Canton, Ohio-based The Timken Company announced Monday the completion of its ultrasonic test (UT) inspection line at the company's Faircrest Steel Plant in Canton, Ohio. This $5 million investment increases Timken's large bar finishing capacity and helps ensure large bar sound-center quality.
The inspection line allows full body inspection for bar diameters ranging from 6 to 24 inches (15.2 to 61 centimeters) and for lengths up to 35 feet (10.6 meters). The UT line allows for the inspection of the internal volume and the surface of bar products for defects. It also helps characterize the "center soundness" of bars.
The UT line is part of Timken's $40 million investment in an automated, high-volume in-line forge press at the Faircrest facility. Timken expects the press to begin operation in early 2013 and expand its product capabilities to meet ultrasonic specifications.