Eddyfi Technologies|Manual & semi-automated UT scanners

FlexTrack

Name: FlexTrack
Brand: Eddyfi Technologies

FlexTrack is an automated XY scanner with flexible vacuum-mounted tracks for inspecting aerospace structures during production and maintenance.

Request Technical Consultation Official product page About Eddyfi

Overview

Product overview

FlexTrack combines a motorized arm actuator with a displacement module that travels along a flexible track. Designed for aerospace structures, it supports automated raster scanning with either the arm or the track serving as the scan axis and the other serving as the index axis.

A suspended probe can be positioned parallel or perpendicular to the arm, allowing the scanning arrangement to be adapted to the application. The arm detaches from the track displacement module to simplify transport, storage and installation on components.

Vacuum cups secure the tracks to surfaces such as composites. Each cup has its own Venturi system, so an incomplete seal at one or several cups does not compromise suction at the remaining cups. Linked tracks allow progressive scanning: once the scanner reaches the next track, the preceding track can be detached and repositioned ahead.

Key Features

Key capabilities

Automated XY scanning

A motorized actuator and track displacement module provide raster scanning in both directions.

Interchangeable scan axes

The arm and track can alternate between scan-axis and index-axis roles.

Flexible probe orientation

The suspended probe can be oriented parallel or perpendicular to the arm.

Repositionable linked tracks

Tracks can be linked and successively moved ahead of the scanner to extend the scanning path.

Independent vacuum attachment

Eight suction cups per track use independent Venturi systems to maintain suction at the remaining cups if some seals are incomplete.

Removable arm

The arm detaches from the track displacement module for transportation, storage and installation.

Overhang support

The track suction cups are stated to support the scanner in an overhang position.

Specifications

Published technical specifications

Values as published by Eddyfi Technologies. Where models or variants differ, each is listed separately.

Benefits

Motorized actuator stroke: 609-mm (24-in)
Independent suction cups per track: Eight

Specifications

Maximum recommended speed for arm axis (#1): 100 mm/s (4 in/s)
Maximum recommended speed for track axis (#2): 25 mm/s (1 in/s)
Maximum stroke on the arm axis (#1): 810 mm (32 in)
Maximum usable stroke on the arm axis (#1) (when installed on the track): 610 mm (24 in)
Probe suspension maximum stroke: 180 mm (7.2 in)
Suction cup material: Polyurethane (PU40)
Suction cup dimensions: 59 mm x 154 mm (2.32 in X 6.06 in)
Track length: 1370 mm (54 in)
Track width: 145 mm (5.7 in)
Arm total length: 1039 mm (40.9 in)
Motor cable length: 13.7 m (45 ft)
Couplant and air tube length: 13.7 m (45 ft)
Air pressure required for suction cups: 5.5 bar (80 psi)
Maximum radius of curvature of track: 2540 mm (100 in)
Motor maximum allowed current: 2A
Scanner arm weight: 4.67 kg (10.3 lbs)
Track weight: 5.49 kg (12.1 lbs)
Track and motorized module weight: 8.12 kg (17.9 lbs)
Cables weight: 2.58 kg (5.7 lbs)

Standard equipment

Flexible tracks: the Details section states one or two are provided; the Benefits section states two are included.

Operating conditions & limits

Maximum recommended speeds are 100 mm/s (4 in/s) for the arm axis and 25 mm/s (1 in/s) for the track axis.
When installed on the track, maximum usable arm stroke is 610 mm (24 in).
Suction cups require 5.5 bar (80 psi) air pressure.
The listed maximum radius of curvature of the track is 2540 mm (100 in).
Motor maximum allowed current is 2A.