EN 14127 sets out the principles of ultrasonic thickness measurement by direct contact, based solely on measurement of the time of flight of ultrasonic pulses.
- ✓ Title: Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic thickness measurement
- ✓ Edition published on 2 February 2011
- ✓ Metallic and non-metallic materials
- ✓ Direct-contact technique, based on time of flight
When ultrasonic thickness measurement is discussed in a European context, the starting point in standards is EN 14127, whose title is Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic thickness measurement. The edition currently in circulation was published on 2 February 2011 and is commonly cited as EN 14127:2011.
The scope is described tersely and very precisely: the standard «specifies the principles for ultrasonic thickness measurement of metallic and non-metallic materials by direct contact, based on measurement of time-of-flight of ultrasonic pulses only». Three elements deserve attention: the materials admitted are not only metals, the technique considered is direct contact, and the measurement principle is exclusively time of flight.
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This last point explains why, in daily practice, knowing the propagation velocity in the material is decisive. The instrument measures a time and converts it into a length: if the velocity value set does not match the real one of the part, the reading is shifted even when the device is working perfectly. It is for this reason that every serious measurement session begins with calibration on a sample of known thickness in the same material, and that calibration blocks are as much part of the operator’s usual kit as the probe.
What it says, in brief
| Aspect | Confirmed content |
|---|---|
| Title | Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic thickness measurement |
| Edition | Published on 2 February 2011 (EN 14127:2011) |
| Subject | Principles of ultrasonic thickness measurement |
| Materials | Metallic and non-metallic |
| Measurement principle | Time of flight of the pulses only, by direct contact |
Why the standard reference matters in daily work
Citing a standard in a test report means declaring the principles according to which the measurement was carried out. For a contact thickness inspection in a European context, EN 14127 is the document describing those principles, and naming it makes the report readable to whoever receives it without further explanation of the method adopted.
In operational terms the text of the standard should always be consulted in the full version purchased from the standards body: what is given here is the overall picture, useful for orientation, not a substitute for the document. We recommend keeping a copy available to those who draft internal procedures and those who train operators.
Recommended instruments
| Instrument | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Dakota CX2 | Contact thickness measurement, general use |
| Dakota CMX1-DL | Corrosion with A-Scan display and one- or two-point calibration |
| Transducers for corrosion | Dual-crystal probes for direct contact |
| Calibration blocks | Calibration on a known thickness before the measurement session |
Frequently asked questions
The stated scope covers metallic and non-metallic materials, measured by direct contact.
Solely on measurement of the time of flight of ultrasonic pulses, as stated in the scope of the standard.
EN 14127:2011, published on 2 February 2011. The full text must be purchased from the standards body.
Back to Standards for thickness measurement or write to us from the Contacts page.
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