Dakota Ultrasonics Shear Wave Transducers

F.A.Q.

How do I choose between 45°, 60°, and 70° refracted wedge angles for weld inspection?

 The optimal refracted shear-wave angle in steel is determined by the parent metal wall thickness and the weld bevel preparation angle so the ultrasonic beam hits the fusion zone as close to perpendicular (90°) as possible:
  • 70° Wedge Angle: Ideal for thin-to-medium wall thicknesses (0.25" to 0.75" / 6 to 19 mm) and shallow skip paths where a steeper beam angle is needed to clear the weld crown and reach the root pass.

  • 60° Wedge Angle: The most common general-purpose angle for medium-to-thick structural welds (0.50" to 1.50" / 12 to 38 mm) and standard 30° V-groove bevels (where a 60° beam strikes a 30° bevel face at a direct 90° angle).

  • 45° Wedge Angle: Used for thick plates and heavy-wall piping (over 1.50" / 38+ mm) and for detecting corner-trap root cracks or T-joint defects.

How do I select the right frequency (1.0 MHz, 2.25 MHz, 5.0 MHz, or 10.0 MHz) on a shear wave probe?
  • 2.25 MHz: The standard frequency mandated by AWS D1.1 structural welding codes and general heavy-steel weld inspections, offering an ideal balance of deep penetration and defect sensitivity.

  • 5.0 MHz & 10.0 MHz: Preferred for thin-walled piping, small-diameter tubing, and fine-grained welds where shorter wavelengths provide superior resolution to detect small cracks and porosity near the surface.

  • 1.0 MHz: Used for very thick weldments, electroslag welds, or coarse-grained austenitic/cast materials where high acoustic attenuation scatters higher frequencies.

Must I apply ultrasonic couplant between the shear wave transducer and the wedge?

 Yes. Whenever mounting a Dakota Shear Wave Standard Transducer onto an SW Standard Wedge or SNW Snail Wedge—or threading a Quick Change Transducer into a QW Quick Change Wedge—always place a small drop of ultrasonic couplant (or light machine oil) on the transducer face before tightening so no air is trapped at the transducer-to-wedge interface.

What is the difference between High-Gain (Medium) and Resolution damping on shear wave probes?
  • High-Gain / Medium Damped (SSH / QCH / HG): Produces higher acoustic output energy with a slightly longer pulse duration—recommended for thick plates, long V-path skip distances, and DAC/AWS inspections.

  • Resolution Damped (SSR / QCR / R): Uses heavier backing damping to generate a short, broadband pulse—recommended when you need to separate closely spaced reflectors (such as distinguishing a root crack from normal root penetration geometry) in thinner welds.

Dakota Shear Wave Standard Transducers

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Dakota Shear Wave Standard Transducers
Dakota Shear Wave Standard Transducers
  • Large single element transducers designed for use with angle beam wedges for a powerful flaw detection solution
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Dakota Shear Wave Quick Change Transducers

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About this item
Dakota Shear Wave Quick Change Transducers
Dakota Shear Wave Quick Change Transducers
  • The Dakota Shear Wave Quick Change Transducers are single element transducers with a threaded tip allowing angle beam wedges to be changed with minimum delay
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