Maintworld Magazine 2/2022

MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY
Better quality control required to
improve machining techniques
Non-destructive testing (NDT) refers to a
range of analysis techniques used to evaluate
the properties of components without damaging
them so that they can be used normally for
their intended purpose after the testing. Industry
uses NDT, for example, to check the standard
of work in finished components.
NDT generates real value when it is used to
ensure that finished components comply with
the relevant requirements. Raw materials can
be analysed to ensure their quality, but final
inspections are usually not performed until the
end of the production process when the component
is finished and can only be “accepted” or
“rejected”.
In the context of different machining techniques,
NDT can be used to check that grinding,
What is materials technology?
DIFFERENT materials such as metals, plastics and ceramics typically
have completely different properties. This means that the
technologies involved in their production are also fundamentally
different.
Materials technology involves selecting materials with the
properties that best meet the service requirements of a component
as well as maintaining the performance of the materials over
the operating life of the component by resisting corrosion, fatigue,
temperature and other harmful events.
Materials Science is closely related to materials technology.
Materials Science is a multidisciplinary field that connects material
properties to the material’s chemical composition, micro-structure
and crystal structure.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a testing and analysis technique
used by industry to evaluate the properties of a material,
component, structure or system for characteristic differences or
welding defects and discontinuities without causing damage to the
original part.
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