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Achievements in Quality Control: 4 success stories

In the world of quality control, precision and accuracy are paramount. As a leading supplier of measuring tools and calibration services, S.A.M.A. Italia proudly presents four success stories that highlight the importance of quality across various industrial sectors.

Quality control in Oil & Gas

Inox Tech Spa, that specializes in the production of welded tubes for the oil and gas industry, took on the challenge of ensuring maximum quality and corrosion resistance in its products.

Inox Tech elevated its quality control standards, achieving excellent results.

How did they do it?

They accomplished it by using state-or-the-art measuring instruments provided by S.A.M.A. Italia, such as the digital carbon fiber caliper, portable roughness tester, ultrasonic thickness gauge, ultrasonic thickness gauge through paint with included software, and industrial LED negatoscope.

Read: Quality Control in Oil & Gas with Inox Tech Spa.

Quality control in the resale of paints

Benjamin Paints, a paint retailer in Romania, has selected our color assessment cabinet to ensure the precision of paint color consistency. This tool has proven crucial for verifying that products align with customer specifications, particularly in collaboration with the American manufacturer Benjamin Moore.

Color assessment cabinets are not exclusive to paint manufacturers; even retailers can employ this tool to validate product conformity for their customers. For example, a paint retailer could use a color assessment cabinet to verify that paint samples received from manufacturers precisely match the color specified by the customer. This approach allows the retailer to ensure that the products they offer are accurate and meet customer expectations.

Click here to read How to achieve the right paint color? Case study: Benjamin Paints.

Quality control in sheet metal production

Our third example is Dukometal SA. It’s a Swiss company that is specialized in the production of stainless steel sheets and also offers high quality powder coating services.

By using SAMA Tools measuring instruments for coating thickness and adhesion control, Dukometal guarantees a final product of superior quality.

When addressing these kinds of quality control of coatings, it is essential to consider various factors. Comprehensive testing of the acquired coating is necessary to evaluate its resistance to cracking and peeling, achievable through the use of a cylindrical mandrel tester in compliance with ISO1519/ASTM D522/DIN53152 reference standards.

Furthermore, it is essential to verify the coating’s adhesion to ensure that the metal is not exposed due to detachment. therefore a cross hatch adhesion tester is recommended. It is also important to check the coating thickness with a coating thickness tester to ensure uniformity.

If you want to explore the topic further, read Sheet metal manufactoring and quality control.

Quality control of the environment, health and safety and of the product

Our final success story brings us back to Italy with our client Ecol Studio Spa, who depends on S.A.M.A. Italia for the calibration of it’s measuring instruments. Guido Fornari, founder of the company and author of the 2019 book “Azienda, no problem”, knows the importance of choosing strategic partners that allow one to carry out their business in the best way possible.

Based on these premises, Ecol Studio has chosen S.A.M.A. Italia as a strategic partner for the purchase and calibration of measuring instruments since 2014. The calibration and maintenance of Ecol instruments are performed in accordance with the reference technical standards and the recommendations of the control body (Accredia accredited tests). This way, Ecol Studio can guarantee the maximum accuracy and reliability of its instruments.

Ecol Studio works with companies with ACCREDIA accredited analysis laboratories and is dedicated to various areas, such as accident and occupational disease prevention in the workplace and compliance with law and risk assessment for the production activity. It also helps companies comply with environmental regulations and improve their green and energy performance, offering reliable solutions and tests to create products and implement processes that comply with the required standards.

The article Ecol Studio Spa: A storybook tale!, goes more into detail.

In the photo: Guido Fornari’s book with SAMA Tools pamphlet

In conclusion, we presented four success stories, covering a wide range of industries, from Oil & Gas to paint retail, sheet metal production, environmental, health and safety and product quality control.

All of these clients have found value in using our instruments and have achieved positive results in their respective fields.

We hope these stories inspire other companies to use our measuring and control tools to achieve equally positive results.

Read what many customers have to say about us, by clicking on the image below!

5 January 2023/by SamaTools

What are they?

Graphic ultrasonic thickness gauge – SAUT6100D-SW

Many visitors had the opportunity to personally test our innovative tool during the last edition of the MECSPE International Fair for the manufacturing industry.

For those who missed out, we invite you to explore our latest device: the SAUT6100D-SW – Graphic Thickness Gauge, through this detailed article that illustrates all its capabilities.

This addition to our extensively tested and well-known lineup of ultrasonic thickness gauges comes with enhanced features for even greater performance.

Join us in uncovering how this new SAMA Tools product operates and the specific materials it was crafted for.

What does the Graphic Thickness Gauge for fiberglass do?

The SAMA Tools name-brand SAUT6100D-SW thickness gauge is a very precise instrument capable of measuring thickness through painted or coated surfaces.

A decidedly innovative and state-of-the-art product that offers advanced functions that can be adapted for various uses, in many industrial sectors.

It can be used on metallic and non-metallic materials such as steel, aluminium, titanium, plastic, ceramic, glass and other ultrasonic wave conductors.

However, this instrument has something more that distinguishes it from other models, making it particularly suitable for certain types of measurements.

It is equipped with the SAPT-4000 probe that makes it suitable for measuring various composite or laminated materials, such as fiberglass.

This type of material is widely used in the boat manufacturing industry for recreational and work crafts. In fact, boat manufacturers and marine inspectors need to accurately measure the thickness of the hulls.

Useful in various industries, it’s an innovative tool used to carry out different measurements compared to the standard ones, on processed materials such as fiberglass.

What are the advantages of the thickness gauge?

This gauge is ideal for any type of application due to its compatibility with a wide range of single and dual element transducers.

Its versatility makes this thickness gauge particularly useful and is highly recommended in the naval, aerospace, aeronautical sectors, but is also useful in the automotive and oil & gas industries as well.

6 reasons to choose this model:

Compact and robust with rubber protection
Graphic color display
Can be equipped with different probes
3 measuring modes: A-Scan; B-Scan; Digits
Wide measuring range
THRU-COAT® function on painted surfaces

Where can you purchase the thickness gauge for fiberglass?

If you too have to measure the thickness through painted or coated surfaces, you now have a powerful ally that will save you time and allow you to work with peace of mind.

Call or write our technical and sales department. We will help guide you in choosing the best product for you.

How to know if it’s the right tool for you?

If you have particular needs, it may be necessary to take some time to consult the technical data sheets, but strategically, it’s also a good idea to perform some tests on samples.

Therefore, after talking with our technicians and consulting the supporting material, once we have an idea of budget and if the right conditions are present, we can consider asking you for samples to carry out tests.

Only if the outcome is positive will you be able to proceed with the order.

Find out here how to contact us

30 July 2022/by SamaTools

Case study

Measuring and calibration instruments: The case of DKC Group

Measuring and calibration instruments are used by the Control & Quality departments of companies which operate in very different sectors.

DKC is a solid and well-established company that has been creating solutions and designs in the electrical engineering and industrial automation sector since 1998 and has chosen our instruments to guarantee even greater efficiency regarding a particular area of its production: cable holder systems, a debut in its field and still the flagship of the company.

The range of ducts and accessories for cable protection is characterized primarily by its versatility which, with high performance, allows the systems to be applicable in various sectors, from civil to industrial.

Therefore, versatility goes hand in hand with maximum accuracy and high precision standards.

The value of these characteristics emerges above all when it comes to small spaces or infrastructures where the cable-carrying systems determine proper operational activities. An example is the data processing centre, which requires optimal use of space to contain as much operating equipment within the permitted temperature range.

Therefore, it is through the control of precision levels, in regards to the production and installation of components for the protection of cables, that translates into high quality results.

But how can this process be guaranteed?

Measuring and calibration instruments. Production department

In photo: DKC production department

How to control accuracy during production and installation?

The answer to this question is simpler than many may think, since controlling accuracy only takes using highly accurate measuring instruments.

Of course, there are many measuring instruments for different purposes. For example, thermometers, speedometers, and even a simple clock are measuring instruments. But in order to control accuracy during the production and installation of infrastructure components, such as electrical installations, IT infrastructures and industrial automation elements, other measuring devices are required.

Some common measuring instruments used for the applications mentioned above include:

Measuring and calibration instruments. Mechanical field sama tools

In photo: SAMA Tools instruments list – mechanical field

How do measuring instruments guarantee accuracy?

In order get the highest accuracy from your measuring devices two important aspects need to be considered

Firstly, the chosen supplier must produce high quality tools based on international standards. With this in mind, we can proudly claim that SAMA Italia is UNI EN ISO 9001 certified and supplies measuring instruments ensuring both high quality and competitive prices.

Another fundamental element is instrument calibration. Calibration allows accuracy verification with reference to known samples, by reporting the difference between the value detected by the instrument and the known value of the reference sample to determine the accuracy of the instrument. Comparison should always be done on the basis of standards to guarantee compliance.

Once again, we are proud to say that we offer our customers a calibration service with laboratory test reports and/or ACCREDIA calibration certificates on our own product range or on equipment already possessed by your company.

High accuracy and high quality at DKC Group

With over 20 years of history and a DNA characterized by technological innovation, green transition, know-how and training, DKC Group is a point of reference for creating solutions and designs in the electrical engineering and industrial automation sector and has been active since 1998 with cable holder systems.

Thanks to a vision based on the evolution and innovation of the main international markets and a courageous acquisition policy, the Group has constantly grown and expanded its product line, such as cable protection and the distribution and accumulation of energy solutions.

Measuring and calibration instruments. DKC production

In photo: a particular of DKC production

The company currently offers its customers a wide range of solutions, which include:

Cable protection systems with metallic ducts.
Solutions for outdoor installations and LV systems.
Metal and plastic protection systems.
Air-conditioned rack cabinet systems for data management.
Energy transport and distribution solutions.
Solutions for electrical distribution boards.
Energy conversion systems.
Automation and energy distribution solutions.
Air conditioning solutions for electrical panels.

All these products are intended for the electrical plant engineering, distribution, IT infrastructure and industrial automation industries.

Therefore, DKC Group’s goal is to ensure high levels of precision, which translates into high quality in the areas mentioned above.

To ensure the achievement of the highest standards of accuracy, DKC Europe turned to us for the following supply of important measuring instruments:

Furthermore, DKC Europe has also chosen us for the calibration of instruments, in order to achieve the best performance with certified values, recognized by authoritative organizations, such as Accredia.

Measuring and calibration instruments. DKC particular production

In photo: DKC particular production – High accuracy

Final thoughts

Apart from measuring instruments such as calipers, dial indicators, micrometers and steel gauge blocks, we offer a wide variety of non-destructive testing tools for different purposes.

Because our mission is to support our customers in their quality control activities, we strive to provide them with the best solutions to satisfy their needs, as we have for DKC Europe.

DKC Europe is a good example that shows how customer satisfaction is our main goal and that we would be more than happy to see you become one of them.

Therefore, if you need help with measuring instruments to guarantee high accuracy and high quality or would like advice on the best instrument for your specific needs; do not hesitate to contact our technical department.

You can reach us at 0584/392342 – 0584/392453 or, alternatively, contact us in writing at sales@samatools.it.

9 November 2021/by SamaItalia

What are they?

Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement: A definitive guide

Ultrasonic thickness measurement or simply UTM is essential in many industries, especially those where the materials are exposed to harsh environmental conditions that may lead to wear and damage due to corrosion and erosion.

What is ultrasonic thickness measurement?

Ultrasonic measurement is a common non-destructive technique used to measure the thickness of a part in detail.

This means that the integrity of the part is not affected in the process. Another important aspect is that it is possible to obtain results by measuring only one side with the help of a probe. In other words, it is not necessary to complicate the measuring process like having to go inside a metal vessel. Measuring from the outside will do.

Why is ultrasonic thickness measurement essential in many industries?

Ultrasonic thickness measurement can be applied to many different components and structures, and it provides a simple way to detect different problems. Some of the most common ones include:

Material loss due to corrosion and erosion.
Structural and welding problems on ships hulls and other components.
Damage resulting from splitting materials.
Defects on the surface finish of a finished product.

It is also a great way to control the quality of metal sheets and coated materials, which can be useful for manufacturers to validate the products received from their suppliers.

How to measure ultrasonic thickness?

The instrument used to measure thickness with this technique is commonly called an ultrasonic thickness gauge.

Operating an ultrasonic gauge consists of accurately measuring the time it takes for an ultrasound pulse generated by an ultrasonic transducer, known as the probe, to pass through the thickness of the sample, which gets reflected on the opposite surface, and finally returns to the probe.

After the time is measured the ultrasonic thickness gauge performs the calculation of the thickness of the material and displays the result on the digital screen, integrated within the instrument.

The calculation is performed by means of the following mathematical expression:

T = (V) x (t/2)
where
T = the thickness measured
V = the velocity of sound in the test material
t = the measured time

At this point, it is important to highlight that the velocity of the sound waves significantly varies from one material to the other, so it is important to calibrate the ultrasonic thickness gauge for the material being measured.

Fortunately, modern instruments like our Precision Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge – SAUT160 and Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge – SA8812 make this calibration very easy and able to measure the thickness on a wide range of materials such as:

Steel
Cast iron
Aluminum
Copper
Brass
Zinc
Quartz glass
Polyethylene
PVC
Gray cast iron
Spheroidal iron

Another important aspect of how ultrasonic thickness measurement is performed is the fact that some instruments require the material to be free of any coating, painting and residues such as rust caused by corrosion. This makes measuring thickness difficult in certain situations.

However, for these types of applications where the material in question has an existing coating, we offer the Through Coating Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge – SAUT310D-SW and the Graphic Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge – SAUT500D-SW: two ultrasonic gauges that are capable to measure sample thickness excluding the coating over metallic substrates.

What are the applications of ultrasonic thickness measurement?

As described above, ultrasonic thickness measurement is essential in many industries. Some of the sectors that commonly perform ultrasonic thickness measurement include, but are not limited to:

Oil and gas
Energy generation
Structural contractors
Foundries
Aerospace
Pharmaceutical
Food processing

Ultrasonic thickness measurement is generally used for quality control activities and maintenance inspections to detect corrosion on the workpiece.

Nevertheless, more specific applications are:

Wall thickness loss detection on piping, which require on-line and in-operation ultrasonic measurement. Different types of corrosion, and erosion due to flowing liquids and air bubbles can cause this material loss that may result in pipe failure, costly shutdowns and industrial accidents.
Nautical and maritime maintenance, like in the case of bulkheads, tanks, ship hulls, etc. The ultrasonic gauges capable of measuring through coating mentioned above are particularly useful for this application. A specific thickness gauge model which is suitable for measuring materials such as fiberglass is the Fiberglass Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge.

Fiberglass is widely used in the boat manufacturing industry for recreational and work crafts.

Graphic ultrasonic thickness gauge for fiberglass

The pressurized containers field, including fire extinguishers, gas tanks, industrial boilers and others. Again, the ultrasonic gauges capable of measuring through coating mentioned above are particularly useful for this application.
Lighting columns, also known as poles, are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, water splashes from cars passing by and condensation on the swage joint. To avoid structural collapse, authorities are required to perform ultrasonic thickness measurements in a regular basis.
Tank trucks, especially those carrying toxic chemicals or flammable liquids such as gasoline, must go under regular inspections with ultrasonic thickness gauges since they are constantly subject to corrosion and erosion, and any structural damage may result in a terrible accident.
Maintenance inspections on bridges, especially those with metal structures which are exposed, in order the evaluate their structural strength.

How to select an ultrasonic thickness gauge?

Acquiring an ultrasonic thickness gauge should not be a challenge, and it only requires knowing the specific application required to make the right choice. Anyways, there are different aspects that require consideration when selecting the right ultrasonic thickness gauge.

The most relevant are:

The type of material or materials that will be inspected.
Whether inspections will take place on-line or in a quality control (QC) laboratory.
Whether through coating measurement is required or not.
The possible need for measuring samples with very small wall thickness values that require higher accuracy and higher resolutions.
The need for a graphic display and special functions for the highest professional levels.

No matter what the application, we have an ultrasonic thickness gauge for each of the aspects mentioned above. If you want to check the ultrasonic thickness measuring instruments we offer, just click here, or, if you prefer, you can contact us on Direct Industry.

However, if you are not yet sure or have any doubts about measuring thickness with an ultrasonic instrument, we recommend you contact us and one of our experts will gladly help you.

29 November 2020/by SamaItalia

Case study, What are they?

Ultrasonic thickness gauge: Project PSC S.r.l Case Study

Are you looking for information on how to use an ultrasonic thickness gauge to measure the thickness of any given material reliably?
Read on to understand how you can accurately use the gauge, just like our client, Project PSC does.

What is an ultrasonic thickness gauge?

An ultrasonic thickness gauge is an electronic device that uses the emission and reception of sound waves to measure the thickness of a given material.
It comes in different sizes and has various functions.
Each sector requires one type rather than another, therefore it is important to choose the most suitable model for each need.

How does the ultrasonic thickness gauge work?

First, you need to know what you have to measure. Each material has a different internal sound speed, which means that sound travels through different materials at different speeds.
This is an essential part of calculating the thickness of a material, because the thickness is equal to the echo cycle time divided by the sound speed.

To accurately calculate the thickness, the device must know the speed of the sound within the material it is measuring.

Since this is specific to the material itself, it is important to set the device for the material you want to measure.
Let’s look at some of the most common materials and associated internal sound speeds.

Material Speed (m / s)

Aluminium 3040 – 6420

Brick 3600 – 4200

Concrete 3200 – 3700

Copper 3560 – 3900

Glass 3950-5000

Iron 3850 – 5130

Lead 1160 – 1320

Steel 4880-5050

Wood 3300-5000

After setting it up, the device is ready to measure the sample accurately.

The second step is to determine whether the surface you need to obtain the thickness from is covered by some kind of coating.

What is meant by coating?

Coating means any material that covers the surface and prevents direct contact between the probe and the surface.

Examples of coatings are:

Dirt
Dust
Rust
Paint
Hairspray, etc.

If you are using a Single Echo device (such as our SA8812 or SAUT160) the layers that cover the surface will cause a discrepancy with the measurements and will give you inaccurate results.

In this scenario, it is important to ensure that the surface is clean and that an insulating gel is used to form a direct connection between the probe and the surface. For devices that can use Echo-Echo and Multiple Echo methods (such as our SAUT310D-SW or SAUT500D-SW), coating is a minor problem and can be overcome.

Echo-Echo allows the ultrasonic thickness gauge to ignore a coating of up to 8 mm thick. The measurement process includes the device that produces an ultrasonic pulse, which is sent through the material you are measuring.

Timing begins when the pulse is initially emitted by the probe and ends when the return echo is detected, which reverberates through the material after bouncing off the bottom wall.

How do the different measurement methods work?

Single Echo is the simplest and as the name suggests, uses a single timing method to measure thickness. This requires a clean sample of the material, which can be difficult to find in many areas outside controlled test environments.

Echo-Echo and Multiple Echo use two and three timers respectively to eliminate the thickness of the coating and obtain an accurate result for the sample thickness.
The second cycle of the sound wave begins at the boundary between the coating and the sample.
This is the key factor to remove the coating from the measurement, because it means that time one and time two will be slightly different.

Multiple Echo has a third timing to use, which increases measurement accuracy when the coating is thicker.
For this, times two and three are usually equal or infinitely different, so that the hardware and computing software can eliminate the coating and record only the thickness of the sample.

PROJECT PSC SRL also uses ultrasonic thickness gauge

Among our numerous customers who use our thickness gauges , Project PSC Srl uses SAMA Tools name-brand for inspections and professional training in the field of non-destructive control.
Project PSC ensures great professionalism, seriousness and efficiency in training, engineering and consulting.

Inspections with the ultrasonic thickness gauge allows one to detect both superficial and deeper defects.

PSC Project Courses and Services

Project PSC is therefore a Center that deals with the training and certification of personnel involved in the execution of Non-destructive Investigations (CND) under the supervision of Bureau Veritas and ACCREDIA.

“Non Destructive Control is the determination of the physical condition of an object made in such a way as not to compromise the functionalities for which the object itself was built.”

ASNT(American Association For Non-Destructive Testing)

Courses are held throughout Italy, even directly on site, with personalized training plans.

It’s also a Testing Laboratory composed of level III technicians who perform preventive (non-destructive and semi-destructive) diagnostic investigations in the field.

So the aim is to detect defects and deficiencies, suggesting targeted interventions, allowing the customer to save time and money.

A summary, the activities carried out involve the following areas:

DIAGNOSTICS

In civil and industrial fields for the maintenance and control of buildings and plants.
SEISMIC

Non-destructive, semi-destructive and destructive tests for the characterization of materials and the definition of seismic risk.
TESTS ON STEEL

Non-destructive testing of welds and steel structures.
SECURITY

Safety checks of structural and non-structural elements.

Watch the video to learn more…

For precision and usability, Progetto PSC has chosen our SAUT310D-SW Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge model which also measures the thickness through paints and coatings.

It’s an innovative and efficient tool thanks to its high precision, exceptional ductility and ease of use.
Be like PSC Project and choose SAMA Tools for all your quality control needs!

Would you like more information or assistance?

If you are looking for information on a specific model of our ultrasonic gauges or would like to know more, write to sales@samatools.it

16 November 2020/by SamaItalia