Krautkrämer SpotVision
Image-based spot weld inspection with a flexible probehead for deeper insights into the welding process.

• Increase process control• Avoid false negatives• Reduce training time

Inspection starts here.

Confidence can be that easy.
Faced with ever increasing pressure to reduce downtimes while meeting highquality standards, the automotive industry is turning towards image-based
spot weld inspection. Vehicle production is growing, and so is the number of spot
welds that need to be inspected. Inspectors therefore need to look deeper intothe welding process, beyond a simple good/not good evaluation of spot welds,
to elevate production efficiency.
Developed in collaboration with automotive manufacturers, Waygate Technologies
introduces Krautkrämer SpotVision, the fastest, easiest, and most accurate
phased array solution for spot weld inspection. Confidence that your parts areadequately welded will not only increase productivity, but also ensure that
quality standards are met every time, thereby guaranteeing product safety.

Get more accuracy

The Krautkrämer SpotVision solution combines a new phased array probe with latest software andthe Krautkrämer Mentor UT phased array flaw detector for imaging accuracy at the highest level andcomprehensive insights into spot welded joints.
One of its most notable features is the newly developed 2D matrix phased array probe. A first in the industry,its membrane is filled with fluid, allowing it to adapt to uneven surfaces and the overall complex geometryof spot welds better than any other probe. The flexible probe head ensures optimal acoustic coupling withthe test piece so that the image of the spot weld covers its full diameter and false negative results areavoided.
Solid delay line

Flexible delay line

Gap

Because of its flexible probe head the SpotVision probe is not sensitive to the weld indentation.
Hence only minimal couplant is required.

The 2D matrix probe is combined with another novelty in spot weld inspection: Total Focusing Method (TFM)
imaging. With the TFM image processing, a higher resolution and measurement accuracy with acomparable phased array is achieved. Krautkrämer SpotVision is a practical and easy-to-handle probe,
nevertheless, it operates with a frequency of 13MHz and comes with an effective array of 32 elements,
and a spacing of 1.25mm. Because of TFM, each element is fired individually and sequentially, while allelements are listening. This results in 32 x 32 elements = 1024 A-scans, combined in a comprehensive
picture of the spot weld. All information is interpreted and presented to the operator in an easy-tounderstand way. Additionally, the SpotVision probe includes a virtual conventional probe that can be usedfor AEC (A-scan Evaluation Criteria) to determine the remaining wall thickness.

Krautkrämer SpotVision is a practical and easy-to-handle probe

Actual nugget size and acceptance criteria

Being spot on can be that easy.
Simplify inspections & save costs

By switching to image-based inspection of spot welds, Krautkrämer SpotVision simplifies the inspection
process. It is easy-to-set-up and -use and therefore offers not only a time advantage for seasoned
inspectors, but also reduces training requirements for qualified inspection personnel. This is due tothe intuitive user interface of the software. It utilizes a database that allows the generation of detailed
workflows and inspection plans in advance which can then be applied step-by-step by the operator.
With the Mentor PC Live software, the instrument is connected to a PC through ethernet which is especiallyhelpful when the operator is at a different location. Mentor PC Live performs the instrument’s functions
from the PC, with the bonus that set-up and data files are saved directly on the PC.
Krautkrämer SpotVision also minimizes costs by increasing productivity and reducing scrap thanks to theimproved evaluation process and minimized false negatives.

The user interface is intuitive and easy-to-useProducing quality parts withhigh throughput

The accurate and repeatable reconstruction of the nugget diameter or the welded area gives an improved
insight into the welding process on site and enables better process control. Overall, the image-based
evaluation provided by Krautkrämer SpotVision contributes to the quality of the final product. Avoiding
false negative results with its flexible probe head design means minimizing process delays such aschangeover and calibration times, while ensuring compliance with conformity, safety, and warranty
regulations.
Krautkrämer SpotVision was developed together with automotive manufacturers to ensure minimum cycle
times for the inspection of resistance weld spots, a critical parameter for their high volume productionlines.

Krautkrämer portable inspection solutions for the automotive industry

Krautkrämer SpotVision is part of the Waygate Technologies portfolio of sophisticated solutions for theinspection of joints. Next to the SpotVision solution for the inspection of spot welds, this includes theKrautkrämer Bond Scanner for inspecting adhesively bonded joints with fast and easy to interpret 100%coverage.
Both solutions are designed for ideal use in combination with the Krautkrämer Mentor UT phased array
flaw detector. The user-defined workflows walk the inspector through every step of instrument setup —from probe selection and calibration to reporting.

Krautkrämer Bond Scanner allows for the fastest andeasiest testing of adhesively bonded parts

For spot weld inspection, Krautkrämer SpotVision is thesimplest and most accurate phased array solution

The portfolio offers a customized solution for the automotive market that yields the fastest, most accurate
and easy-to-interpret results. It also provides a solution focusing on one device with multiple application
options instead of isolated devices, which simplifies using the inspection equipment and thereby reduces
the training time required for inspection personnel. Of course, the Krautkrämer SpotVision and othercomponents of the portfolio are also available separately.

Technical Specifications
Probe specifications
PA probe

32 elements (6x6 array without corner elements), nominal frequency
13 MHz, flexible delay line to adapt to spot weld surface (weld indentation)

Probe dimensions

ø17 x 34 mm (excluding flexible delay line)

Probe cable length3m

Inspection area

7.5 x 7.5 mm
Intelligent probes ensure the correct probe is used for inspection andpart and serial number are documented

Inspection

ManualTypical screen refresh rate

10 Hz

Sheet combinations

2T / 3T

Plate thickness range

0.6 – 3.5 mm

Spot weld diameter range

2.0 - 6.0 mm

Material types

Mild steel, high strength steel (HSS), dual phase ultra-high strength steel
Contact our Solution Experts for different materials, such as aluminum.

Coatings

Bare, zinc coating (galvanized, galvanneal), e-coating, paintDB Manager

Defining inspection plan, analyzing, analytics and archiving.
Import of legacy inspection plans

Image based spot weld diameter reconstruction
Algorithm using

TFM and FMC

A-scans per measurement

1024

Reconstruction resolution

0.25 mm

Accuracy±0.5 mm

Repeatability±0.5 mm in accordance with VDA5

A-Scan based weld quality identification
Legacy algorithm based on

A-Scan evaluation
A-Scan evaluation criteria I
A-Scan evaluation criteria II
A-Scan evaluation criteria IV

Parts and Accessories
Krautkrämer SpotVision Base Kit UP680023
Part NumberPart Name

Description

164M6345

Mentor UT SpotVision
Base Kit

Mentor UT device, including power adapter,
communication module,
shipping case, probe connector adapter andquick start guide

UP600673

Probe: G13MAPA-32

SpotVision 2D phased array probe, 32 elements

UA600722

SpotVision
Reference Block

Reference block including 9 different, machined nuggets,diameter ranging from ø2.5 to ø6.5 mm

Krautkrämer SpotVision Upgrade Kit UP680024
Part Number

Part Name

Description

164M2272

USB drive with SpotVision
UT SW and Docs

USB drive containing the software installers for theSpotVision application and documentation

UP600673

Probe: G13MAPA-32

SpotVision 2D phased array probe, 32 elements

UA600722

SpotVision
Reference Block

Reference block including 9 different, machined nuggets,diameter ranging from ø2.5 to ø6.5 mm

Accessories
Part Number

Part Name

Description

169M6195

Tyro remote control,
8 buttons

Remote control with 8 buttons

Contact your local sales representative
for a demo or to learn more
Copyright 2023 Baker Hughes Company. All rights reserved.
BHHK60028 (09/2023)