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2016
Conference Paper
Titel
Non-destructive testing of green sanitary ceramics by microwaves and an active thermographic technique
Abstract
As a means to improve resource efficiency, green ceramic components were tested non-destructively at an early production stage. Moisture nests that may lead to failure in the ceramic burning process were detected by a microwave moisture sensor working in the 0.6 to 1.2 GHz regime. The sensor was developed and optimized for robot-actuated measurement in narrow areas of ceramic components. It was calibrated with good sensitivity in the range of 0 to 3% moisture level. Active thermography was applied for detection of open and hidden cracks. A moving heat source launches heat flows parallel to the component surface, which can interact with defects. Simulations show the formation of characteristic contrasts. This was verified experimentally using convective heating by an air gun with relative speed of 1-5 cm/s to the surface. Special green ceramic test bodies and green ceramic components from production were tested. It was possible to detect open perpendicular cracks and inclined open and hidden cracks. An automated testing system for sanitary components (WCs) was demonstrated under conditions close to the production line.
Author(s)