Ultrasonic C-Scan Immersion Testing
Automated Immersion Ultrasonic Inspection for Composite Laminates and Rolled Plate. Mitchell Laboratories operates advanced, high-precision ultrasonic immersion systems with multi-axis C-Scan capabilities for automated inspection of large-format and complex composite structures.
Ultrasonic C-Scan Immersion Testing?
Ultrasonic C-Scan Immersion Testing is a fully automated non-destructive method that uses high-frequency sound waves and water-coupled transducers in a tank environment to inspect large metal and composite parts for internal flaws and surface irregularities.
Advantages of Ultrasonic C-Scan Immersion Testing
- Large-Scale Automated Scanning
Our main C-Scan tank supports parts up to 50 feet in length, ideal for inspecting large rolled plate and composite laminate structures. - Dual 5-Axis Contour-Following Bridges
Two independent scanning bridges use full-contour 5-axis motion for accurate, repeatable inspection of complex geometries and tight radii. - Rectilinear Bridge for Flat Parts
A third bridge offers two-axis scanning and indexing, optimized for thru-transmission inspection of bonded or flat composite parts. - Custom Fixturing for Data Precision
Our technicians design part-specific support fixtures to ensure stability, accuracy, and high-quality data capture on every scan. - Automated, Self-Teaching Programming
Inspection bridges can be programmed to self-teach and run automatic inspection cycles, allowing inspectors to focus on data analysis. - Flexible Tank Systems for Specialized Parts
Additional smaller tanks include 5-axis scanning bridges and turntables up to 36 inches for high-precision component testing. - Phased Array Integration
Select systems support Omni iX phased array units for collecting advanced B-Scan, C-Scan, and S-Scan (sectorial) imaging data. - Digital and Print Output Formats
Inspection results are delivered as printed reports or Windows-compatible digital files for easy review, archiving, or traceability.
Limitations of C-Scan Immersion Testing
While C-Scan immersion testing offers exceptional imaging and flaw detection, it does have a few limitations:
- Requires full immersion in a water tank
- Part geometry may require custom fixturing
- Not ideal for extremely large or asymmetrical components
- Surface cleanliness is important for optimal signal quality
- Setup time may increase for complex or one-off parts
- Limited to materials compatible with ultrasonic inspection
Basic Principles of Ultrasonic C-Scan Immersion Testing
Ultrasonic C-Scan immersion testing is a non-destructive method that uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws by transmitting pulses through a water-coupled environment and measuring reflections from discontinuities within the material.
At Mitchell Laboratories, components are submerged in a water-filled tank and inspected using one of several automated scanning bridges that move transducers precisely along programmed paths.
- Our main immersion tank (50′ × 8′) is serviced by three scanning bridges
- Two 5-axis contour-following bridges for scanning tight-radius, complex shapes
- One rectilinear 2-axis bridge ideal for thru-transmission on flat parts
- Select systems integrate Omni iX phased array units, enabling B-Scan, C-Scan, and S-Scan (sectorial) data capture
- All systems output high-resolution C-Scan maps, available in print or Windows-compatible digital formats
Common Applications
Composite Laminates and Plate Stock
Bonded Structures
Rolled Metal Plate
Small Aerospace Components
Phased Array Inspections
Thru-Transmission Flat Panel Scans
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- ISO 9001 & AS9100D Certified
Our procedures meet the latest ISO 9001 quality-management standards and AS9100D aerospace requirements. - ITAR Registered
Full compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations for defense and government work. - NADCAP Accreditation
Nadcap-approved processes at our Pico Rivera, Fontana, and South Gate facilities, ensuring industry-recognized special-process controls. - 100% Dimensional Traceability
Batch-lot tracking from raw material to final inspection report, with documented tolerances down to ±0.001″. - In-House Chemical & Metrology Labs
Verification of UT system calibration, phased array integration, and C-Scan output accuracy. - Qualified, Certified Personnel
Technicians trained per SNT-TC-1A and NAS 410 standards for ultrasonic immersion testing, including phased array integration and fixture setup. - Continual Improvement Program
Regular internal audits and customer-driven process reviews to optimize quality and delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our largest tank supports parts up to 50 feet in length and 8 feet in width, with additional smaller tanks for disk and component testing.
Yes. Several systems are compatible with Omni iX phased array units, capable of producing B-Scan, C-Scan, and S-Scan data.
Absolutely. Our 5-axis full-contour bridges are engineered for complex geometries, delivering accurate and repeatable inspections.
Yes. We deliver C-Scan results in Windows-compatible digital formats or high-resolution printed reports depending on client needs.
Lead times are quoted on a job-by-job basis to ensure accuracy, and we’re happy to accommodate emergency or rush requests. Backed by decades of refining our expedited process under strict deadlines, we minimize turnaround without ever sacrificing quality, returning your parts quickly and reliably.