Ultrasonic Gantry Testing
11-Axis Gantry C-Scan Inspection for Composite and Bonded Aerospace Structures. Mitchell Laboratories offers advanced ultrasonic testing using a computer-controlled gantry system designed for high-precision, large-format C-Scan inspections of composite and bonded parts.
What Is Ultrasonic Gantry Testing?
Ultrasonic Gantry Testing is a specialized non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses an 11-axis, computer-controlled gantry system to inspect large or complex composite and bonded structures that cannot be immersed, utilizing thru-transmission and pulse-echo ultrasonic modes to generate high-resolution C-Scan images.
Advantages of Ultrasonic Gantry Testing
- High-Resolution C-Scan Imaging: Captures inspection results in full-color, grayscale, or hybrid formats to meet customer or spec-driven requirements.
- Dual-Mode Inspection Flexibility: Operates in thru-transmission, pulse-echo, or simultaneous modes for adaptable flaw detection.
- Opposing Squirter Head Design: Articulating, synchronized water jets provide precision coupling without full immersion.
- 11-Axis Scanning Accuracy: Maintains tight motion and angular tolerances, ideal for complex aerospace geometries.
- Large Scan Envelope: Accommodates parts up to 30 feet long and 8 feet high, allowing full component scanning in a single pass when possible.
- Mosaic Scan Capabilities: Enables full coverage of oversized or contoured parts using multi-pass, technician-driven scan profiles.
- Flexible Data Delivery: Results are exportable in Windows-compatible formats or high-resolution printed reports for documentation or archiving.
Limitations of Ultrasonic Gantry Testing
Large or complex parts often require custom fixturing, adding time and cost
Limited to non-immersion-compatible structures
Multi-scan setups can extend inspection time
Basic Principles of Ultrasonic Gantry Testing
Ultrasonic Gantry Testing is a computer-controlled NDT method used when full immersion is not possible. At Mitchell Laboratories, our 11-axis gantry system uses a dual-head, fully articulating “squirter” setup, in which opposing water jets provide ultrasonic coupling across the part surface. One transducer transmits high-frequency sound waves while the other receives them, enabling thru-transmission imaging. Alternatively, pulse-echo mode can be used to send and receive signals from a single side—ideal for attenuative materials or specific flaw types.
This system offers precise motion, angulation, and indexing for scanning large, 3D composite structures such as fuselage sections, bonded panels, and monolithic laminates. Final data is rendered as high-resolution C-Scan images, viewable in color, grayscale, or hybrid formats per customer or specification requirements.
Common Applications
- Monolithic Composite Laminates
- Bonded Assemblies
- Honeycomb-Core Panels
- Fuselage and Wing Sections
- Multi-Zone Composite Panels
- Fixtured Aerospace Components
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
Real-time verification and monitoring of UT scan systems, calibration tools, and digital data output accuracy. - Qualified, Certified Personnel
Technicians, qualified and certified to ASNT SNT-TC-1A & NAS410, are trained for ultrasonic gantry testing including part setup, system motion programming, and C-Scan data evaluation’ or similar. - Continual Improvement Program
Regular internal audits and customer-driven process reviews to optimize quality and delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Large, flat or contoured composite structures such as aircraft wings, fuselage panels, bonded assemblies, and honeycomb panels that can’t be submerged.
Yes. Our 11-axis gantry system supports thru-transmission, pulse-echo, or simultaneous dual-mode scanning depending on the inspection requirement.
Our gantry accommodates parts up to 30 feet long and 8 feet high. For larger or highly contoured parts, we create mosaic scans to ensure full coverage.
C-Scan inspection results can be exported as Windows-compatible digital files or printed in high-resolution formats for documentation, audits, or quality reports.
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.