Estimation of Position and Size of a Contaminant in Aluminum Casting Using a Thin-Film Magnetic Sensor

Abstract

Advanced manufacturing processes require an in-line full inspection system. A nondestructive inspection system able to detect a contaminant such as tool chipping was utilized for the purpose of detecting a defective product as well as damaged machine tools used to fabricate the product. In a previous study, a system able to detect magnetic tool steel chipping in conductive material such as aluminum was developed and tested. In this study, a method of position and size estimation for magnetic chipping was investigated and is described. An experimental confirmation of the proposed method was also carried out using an actual prototype system.

Keywords

• magnetic thin film
• magneto-impedance sensor
• high frequency
• surface-normal magnetic field
• nondestructive inspection
• tool steel chipping