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Uddcomb develop and manufacture high-quality test blocks with realistic defects for NDE qualification supporting industries such as nuclear, energy, process, offshore, marine, and manufacturing.
Testblocks and test specimens for NDE
Uddcomb develop and manufacture high-quality test blocks with realistic defects for NDE qualification supporting industries such as nuclear, energy, process, offshore, marine, and manufacturing.
For over 50 years, Uddcomb have delivered customized testblocks with flaws and defects to the international market, ensuring reliable and realistic defects for NDT.
Uddcomb offers the worlds most realistic and authentic testblocks for the nuclear industry.
“Uddcomb does not only manufacture flaws and defects based on real degradation mechanisms in the nuclear industry – Uddcomb repair the components they came from”
Uddcomb offer:
Weld solidification cracks are defects that form in the weld metal during the final stage of solidification, as the molten weld pool turns into solid metal. They typically appear along the weld centerline and are caused by factors such as poor material properties, high heat input, or improper welding parameters.
These cracks reduce the structural integrity of the weld and can lead to failure, especially in critical applications. Preventive measures include optimized welding techniques, proper material selection, and control of heat input.
Mechanical fatigue cracks are cracks that develop in materials or welded joints due to repeated cyclic loading over time. Even when the applied loads are below the material’s ultimate strength, microscopic cracks can initiate and gradually grow with each load cycle.
These cracks often start at stress concentrations such as weld toes, sharp corners, or material defects. If undetected, they can lead to sudden and catastrophic failure. Preventing fatigue cracks involves good design, smooth transitions, proper weld profiles, and regular inspection.
Lack of fusion is a welding defect where the weld metal fails to properly bond with the base material or with a previous weld pass. This results in weak, unbonded areas within the weld that can compromise its structural integrity.
The defect is often caused by insufficient heat input, incorrect welding technique, or poor joint preparation. Lack of fusion typically occurs at the weld root, sidewalls, or between weld passes. Preventive measures include proper joint design, optimized welding parameters, and thorough operator training.
Geometrical defects are imperfections in the shape, size, or alignment of a weld or component that do not meet specified tolerances. These defects can affect the structural performance, fatigue resistance, and overall quality of welded structures.
Typical examples include excessive weld reinforcement, undercut, misalignment, incomplete joint penetration, and irregular weld profiles. Geometrical defects are often caused by poor joint preparation, incorrect welding technique, or inadequate control during fabrication.
Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) is a type of intergranular cracking that occurs in nickel-based alloys and stainless steels exposed to high-temperature primary water environments, typically in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). The cracking develops along grain boundaries due to the combined effect of tensile stresses, high temperatures, and the specific chemistry of primary water.
PWSCC can significantly reduce the structural integrity of critical components such as nozzles, welds, and steam generator tubes.
Key contributing factors include material susceptibility, operating temperature, water chemistry, and the presence of tensile or residual stresses. Prevention involves using resistant materials, stress-relief treatments, and strict control of water chemistry.
Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC) is a type of cracking that occurs along the grain boundaries of a material when exposed to a specific corrosive environment combined with tensile stresses. The cracks propagate between the grains, weakening the material’s structure without significant visible surface damage initially.
IGSCC commonly affects stainless steels and nickel alloys, particularly after sensitization, where chromium depletion at grain boundaries makes the material more vulnerable to corrosion.
The key contributing factors are a susceptible microstructure, a corrosive environment (such as chlorides or high-purity water), and applied or residual stresses. Preventive measures include proper material selection, heat treatment to avoid sensitization, and controlling the operating environment.
Implants are artificial defects introduced into test blocks or components by embedding prefabricated flaw inserts, such as wires, discs, or small crack-like features. They are used to simulate realistic flaws for the development, qualification, and verification of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.
Although implants provide a high degree of realism, they still represent artificial flaws and should be complemented with other defect simulations.
Interdendritic Stress Corrosion Cracking (IDSCC) is a form of cracking that occurs along the dendritic grain boundaries of a material exposed to a corrosive environment combined with tensile stresses. The cracks propagate between the dendrites, often following the weak, segregated areas formed during solidification.
Electrical Discharge Machined (EDM) Notches. EDM notches are precisely manufactured artificial defects created using electrical discharge machining. They are used to simulate cracks or other flaw types in test blocks or components for non-destructive testing (NDT) development, qualification, and training.
EDM notches are a valuable tool for verifying inspection capability, but it is important to note that they do not fully replicate the metallurgical characteristics of real cracks.
Our test blocks are used for NDT method development, qualification, equipment verification, and personnel training — a proven solution by the use of realistic defects.
These cracks reduce the structural integrity of the weld and can lead to failure, especially in critical applications. Preventive measures include optimized welding techniques, proper material selection, and control of heat input.
These cracks often start at stress concentrations such as weld toes, sharp corners, or material defects. If undetected, they can lead to sudden and catastrophic failure. Preventing fatigue cracks involves good design, smooth transitions, proper weld profiles, and regular inspection.
The defect is often caused by insufficient heat input, incorrect welding technique, or poor joint preparation. Lack of fusion typically occurs at the weld root, sidewalls, or between weld passes. Preventive measures include proper joint design, optimized welding parameters, and thorough operator training.
Typical examples include excessive weld reinforcement, undercut, misalignment, incomplete joint penetration, and irregular weld profiles. Geometrical defects are often caused by poor joint preparation, incorrect welding technique, or inadequate control during fabrication.
ISCC is typically associated with materials such as stainless steels and nickel alloys, especially when exposed to aggressive environments like chlorides or high-temperature water.
The main contributing factors are a susceptible material, a corrosive environment, and the presence of tensile stresses. Preventive actions include proper material selection, stress-relief treatments, and control of the operating environment.
PWSCC can significantly reduce the structural integrity of critical components such as nozzles, welds, and steam generator tubes.
Key contributing factors include material susceptibility, operating temperature, water chemistry, and the presence of tensile or residual stresses. Prevention involves using resistant materials, stress-relief treatments, and strict control of water chemistry.
Although implants provide a high degree of realism, they still represent artificial flaws and should be complemented with other defect simulations.
EDM notches are a valuable tool for verifying inspection capability, but it is important to note that they do not fully replicate the metallurgical characteristics of real cracks.
Our test blocks are used for NDE method development, qualification, equipment verification, and personnel training — a proven solution by the use of realistic defects.
Testblocks and test specimens for NDE
Uddcomb develop and manufacture high-quality test blocks with realistic defects for NDE qualification supporting industries such as nuclear, energy, process, offshore, marine, and manufacturing.
For over 40 years, Uddcomb have delivered customized test blocks to the international market, ensuring reliable and realistic defects for NDT.
Uddcomb offer:
Our realistic defects representing:
These cracks reduce the structural integrity of the weld and can lead to failure, especially in critical applications. Preventive measures include optimized welding techniques, proper material selection, and control of heat input.
These cracks often start at stress concentrations such as weld toes, sharp corners, or material defects. If undetected, they can lead to sudden and catastrophic failure. Preventing fatigue cracks involves good design, smooth transitions, proper weld profiles, and regular inspection.
The defect is often caused by insufficient heat input, incorrect welding technique, or poor joint preparation. Lack of fusion typically occurs at the weld root, sidewalls, or between weld passes. Preventive measures include proper joint design, optimized welding parameters, and thorough operator training.
Typical examples include excessive weld reinforcement, undercut, misalignment, incomplete joint penetration, and irregular weld profiles. Geometrical defects are often caused by poor joint preparation, incorrect welding technique, or inadequate control during fabrication.
ISCC is typically associated with materials such as stainless steels and nickel alloys, especially when exposed to aggressive environments like chlorides or high-temperature water.
The main contributing factors are a susceptible material, a corrosive environment, and the presence of tensile stresses. Preventive actions include proper material selection, stress-relief treatments, and control of the operating environment.
IGSCC commonly affects stainless steels and nickel alloys, particularly after sensitization, where chromium depletion at grain boundaries makes the material more vulnerable to corrosion.
The key contributing factors are a susceptible microstructure, a corrosive environment (such as chlorides or high-purity water), and applied or residual stresses. Preventive measures include proper material selection, heat treatment to avoid sensitization, and controlling the operating environment.
PWSCC can significantly reduce the structural integrity of critical components such as nozzles, welds, and steam generator tubes.
Key contributing factors include material susceptibility, operating temperature, water chemistry, and the presence of tensile or residual stresses. Prevention involves using resistant materials, stress-relief treatments, and strict control of water chemistry.
Although implants provide a high degree of realism, they still represent artificial flaws and should be complemented with other defect simulations.
EDM notches are a valuable tool for verifying inspection capability, but it is important to note that they do not fully replicate the metallurgical characteristics of real cracks.
Our test blocks are used for NDE method development, qualification, equipment verification, and personnel training — a proven solution by the use of realistic defects.
Take a look at some of the most common types of defects that Uddcomb manufacture with the tesblock portfolio for the nuclear industry
A unique manufacturing process for test blocks and test specimens with various manufactured defects.
The defects are not limited to length and depth.
The defects can be tilted and follow HAZ or other expected directions.
Test blocks or test specimens based on Uddcomb’s proven technology have been used in the nuclear industry for over 40 years and comply with ENIQ’s requirements.
The manufactured defects accurately replicate common flaws found in industrial components, enabling comprehensive testing and evaluation.
Partnering with Uddcomb means gaining access to expertise, innovations and a dedicated supply chain. Our commitment to excellence ensures that your project will be a success.
Learn more about Training and qualification of WPQRs for nuclear welding applications based on remote controlled TIG / Orbital welding
Exotic high cromium and high nickel apploys often require controlled welding parameters in order to limit welding failures at site. UDDCOMBs orbital tig welding technology offers a possibility to minimize the heat affected zone with a unique welding joint preparation. In addition Uddcombs the orbital tig welding solutions offers a possibility to control an extensive amount of welding parameters providing a guaranteed high quality result with no or very limited welding defects. Uddcomb welding technology department customize welding heads etc for specific applications such as narrow areas, areas with obstacles, areas with high radiation dose, outside applications etc.
Learn more about Remote controlled orbital welding of pipes and components in narrow areas
A mine needs to remove extensive amounts of corrosive water. The water needs to be pumped out of the mine 700m under earth. A duplex pipe shaft was welded with Orbital tig welding in order to minimize potential human welding errors due to the sensitive application. One single welding failure will stop the advanced lowering procedure of the duplex pipe.
Learn more about Orbital tig welding of duplex pipes in mining shafts
Many says its impossible to repair, but life-time extensions, advanced welding repairs and refurbishment of cast iron equipment, cast-iron components, mining kilns, valves etc which is part of our customers production plants have been part of Uddcombs lfe time extension product portfolio for more than 30 years. Various welding repair concepts have been developed for specific applications Welding repairs of cast-iron components have been executed worldwide.
Learn more about Welding repair of fatigue crack in cast iron component
A critical pipe component was degraded after 10 years of operation at a process plant. The customer had to either replace the component or develop an urgent repair solution to extend the life of the component.
Learn more about Advanced orbital TIG welding repairs and cladding of components – life time extensions of critical components
After 10 years of operation a stainless steel pressure vessel have lost 9mm of thickness. Actual thickness was 7 mm below t-min and the pressure vessel was not allowed to operate.
Learn more about Mechanized weld build-up solutions for degraded pressure vessels below t-min
A nuclear power plant requires replacement of a primary circuit component, with stringent demands for welding quality, heat input, and minimal distortion. In additiona lack of access the the welding joint require a customized welding head for access.
Learn more about UDDCOMB OPTIGAP – Customized remote controlled orbital TIG welding applications
A 200-mm-thick reactor is experiencing severe corrosion and erosion in an instrument nozzle, requiring replacement. The replacement process involves complex on-site machining, welding, and heat treatment, which engages multiple suppliers and increases technical risks and costs.
Learn more about UDDCOMB OPTICLAD® – refurbishment & welding repairs inside nozzles and pipes
A production plant (nuclear, refinery or process plant) anticipates a risk that an urgent advanced welding repair of a pressure vessel or machinery may be required during the annual maintenance shutdowns.
Learn more about Ready for the Unexpected: Advanced welding repair readiness for critical shutdowns
European NPP with PWR technology needs to verify and extend the lifetime of its reactor. This requires a reliable NDT method to identify and characterize all potential manufacturing and operational-related defects in the reactor tank.
Learn more about Testblocks & Test specimens – Lifetime Extension and NDE Verification of PWR Reactor
Learn more about Manufacturing of Nuclear Power Plant Components
A nuclear power plant needs to repair a pipe component located in an area with high radiation levels, making human intervention unsafe.
Learn more about Remote controlled orbital welding in high radiation areas
Contact our experienced sales representatives to explore how Uddcomb’s industry-leading solutions can optimize your business.
Uddcomb Internationals advanced welding technology for orbital narrow gap welding with optimized metallurgical properties. Advanced orbital welding solutions that can be tailorized for multiple applications. A technology specially developed for the highest quality requirements.