OmniScan MX2 Training Program

Encoded Inspection Preparation

MX2 Training Program Encoded Inspection - Overview

Encoders and scanners come in all shapes and sizes and are typically
purchased based on the application requirements for geometry, precision,
durability and speed.
Encoders and scanners allow the position and orientation of the probe in
one or two axis to be recorded with the MX2 phased array data allowing
2D data views such as a B-scan and C-scan.
Encoded scanners can be as simple as a small wheel connected to the
probe or a complex multi probe scanner with multi axis capability
controlled from a computer or PLC.

MX2 Training Program Encoded Inspection Overview cont.

A full range of application

and market specific
encoders, scanners can
be found in the Olympus
Industrial Scanners and
Accessories Catalog.
Additionally, the encoder
connector specifications
are available in the users
manual allowing the MX2
to be integrated with any
scanner to a patch cable
using a standard 15 pin
serial connector.

MX2 Training Program Encoded Inspection Overview cont.

The encoder input receptacle of the MX2 is on the top panel and uses a
short IP66 water resistant patch cable (Included with MX2) to interface
with a standard 15 pin serial connector common to Olympus and many
third party suppliers of encoders and scanners.
The complete connector specifications and wiring pin-out can be found in
section 14.2 of the MX2 User manual.

MX2 Training Program Encoded Inspection Scan Menu Overview

The scan menu is where encoders, scanners and their

associated parameters are configured for the inspection.
These parameters are typically configured last after the group
has been created with the wizards, the UT settings have been
configured, and all required calibrations completed.

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Inspection Type Overview

Options for scan type are:
One line scan. (MX2 Default) Available on either with either a clock or
encoded inspection and is used when the probe is moved in one axis
(Scan axis) along the component or weld.
Raster scan. The probe is moved in two axis (Scan and index axis)
and acquired in a bi-directional or unidirectional pattern.
Helicoidal scan. (Pictured below) The probe is moved in one axis as a
cylindrical shaped component is moved. The scan axis encoder
monitors the continuous rotation around the cylinder and the index axis
encoder monitors the continuous movement along the index axis.

n ax
is

Encoder input

S ca

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Inspection Type One Line Scan

The one line scan can be used with either a time or encoder
inspection.
Although a one line scan only requires a single encoder, it could
have been wired in the interface cable for either encoder 1 or 2.
Scan axis

More examples of Olympus one line scanners.

HSMT Flex (1 axis)

HSMT X03 (1 axis)

Chain Scanner (2 axis)

WeldROVER (1 axis)

HSMT Compact (1 axis)

Cobra (1 axis)

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Inspection Type Raster Scan

In a raster scan either encoder 1 or 2 can be assigned to

monitor the scan axis.
The MX2 has two encoder inputs. Whichever encoder is
selected as the scan axis, the other encoder is assumed to be
the index axis.
In the example below, encoder 1 is assigned to the scan axis
(Wheels) and encoder 2 assigned to the index (Arm).

is
Index ax
2
Encoder
Scan aexris1
Encod

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Insp. Type - Raster Scan cont.

In the raster scan pictured below, the scan axis is assigned to

encoder 1 (Wheel) and the index axis is assigned to encoder 2
(Clicker)
The probe is moved along the scan axis, then the operator
repositions the probe for the next Stroke and presets the Cscan on the index axis by selecting the clicker button.
This creates a bi-directional inspection (C-scan) where the
operator must manually control the index axis.

Index axis
stroke 2

Index axis
stroke 1

Scan axis

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MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Inspection Type Helicoidal

In the helicoidal scan pictured below the probe is moved in one

line as the cylindrical shaped component is rotated. The scan
axis encoder monitors the continuous rotation around the
cylinder and the index axis encoder monitors probe movement.
It is an inspection type that requires both encoders to be
configured. (Scan\encoder 1, index\encoder 2)

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MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Encoder Parameters Overview

The encoder sub menu only appears when

Scan>Inspection>Scan> is set to encoder 1 or encoder 2. It
does not appear when set to time for one-line scans.
The encoder sub menu is where the encoder hardware
parameters are entered and the position is preset.
Configurations are available for both encoder 1 and 2 if a
raster scan is selected in Scan>Inspection>Type>Raster.
When Scan>Inspection>Type is set to one line scan, only the
encoder selected for the scan axis available for configuration.

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MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Encoder Parameters - Polarity

l 0-

100

0m

-0m
000

13

Nor
ma

e1

The encoder polarity reverses the encoder counts so that the scan
axis can be configured in the desired direction.
When manipulating the scanner, the scan axis position is visible in
the MX2 indication area of the display and the operator can reverse
the position to match the scan axis direction on the component.

R ev
er s

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Encoder Parameters - Type

The encoder type is a fixed parameter that describes the type of signal
generated by the hardware for processing.
The majority of encoders used in weld inspection are quadrature. The
definition of each available type below can found in the MX2 user manual.

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MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Encoder Parameters - Resolution

The encoder resolution sets the number of counts per unit for
the selected encoder and is expressed in steps\distance or
steps per rotation.
This is a function of the hardware
and will not change except for wear
on the gears, axels, rubber wheels,
etc.
The MX2 encoder calibration
wizard can found in
Wizard>Calibration>Type Encoder.
The distance represented by one
step defines the minimum
inspection resolution and
theoretical limit of the encoders
length sizing accuracy.

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MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Encoder Origin\Preset

The encoder origin position is used to set the encoder position

when preset is selected or if configured on the start acquisition
button.
The preset is typically zero but can be preset for recording a series
of different acquisitions. (0-100mm, 100-200mm, 200-300mm, etc.)

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MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Area One Line Scan

The area sub menu is used to define the area of the inspection
and resolution of the inspection.
The scan axis is visible on the C-scan and B-scan data views
and the scan start and scan stop below will define the blue.
These parameters are directly related to file size and an if an
area is entered that would create a data file larger than the 300
megabyte maximum, the software will automatically reduce the
area to within limits.

0mm

220mm

17

MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Area Raster Scan

When a raster scan is selected both the scan and index parameters
are available.

50mm

0mm
0mm

200mm

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MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Area - Scan Resolution

The scan resolution defines the interval on the scan axis that all
focal laws or A-scans on all groups are recorded.
The index resolution is only available when a raster or helicoidal
scan (2 axis) inspection is selected.
The resolution is directly related to file size, scan speed, and
sizing accuracy.
The smallest number that can be entered in the scan axis is the
equivalent distance of 1 step of the encoder and would result in
the most accurate length sizing accuracy possible.
A scan resolution of 1mm would equal a sizing accuracy of +\2mm. (1mm on each side of the C-scan or B-scan)
The index resolution is a function of the pitch of the probe and is
explained in detail in position C-scan section and typically only
used in corrosion mapping and composite inspections.

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MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Data

The data storage parameters are only available for inspections

using an encoder. (Scan>Inspection>Scan>Encoder1 or 2)
The MX2 encoded data can be recorded in both directions on the
scan axis. When the scan is moved over a data point by changing
directions the data saved is based on the selections below:
Last. Saves the latest data. This is the MX2 default and most commonly
used. Only the most recent and current data is saved with no comparison.
A%. The data of maximum amplitude in gate A is saved.
Max Thickness. The data of maximum thickness is saved.
Min Thickness. The data of minimum thickness is saved.

The need to back up the scanner to reacquire a data point occurs frequently with
semi-automated manual push scanners due
to missed data points from excessive speed,
lack of coupling, verification of repeatability,
aperture or probe overlap, mechanical
problems, etc.
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MX2 Training Program Scan Menu Start Mode

The start sub menu contains parameters for starting and stopping
the inspection.
The start mode selected below determines what action happens
with either the start button on the MX2 is pressed or the start
button in the software is pressed. (Scan>Start>Start Mode)
Reset All. MX2 default and most commonly used. Resets all encoders to
origin and clears all C-scan data.
Reset Encoder. Resets all encoders to origin and retains C-scan data.
Reset Data. Clears all the C-scan data and retains the encoder position.

The pause button controls the acquisition by toggling between

acquisition and analysis modes.

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