Originally published May 4, 2021

Here are answers to some common questions about WeldSight software and its advantages.

Q: What is the difference between WeldSight software and OmniPC™ software?

A: WeldSight software’s advanced analysis tools distinguish it from OmniPC software. Its additional capabilities enable you to explore your data and images in a more in-depth way, so you can make a detailed and decisive determination on the size and severity of indications.

WeldSight software also enables you to customize the user interface and data presentation so that they facilitate your analysis and reporting and are well-configured for the requirements of your application or procedure.

Advanced analysis tools that are exclusive to WeldSight software include:

• Data file merge
• Volumetric S-scan on long seams
• Volumetric C-scan
• Merge of multiple groups in a single display
• Circumferential corrected trigonometry
• 3D imaging
• Custom reporting and custom layout

The main differences are outlined in this blog post WeldSight™ Software versus OmniPC™ Software—What’s the Difference.

Q: Do I have to be an advanced level analyst to use it?

A: The software is designed with the user in mind. The controls are easy to access, making the multiple advanced features accessible to both beginners and advanced users.

Q: Can I use it with the OmniScan X3 unit for data acquisition?

A: Installing the WeldSight™ Remote Connect app on your OmniScan X3 flaw detector enables you to engineer and control its data acquisition using WeldSight software. Though, you also need to have the WeldSight Inspection software package. The Analysis package is specifically for advanced post-acquisition analysis of OmniScan X3 data.

Q: Is ES BeamTool included with WeldSight software for use with the OmniScan X3 flaw detector?

A: Yes and no. With the WeldSight Analysis software package (for offline data analysis), integrating ES BeamTool wouldn’t provide any additional benefits. The OmniScan X3 flaw detector is equipped with its own comprehensive scan plan creation tools for weld inspection. So no, ES BeamTool is not included with that package.

However, when you use the WeldSight Inspection software package with the intention of controlling the OmniScan X3 data acquisition, ES BeamTool can be included as required. This enables you to perform your entire workflow on your computer or laptop, increasing your efficiency. You can also optimize ES BeamTool to create scan plans with sophisticated configurations that incorporate fabrication codes and a wide range of weld and part characteristics, including:

• Bevel design
• Austenitic and ferritic materials
• Component cladding
• Dissimilar metals
• Probe access
• •Mechanical considerations

Note that the WeldSight Remote Connect app is required to control the OmniScan X3 unit using WeldSight software. You can download the app here, under WeldSight.

Q: What tools are there specifically for weld inspection analysis?

A: Features that are designed to advance your weld analysis include:

• Dynamic software gates: Gates can be adjusted, and all the dependent views are updated without any lag or recalculation.
• Weld gate: A geometry-based gate that generates a C-scan using only data from inside the weld and heat affected zone.
• Max amplitude tracking: While scrolling the data, the software automatically positions the data cursor to the point with the maximum amplitude, eliminating the tedious process of finding the max amplitude.
• Snap to max amplitude Automatically positions the data cursor at the maximum amplitude position within a user-defined area.
• Volumetric corrected C-scan (without processing): A volumetric accurate top view is available from the layout list with no extra steps involved.
• Data file merge: Stitches together independently acquired data files, so the entire component can be analyzed in a single file.
• Merge multiple groups in a single display: Multiple groups of an inspection data file can be combined in volumetric-accurate end, top, and side views for more efficient analysis and comprehensive reporting.

In this video, Brandon Reitz, Senior Applications Engineer, demonstrates some of the practical features of the software, including the drag-and-drop customizable layouts:

Q: Is WeldSight software beneficial for corrosion analysis?

A: WeldSight software was initially intended as an advanced analysis platform for weld inspection using angle beam data. Since its inception though, several tools have been added that specifically target corrosion monitoring using zero-degree inspection data.

The corrosion manager presents all of views and statistical data that you’ll need to reliably monitor and record corrosion data of your parts.

WeldSight software features that facilitate corrosion monitoring and reporting include:

• Thickness C-scan
• C-scan statistics
• Cluster analysis sizing
• Export to a report

WeldSight software automatically detects the minimum thickness and cluster indications in the targeted area, and it positions the cursor at the detected minimum thickness for you. Cluster sizing stats are also calculated and displayed, including the material loss percentage.

Watch Curtis Dickinson, Senior Applications Engineer, explain the features and tools for corrosion applications:

Q: What inspection technologies does it support?

A: WeldSight software enables users to optimize their analysis of phased array (PA), time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD), and conventional ultrasonic testing (UT) inspection data.

Q: Can I share my WeldSight data files with my customers?

A:: Yes! Our free WeldSight Viewer software enables your customers to view data files generated by both the OmniScan X3 flaw detector (.odat) and WeldSight software, as well as some limited OmniScan series data files (.opd). You don’t need a software license, just download the recent version of the software from our Software Downloads page, and the Viewer will be installed by default. Complete details about date file compatibility are available on this page.

Q: Will new features be added?

A: Yes, absolutely! Exciting new features are in the works. So stay tuned for upcoming announcements concerning tool and application development in WeldSight.