Blue etch anodize NDT inspection method
Blue Etch Anodizing (BEA) is a specialized, highly sensitive non-destructive testing (NDT) technique for detecting surface discontinuities such as laps, cracks, material segregation, heat-treating imperfections and abnormalities caused by machining. Under normal conditions, surface defects as small as .015” can be reliably detected through the blue etch anodizing methodology.
Blue etch anodizing is only applicable to the detection of discontinuities in titanium materials such as those used in the manufacture of critical rotating parts for the Aerospace and Power Generation industries, where titanium is primarily used in the front “cold section” of a gas turbine aircraft engine due to its light weight, performance and temperature limitations.
One of the most critical applications of blue etch anodizing is to detect material segregations known as Hard Alpha Inclusions (HAI) and High Aluminum Defects (HAD’s).
Blue etch anodize laboratory inspection services
Element offers world-leading blue etch anodize inspections for aircraft engine manufacturers with a full range of capabilities, approvals and certifications for the following specifications:
- AMS 2642
- P3TF25
- EMS57930
- MTV 187
- CEIM-3
- EIM Code 3
- EIS810
- DMC 0326
- RRP 51001
- D01908
Our blue etch anodizing program covers all titanium critical rotating parts, fan blades, compressor blades, compressor vanes, fan cases, 1-2 spools, discs, disks, sonic shape forgings, splines, shafts, hubs, engine cases, segments, spacers, flanges, links, rings, and more.
For more information about our blue etch anodize inspection services, or to request a quote, contact us today.
Related Services
Anodic Etching Inspection
Anodic etch is only applicable to stainless steel and nickel-based materials. This nickel alloy inspection method is used to detect surface defects, grain structure, grain size and more.
Aluminium Etching and Cleaning
Aluminum etching is a nondestructive technique used to clean or inspect the material for grain size or surface defects. It is also considered a preparation method for pre-penetrant etch.
Chemical Analysis
Find out more about our chemical analysis laboratories that offer a critical resource for both material and product manufacturers.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Find out about the range of NDT services Element uses to evaluate the properties of a material, parts, products, welds, or systems without materially affecting the integrity of the items being tested.