Strategiskt innovationsprogram: Samlar Sverige för hållbar och konkurrenskraftig produktion

Resource efficiency increase by laser ultrasonics (REAL)

At present the automotive industry hardens critical parts in crankshafts by induction hardening, e.g., for heavy trucks, dumpers, excavators etc.

The process parameters for the induction hardening are usually verified by time consuming destructive testing before and after a production campaign (days-weeks). In a worst-case scenario, the destructive testing after the campaign detects that the quality of the hardened surfaces is below acceptable levels which might require that the whole batch must be scrapped.

In a previous project (FFI OFP4p) laser ultrasonic (LUS), which is a non-destructive testing method (NDT), played a relatively small part but nevertheless showed great potential.

The major advantage with LUS, compared with other NDT-methods, is that it is a contact free method and is therefore more suitable for in-line automation and implementation in complex industrial processes. The REAL project goal is to enable true in-line non-destructive verification of hardness/hardening depth by using laser ultrasonics and thus increase the resource efficiency by minimizing scrapping an in some cases removing the waiting time associated with the old-fashioned destructive testing.

Project leader
Mikael Malmström, Swerim AB
[email protected]
+46 702263888

Participating organisations
→ Swerim AB
→ Luleå University of Technology
→ Volvo Group Trucks Operations
→ Scania CV AB
→ Bodycote Värmebehandling AB
→ Sandvik Mining and Construction Tools AB
→ Volvo Construction Equipment

Produktion2030 – ett strategiskt innovationsprogram med stöd från VINNOVA, Energimyndigheten och Formas.

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