Non-Destructive Testing: LBCC hosted a grand opening of the new Non-Destructive Testing facility and department on Friday, Oct.6.
Faculty, staff, students and patrons of the new Non-Destructive Testing facility came together on Friday afternoon, Oct 6, in the Industrial Arts building.
The grand opening held demonstrations of newly purchased equipment including two radiography machines. One of these machines is digital with a processing tank, and the other machine uses film with a viewing room that spans from the middle of the room to the back door. This allows multiple processed x-rays to be viewed. The entire wall is illuminated by led lights as an indicator that someone is or is not working.
There was also an ongoing demonstration of an ultrasonic immersion tank with a robotic arm that internally checks parts without harming the material. Two large monitors hovered over the control panel and three smaller manning stations bordered the side of a pool filled with water.
Mclennan Seaton, co-Department Chair of the Non-Destructive Testing Center and faculty instructor, gave a speech to colleagues, students, and contributors to the program.
“Most tanks at other training institutions are 4 feet by 4 feet small containers made out of acrylic that shakes during training,” said Seaton.
The immersion tank at LBCC is 25 feet by 10 feet, and offers a hands-on experience that allows accessible training to students.
Michael Powell, co-owner of Wespro, one company that sold equipment to LBCC, demonstrated the immersion tank on Friday.
Another sales representative from Carestream, Jay Zimmerman, demonstrated the Computer Radiology machine, which uses image processing from a phosphor-coated plate. The Computer Radiology machine requires a developing room and a film reading room. As Zimmerman scrolled through images, he talked about the machine,
“They really took the time to ensure that they purchased state of the art equipment that is being used right now,” said Zimmerman.
“I’ve sold this equipment to airports, medical facilities, and art museums. We were able to find a second painting underneath a painting, since [historically] lead was used so much in paints.”
Mclennan Seaton discussed the benefits for students entering the program.
“The starting wage is usually $12-18 an hour for graduating students. If dual trained, wages increase rapidly. With a strong work ethic and skill there is a pretty good chance they’ll make it.”
The Non-Destructive Testing is a two year program, and has grown substantially since its first quarter, from eight people last year to 20 this year.
Story and Photos by Angela Scott
