Fast Ultrasonic Weld Inspection for automated inspection of welds in wind structures

The Fast Ultrasonic Weld Inspection (FUWI) unit is an automated inspection solution used by production, quality and inspection teams in wind energy manufacturing where towers, monopiles and transition pieces are produced at scale. The need typically arises when weld inspection must keep pace with continuous production without slowing the flow of large structures through the line. When inspection depends on manual or semi-automatic approaches, limited capacity and delayed feedback can increase roller time, create bottlenecks and postpone corrective actions.

Automated inspection in continuous production

By allowing weld inspection to be carried out as components move through production, the product replaces uncertainty with consistent insight into weld condition and geometry. This helps teams maintain throughput, reduce delays and document weld quality throughout fabrication. 

Manual inspection slows production flow 
Manual or semi-automatic weld inspection is time-consuming and often cannot keep pace with continuous production, increasing roller time and creating bottlenecks as large structures move through the line. 

Limited inspection capacity delays feedback 
Dependence on qualified NDT operators that are difficult to recruit can delay inspection results, leaving production and quality teams without timely input to address weld issues. 

Inconsistent inspection data increases uncertainty 
Variation in manual inspection approaches can lead to inconsistent information on weld condition, making it harder to assess quality and decide when corrective actions are needed. 

Delayed corrective actions increase risk and rework 
When weld quality issues are identified late, corrective actions are postponed, increasing the risk of rework, production delays and disrupted fabrication schedules.