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"Quality is not an act; it is a habit." - Aristotle

KLINGER Mzansi Implements Innovative Hand-held Weld Tester for Enhanced Weld Verification

KLINGER Mzansi has recently made significant advancements in quality control and weld verification processes within our local production facilities. Recognizing the need for a more efficient and reliable method of testing welds, our Quality and Operations team undertook a project to introduce a hand-held weld tester. This device is specifically used to quality check the welding on our Maxiflex spiral wound gaskets and Maxiprofile Kammprofile gaskets, which are grooved metal gaskets with covering layers (ASME and B16:20).

» All welded joints on pressure boundaries are Ultrasonically tested to ensure 100% weld penetration

The hand-held weld tester enables direct non-destructive testing of welds during production, eliminating the requirement for external verification. This initiative, driven by a collaborative effort involving key contributors within the company, aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of weld verification while ensuring adherence to world-class manufacturing standards.

» Ultrasonic Flaw Testing Device

The challenges faced in weld verification processes prompted the decision to implement the hand-held weld tester. Previously, our production team relied on sending weld samples for X-ray analysis every three months. However, given the high volume of welds conducted daily in our gasket factory, increasing the frequency of weld joint inspections became crucial. The goal was to significantly improve weld verification on a day-to-day basis.

» Quality Inspector Josephine Motsifane testing a set of soft cut gaskets

To identify the most suitable testing method for our unique product range and material thickness variations, KLINGER Mzansi engaged with a supplier specializing in various non-destructive testing (NDT) methods. The supplier visited our production site at the Head Office in Wadeville, Germiston, and provided insights into different types of welding testing methods, including magnetic particle, dye-penetrant, X-ray, and ultrasonic testing

» Thami Mdluli and Josephine Motsifane, our diligent Quality Inspectors, recently participated in a comprehensive training course focused on mastering the operation of the testing machine.

After supplying samples of our product range and conducting in-house testing, the supplier recommended ultrasonic testing as the preferred option. A comprehensive demonstration of the ultrasonic testers was carried out for the Managing Director, Phillip Herbst, Operations Manager, Marius Herbst, and Production Manager, Aubrey Heystek. The outcome of this demonstration was highly positive, leading to the acquisition of two ultrasonic testers.

Anticipation grew as we awaited the delivery of the ultrasonic testers, with an estimated arrival date of March 10, 2023. The Quality Manager and two inspectors underwent a comprehensive three-day training course to learn how to effectively operate the units and set the testing parameters.

The introduction of the hand-held ultrasonic weld testers represents a significant milestone for KLINGER Mzansi, demonstrating our commitment to achieving world-class quality control practices. By conducting weld inspections directly during the welding process, we eliminate the need to send samples to third-party facilities for verification, thereby streamlining our quality assurance workflow. This immediate verification enhances inspection frequency and ensures the proficiency of our welders.

With a strengthened ISO9001 Quality Management System in place, KLINGER Mzansi is well-positioned to continually enhance its product offerings, delivering improved quality and reliability to our valued customers.

» Example of a PASSED weld

» Example of a FAILED weld

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