Specialist manufacturer of high quality, precision tubes, AMETEK Fine Tubes, has been awarded a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Nadcap accreditation for its ultrasonic testing processes at Merit status for the tenth year running.

The prestigious accolade was achieved following an exacting audit by global industry Non-Destructive Testing expert, Marc Warchol from Texas, on behalf of the Performance Review Institute. The audit took place over two days at Fine Tubes’ premises in the UK and remains valid until August 2024. Merit status is the result of low or no findings during the process audit.

Fine Tubes currently holds five Nadcap accreditations, covering Heat Treating, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Fusion Welding, Chemical Processing and Fluid Distributions Systems for the manufacture of titanium tubes. This latest audit for ultrasonic testing is a continuation of the business’s NDT certification, which was first achieved in 2005.

Fine Tubes’ ultrasonic testing process involves introducing ultrasound waves inside the tube under scrutiny and using specialist equipment to process the results. The test’s response data is then analysed against known reference standards to check for anomalies. Anything unexpected can reveal flaws or defects in the tubes outside diameter, inside diameter or inside the wall, which could signify safety or quality concerns.

The Nadcap accreditation means that Fine Tubes can maintain its preferred supplier status for key aerospace customers such as Airbus, as well as ensure the integrity and safety of its tubing products. Fine Tubes has also been named as an NDT-accredited organisation on the Performance Review Institute’ Qualified Manufacturers List.

Rob Eatwell, Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager at Fine Tubes, said: “By achieving this continued merit status Nadcap accreditation, we are delighted to be able to not only maintain our supplier status, but also assure our key customers of our long-term commitment to effective quality testing procedures. The auditing process was comprehensive and took in elements such as staff training, technical qualifications, equipment maintenance and matching customer specifications. We are proud that our audit revealed absolutely no issues of concern, and that our accreditation for ultrasonic testing has been confirmed for the next two years.”

Darren Bennett, Product Quality Manager and Responsible Level III NDT Engineer at Fine Tubes, added: “Achieving Nadcap NDT accreditation for our ultrasonic testing has been a very important process for Fine Tubes as it allows us to carry on providing high quality, precision tubing to our customers around the world. We would like to congratulate everyone who was involved in the audit, especially the NDT technicians whose dedication and skill in demonstrating correct set-up and operation techniques enabled us to pass with flying colours.”

www.ametekmetals.com