Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is an established inspection technique used to evaluate structural integrity, defects and flaws as well as to analyze laminated / composite structures. NDT is used for inspection and quality control in different industries such as automotive, production, construction, pipeline monitoring and aerospace as well as in rolling stock. Ultrasonic NDT can provide a highly sensitive real-time status of defects or cracks in inspection targets.
Fraunhofer ENAS has developed a CMUT-based ultrasonic NDT tool within the framework of an FMD project. The miniaturized transducers used in this inspection tool are fabricated at Fraunhofer ENAS using a wafer bonding process. CMUT transducers with a 5 mm diameter are encapsulated with polymers (as illustrated in the image) to allow direct coupling with the inspection objects.