Bombardier brings ACFM into the rail industry

Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM®) is an advanced non-destructive testing technique for detecting and sizing surface-breaking defects in metals. It can do this through dirt and coatings. Bombardier Transportation and TSC Inspection Systems have developed advanced ACFM equipment for inspecting railway vehicles and equipment, which has been accredited following successful comparative trials against Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI). This equipment is equally suitable for a wide variety of non-rail applications. Bombardier and TSC are currently developing equipment for inspecting rails, with support from Railtrack. These developments offer major improvements in safety, auditability and traceability. They also have the potential for large cost savings by streamlining the entire inspection, repair and overhaul process.