raster scan. The probe is moved in two axis (Scan and index axis) and acquired in a bi-directional or unidirectional pattern.

Helicoidal scan. (Pictured below) The probe is moved in one axis as a cylindrical shaped component is moved. The scan axis encoder monitors the continuous rotation around the cylinder and the index axis encoder monitors the continuous movement along the index axis.

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Inspection Type On e Line Scan

Scan axis

The one line scan can be used with either a time or encoder inspection.

Although a one line scan only requires a single encoder, it could have been wired in the interface cable for either encoder 1 or 2.

More examples of Olympus one line scanners.HSMT Flex (1 axis) Chain Scanner (2 axis)HSMT X03 (1 axis)

HSMT Compact (1 axis)WeldROVER (1 axis)

Cobra (1 axis)

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Inspection Type Ra ster Scan

In a raster scan either encoder 1 or 2 can be assigned to monitor the scan axis.

The MX2 has two encoder inputs. Whichever encoder is selected as the scan axis, the other encoder is assumed to be the index axis.

In the example below, encoder 1 is assigned to the scan axis (Wheels) and encoder 2 assigned to the index (Arm).

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Insp. Type - Raster Scan cont.

In the raster scan pictured below, the scan axis is assigned to encoder 1 (Wheel) and the index axis is assigned to encoder 2 (Clicker)

The probe is moved along the scan axis, then the operator repositions the probe for the next Stroke and pre sets the C-scan on the index axis by selecting the clicker button.

This creates a bi-directional inspection (C-scan) where the operator must manually control the index axis.

Scan axis

Index axis stroke 2

Index axis stroke 1

In the helicoidal scan pictured below the probe is moved in one line as the cylindrical shaped component is rotated. The scan axis encoder monitors the continuous rotation around the cylinder and the index axis encoder monitors probe movement.

It is an inspection type that requires both encoders to be configured. (Scan\encoder 1, index\encoder 2)

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Inspection Type He licoidal

The encoder sub menu only appears when Scan>Inspection>Scan> is set to encoder 1 or encoder 2. It does not appear when set to time for one-line scans.

The encoder sub menu is where the encoder hardware parameters are entered and the position is preset.

Configurations are available for both encoder 1 and 2 if a raster scan is selected in Scan>Inspection>Type>Raster.

When Scan>Inspection>Type is set to one line scan, only the encoder selected for the scan axis available for configuration.

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Encoder Parameters Overview

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Encoder Parameters - Polarity

The encoder polarity reverses the encoder counts so that the scan axis can be configured in the desired direction.

When manipulating the scanner, the scan axis position is visible in the MX2 indication area of the display and the operator can reverse the position to match the scan axis direction on the component.

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Encoder Parameters - Type The encoder type is a fixed parameter that describes the type of signal

generated by the hardware for processing. The majority of encoders used in weld inspection are quadrature. The

definition of each available type below can found in the MX2 user manual.

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Encoder Parameters - Resolution

The encoder resolution sets the number of counts per unit for the selected encoder and is expressed in steps\distance or steps per rotation.

This is a function of the hardware and will not change except for wear on the gears, axels, rubber wheels, etc.

The MX2 encoder calibration wizard can found in Wizard>Calibration>Type Encoder.

The distance represented by one step defines the minimum inspection resolution and theoretical limit of the encoders length sizing accuracy.

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Encoder Origin\Pre set

The encoder origin position is used to set the encoder position when preset is selected or if configured on the start acquisition button.

The preset is typically zero but can be preset for recording a series of different acquisitions. (0-100mm, 100-200mm, 200-300mm, etc.)

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Area One Line Sca n The area sub menu is used to define the area of the inspection

and resolution of the inspection. The scan axis is visible on the C-scan and B-scan data views

and the scan start and scan stop below will define the blue. These parameters are directly related to file size and an if an

area is entered that would create a data file larger than the 300 megabyte maximum, the software will automatically reduce the area to within limits.

0mm 220mm

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Area Raster Scan

When a raster scan is selected both the scan and index parameters are available.

0mm 200mm

0mm

50mm

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Area - Scan Resolut ion

The scan resolution defines the interval on the scan axis that all focal laws or A-scans on all groups are recorded.

The index resolution is only available when a raster or helicoidal scan (2 axis) inspection is selected.

The resolution is directly related to file size, scan speed, and sizing accuracy.

The smallest number that can be entered in the scan axis is the equivalent distance of 1 step of the encoder and would result in the most accurate length sizing accuracy possible.

A scan resolution of 1mm would equal a sizing accuracy of +\-2mm. (1mm on each side of the C-scan or B-scan)

The index resolution is a function of the pitch of the probe and is explained in detail in position C-scan section and typically only used in corrosion mapping and composite inspections.

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Data The data storage parameters are only available for inspections

using an encoder. (Scan>Inspection>Scan>Encoder1 or 2) The MX2 encoded data can be recorded in both directions on the

scan axis. When the scan is moved over a data point by changing directions the data saved is based on the selections below:

Last. Saves the latest data. This is the MX2 default and most commonly used. Only the most recent and current data is saved with no comparison.

A%. The data of maximum amplitude in gate A is saved. Max Thickness. The data of maximum thickness is saved. Min Thickness. The data of minimum thickness is saved.

The need to back up the scanner to re-acquire a data point occurs frequently with semi-automated manual push scanners due to missed data points from excessive speed, lack of coupling, verification of repeatability, aperture or probe overlap, mechanical problems, etc.

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Start Mode The start sub menu contains parameters for starting and stopping

the inspection. The start mode selected below determines what action happens

with either the start button on the MX2 is pressed or the start button in the software is pressed. (Scan>Start>Start Mode)

Reset All. MX2 default and most commonly used. Resets all encoders to origin and clears all C-scan data.

Reset Encoder. Resets all encoders to origin and retains C-scan data. Reset Data. Clears all the C-scan data and retains the encoder position.

The pause button controls the acquisition by toggling between acquisition and analysis modes.