Sonaspection acquired by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

The Institution has acquired internationally recognised non-destructive testing samples company, Sonaspection, based in Lancaster.

On 4 July the Institution announced the acquisition of the internationally recognised non-destructive testing samples company, Sonaspection, based in Lancaster.

Stephen Tetlow, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “Non-destructive testing and flawed specimens are vital to an extremely broad range of engineering sectors and to our members.”

“This acquisition follows our acquisition in 2012 of non-destructive testing training company Argyll Ruane Group (ARL).  Not only will our acquisition of Sonaspection enable new standards and techniques across many important industries, it will help to advance the pace of innovation in an ever-increasing range of applications. It will also ensure that the highest standards of engineering integrity and confidentiality, so vital to Sonaspection’s existing and future clients, are backed by the reputation of one of the largest professional engineering Institutions in the world.”

The Directors of Sonaspection commented:

“This will strengthen our management and promotional capabilities. It will give the Institution’s members and our customers a robust service in the non-destructive testing, training and certification sector and we will be better able to meet the growing and changing needs of our global clients in the future.”

Sonaspection has manufactured thousands of flawed specimens for all major performance demonstration, training and qualification centres around the world. The company, now in its 33^rd year, is the pioneer of many ‘industry standard' flaw manufacture and implanting techniques.

What are ‘flawed specimens’?
Sonaspection's flawed specimens contain purposely induced real flaws which are accurately sized and located. Each specimen is supplied with documentation detailing flaw types, sizes and location.

What are flawed specimens used for?
They are used as part of a quality training programme to make sure students are aware of flaws and how they can be detected, identified and sized using non-destructive evaluation (NDE) or NDT. Flawed specimens can also be used to perform practical personnel qualification, procedure and equipment development.