Adaptix

Non-Destructive Evaluation

Non-Destructive Evaluation
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Adaptix provide a new-to-the-sector non-destructive inspection method, already collaborating with a significant number of aerospace primes.   

Previously used in medicine, this technology allows for defect detection in composite materials. 

This disruptive technology has been successfully applied to the aerospace sector, and is demonstrated to have substantial benefits, e.g., 60% of cost savings. It was initially trialled at the National Composites Centre and ongoing development continues in collaboration with Cranfield University and supported by major aerospace primes (facilitated by the ATI). 

ATI grant funding (£1.13m) and support has been instrumental to this success, as Adaptix primarily focus on medical applications, with investors focusing on international healthcare markets. 

 

Digital Tomosynthesis is a 3D x-ray technology that enables defect detection in large aerospace components during manufacture or in service. For example, a helicopter blade inspected without removal from the aircraft. Adaptix’ technology can be used for inspecting parts earlier in the manufacturing process than current state of the art inspection tools.  

AdaptixNDE are taking this technology into Aerospace inspection where non-destructive evaluation (NDE) is dominated by ultrasonics for speed, cost and portability benefits. Adaptix’ technology is competitive on price, is much faster than standard X-ray and 3D X-ray, has better resolution than ultrasound, is portable, and is better at finding defects, with results like CT for defect detection. Coupled with low dose, this unlocks deployable 3D X-ray where CT is too prohibitive for use.  This means 3D inspections can be conducted in-situ. 

AdaptixNDE allows 3D internal visualisation at the point of diagnostics earlier in manufacture and through-life with a consistent digital output facilitating Digital Twins and NDE4.0. 

ATI support has enabled Adaptix to break into and disrupt aerospace inspection. Public funding has been instrumental to their success, as Adaptix primarily focus on medical applications, with investors typically focusing on international healthcare markets.  

This method will be cheaper, faster and more accessible than other aspirational models. It allows for cost saving during manufacturing and is unlocking new composite manufacturing methods. It will also have significant wider economic and environmental impacts while reducing the aerospace inspection bottleneck and increasing the manufacturing rate.  

As well as this, this project will translate into a UK success story for global aerospace impact. This regional development will lead to international export opportunities in the form of inspection tools throughout the aircraft’s lifetime with possible deployment across airports worldwide.  

Due to this faster and more comprehensive inspection, new composite manufacturing methods are now possible, as is the increased use of composites in aerospace which means lighter, higher-performing structures and hence less fuel, less carbon, less waste and a leap towards Net-Zero. 

This has also unlocked opportunities in other sectors that would benefit from improvements to the inspection process, such as Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) and Automotive.  

This leading UK capability is looking to create over 45 high skilled UK jobs after the project and is enabling a completely new inspection method in aerospace, via Digital Tomosynthesis.

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Non-Destructive Evaluation
Total project value: £1.13m
Project partners: Cranfield University
  • 45+

    High-skilled jobs unlocked

  • Cheaper, faster

    and more accessible

  • 60%

    eEstimated cost savings

"As a spin-out from a healthcare company with a technology with easily translatable benefits in aerospace this is an exciting project, but it would undoubtedly not happen without aerospace to realise our potential outside healthcare where our investors are focussed.  This ATI credence and investment has meant job creation, the growth of a business unit and real engagement by the biggest global aerospace primes with GE even posting on LinkedIn to their 1M followers about working with our small team.  ATI investment has had huge impact for us in the UK industry."

Andy Barnes, CEng MIET Chief Executive Officer, Adaptix