24th July 2023
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Jose-Luis Lanzagorta, from the NDT lab at IDEKO.
You work for the IDEKO Technology Center. Can you please describe the main activities and research topics related to NDT at the center?
At IDEKO, we are pioneers in advanced manufacturing solutions. One of our areas of expertise lies in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), with a primary focus on Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Eddy Current (EC) technologies. From simulation to real-world applications, we seamlessly integrate every step of the value chain.
In the realm of UT and EC, we continuously push the boundaries of innovation through groundbreaking research in various sub-technologies, including UT-Array, FMC, TOFD, EC-Array, and EC for material characterization during in-process testing. Our commitment to excellence drives us to explore the frontiers of possibilities.
Moreover, our approach extends beyond conventional boundaries. By leveraging transversal technologies from other departments, such as robotics, IoT, and 4.0 Industry, we create synergies that unlock unprecedented efficiency and performance for our clients.
Can you also introduce "ENDITY SOLUTIONS" to us, the new spin-off from IDEKO?
As a result of our research efforts and the positive outcomes we have achieved in recent years, we realized that our solutions could have a significant impact on the market. After a period of reflection, we decided to embark on a diversification strategy, embracing innovation and exploring new market opportunities.
In 2020, the Basque industrial group DANOBATGROUP (more than 1400 employees), together with IDEKO, united their strengths to give birth to ENDITY SOLUTIONS. ENDITY SOLUTIONS is dedicated to tackling technological challenges through innovative inspection methods, including the development of new inspection technologies and process automation. We concentrate on niche markets within the manufacturing industry and actively collaborate with our clients, fostering a co-creation and development ecosystem. As a global and digital company, we excel in teamwork and close collaboration with our partners, recognizing it as a key element to unlock the potential of our people. Leveraging the resources of a large organization, we proactively seek alliances to drive progress and propel us to the forefront of the industry.
What is your own role at the lab?
My role at IDEKO now centers on project management, collaborating closely with the team to achieve excellence in developing new Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) solutions. I am involved from the inception of the idea, actively working throughout the project execution, analyzing the results, and taking part in the evaluation phase with clients, especially in projects with higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL).
For what kind of projects have you recently used CIVA? Do you use it often, and how does it help you?
CIVA is a vital tool that we utilize daily in the majority of our projects. We use CIVA regardless of the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the solution. For instance, we are currently developing a new TOFD sensor capable of covering long welding depths. We began the initial design phase using CIVA when the TRL was at a very low level. Subsequently, we manufactured the sensor and conducted experimental tests to validate its performance. Now, we are conducting further simulations to precisely define the sensor's specifications before its market launch.
What are the main improvements you would like to see in CIVA?
We have been using CIVA for approximately ten years, and we are delighted by the software's evolution, especially in recent times. The new capabilities in UT and EC modeling, coupled with the potential to enhance inspection reliability and the powerful CIVA Script, have proven to be valuable tools integrated into our projects. They have significantly elevated the quality of our research.
As we have some projects related to Eddy Current surface inspections of components made of ferromagnetic materials, we would like to see more possibilities and robustness in the ET module when dealing with such materials (available for all geometries, sensors and flaws, adapted mesh, etc.). This would make CIVA ET even more useful for us in such projects.
You are a user of CIVA Script. Could you tell us if, and how, it helps in your simulation projects?
CIVA Script has proven to be a time-saving asset in our projects, particularly when dealing with large-scale computations and extensive analysis. As our projects become more challenging, and the need for numerous simulations arises, the manual analysis of each one consumes valuable time, reducing our ability to make confident decisions.
However, with the implementation of CIVA Script, a whole new world of possibilities has opened up for us. We can now automate computation and analysis loops, optimize the model while iterating on results, customize post-processing of results, and manipulate all parameters efficiently. This newfound flexibility has greatly enhanced our productivity and empowered us to tackle even the most complex projects with greater precision and confidence.
Do you also have activities related to IA for NDT, and in this context, have you heard about the new DATA Science module available in CIVA?
Yes, we have several projects where AI for NDT plays a pivotal role. We have been informed about the capabilities of the new Data Science module and even participated in a dedicated workshop to explore its features. We find this module to be an incredibly intriguing tool, and currently, we are evaluating the potential integration of this powerful tool into our research endeavors.