Defect detection in porcelain tiles using ultrasound

The main point of this work is the optimization of ultrasonic methods for the non-destructive testing of sintered porcelain tiles containing defects. Zirconia and steel balls of different diameter and rubber with different thicknesses were imbedded in porcelain tile granules before pressing. After being sintered at 1473 K, the tiles were inspected using ultrasound. This method may allow defect detection using an A-scan. It can be observed that the amplitude of the back wall echo for a defective part is smaller than for a part without defects. Depending of the size, shape and position of the defect, a defect peak can be observed. An immersion pulse-echo C-scan was used to differentiate defects. The shape and place of the defects can be defined. © RILEM 2013.