TPI is an inaugural member of the WindSTAR IUCRC Industrial Advisory Board and is looking forward to contrib- uting to more exciting projects as it enters its ninth year of partnership in 2023. The WindSTAR Center is operated jointly by the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the University of Texas Dallas and supported by 18 industry members, including TPI. NEW ASTM STANDARD PRACTICE FOR MATRIX ARRAY UT In response to the growing demand for matrix array ultrasonic testing (MAUT) standards, ASTM International has recently published E3370-22: Standard Practice for Matrix Array Ultrasonic Testing of Composites, Sandwich Core Constructions, and Metals used in Aerospace Applications. The stan- dard has its origins in ASTM E2580-17: Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Testing of Flat Panel Composites and Sandwich Core Materials used in Aerospace Applications, which is intended for use with single-element transducers. The new E3370-22 is designed specifically for use with non-phased, matrix array trans- ducers. Such transducers operate with an isotropic matrix array of elements with a small pitch and high count (e.g., 128 × 128 elements at 0.25 mm pitch), oper- ating in straight beam (i.e., 0°) mode. As such, they are unique in being capable of live C-scan generation. As it sits between conventional straight beam ultrasonic testing and phased array, MAUT has previously been under- represented by international standards. Dolphitech Defense CEO Jason Smith commented, “We are delighted by the publication of this standard by ASTM International. It provides our customers with a great starting point for building their own inspection procedures, through detailing all aspects that need to be considered. This document will also pave the way for further matrix array UT stan- dards, with ASME and ISO standards already in the pipeline.” The standard itself covers two modes of operation, Test Procedure A: Pulse Echo, and Test Procedure B: Through Transmission. In addition, general consid- erations such as quality assurance provi- sions, test apparatus, physical reference standards, and reporting requirements are all discussed in detail. For more infor- mation, visit astm.org. AVONIX IMAGING EXPECTED TO BECOME SUBSIDIARY OF NIKON AMERICAS Two companies in the industrial X-ray and computed tomography (CT) market have agreed to further their collabora- tion in providing innovative X-ray and CT systems and services. Nikon Americas Inc. (NAI) (Melville, NY), a subsidiary of Nikon Corp., has executed an equity purchase agreement with Avonix Imaging LLC (Maple Grove, MN) that will make Avonix a subsidiary of NAI, subject to applicable regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions. The two organizations have worked together since 2015 to bring to market configurable X-ray and CT systems for companies needing nondestructive inspection of their products. The unique strengths of each company comple- ment the other to deliver X-ray solutions tailored to customers’ specific inspection needs. “Nikon’s proprietary rotating target X-ray sources and proven software combined with our expertise in the design of configurable systems, controls, and product handling create a custom- ized experience for our clients, which can contribute to their efficiency and profit- ability,” said Brian Ruether of Avonix. Together, the companies will further advance the development of new prod- ucts while enhancing their capabilities to support businesses in innovative indus- tries, such as automotive, medical device, and aerospace. SIEMENS, DELOITTE DEMONSTRATE INDUSTRY 4.0 INNOVATION VIA SMART FACTORY Siemens Digital Industries Software (Plano, TX) has announced the opening of eXplore Live at The Smart Factory @Wichita, an experience center convened by Deloitte (New York, NY) that is said to marry an ecosystem of world-leading organizations with busi- ness strategy and cutting-edge tech- nology to demonstrate Industry 4.0 innovation. Located on Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus in Wichita, Kansas, The Smart Factory includes a fully operational production line and experiential labs for devel- oping and exploring the innovative capabilities of smart manufacturing. A founding member of The Smart Factory @Wichita along with Deloitte and other ecosystem members, Siemens developed the eXplore Live space as a 3000 foot2 area dedicated to hands-on learning opportunities for companies SCANNER |INDUSTRYNEWS The Smart Factory @Wichita, based at Wichita State University in Kansas. 12 M A T E R I A L S E V A L U A T I O N • J U L Y 2 0 2 3 2307 ME July dup.indd 12 6/19/23 3:41 PM PHOTO CREDIT: SIEMENS DIGITAL INDUSTRIES SOFTWARE, DELOITTE

looking to modernize, reshore, localize, or regionalize operations in North America. The eXplore Live space will enable Siemens to expand customer engage- ments with a showcase focused on design and optimization using a closed- loop digital twin. It will also enable explo- ration of industry digital threads and provide space for innovation workshops and co-creation and help empower the next generation of engineers. WAYGATE TECHNOLOGIES AND PARTNERS AMONG WINNERS OF FARADAY BATTERY CHALLENGE Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes business (Huerth, Germany), and its partners, the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) and PXL-ICE, are among the winners of the most recent round of the Faraday Battery Challenge funding competition led by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a public body spon- sored by the British Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The consortium funding is for a feasi- bility study to look at ways of potentially increasing the yield and productivity of UK gigafactories with data based on advanced industrial computed tomog- raphy systems. If successful, this could eventually lead to the development of a digital twin at UKBIC. The Faraday Battery Challenge invests in research and facilities in the UK to drive the growth of a strong battery business in the UK. Established in 2017, the recently extended program aims to steer the development of battery technologies that are cost-effective, high performing, longer range, faster charging, long- lasting, safe, and sustainable. The total amount of this latest funding round is £27.6 million (US$34.7 million) allocated to 17 different projects. One of the largest challenges for scaling up battery cell production is the pace to achieve high-quality battery cell throughput to meet the demand for elec- tric vehicles, as well as other applications, such as marine, aerospace, off-highway vehicles, and static energy storage. The other is the ability to increase the yield while maintaining quality and limiting waste. Last year, Waygate Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UKBIC, the national battery industrial- ization facility, to look at developing a solution that could significantly improve the yield and productivity of future battery gigafactories. Waygate Technologies and UKBIC have also partnered on the availability and use of an open access and industrial X-ray computed tomog- raphy digital solution, which should also contribute to significantly reducing battery waste in future battery gigafactories. According to UKRI, a 1% yield improve- ment in a 20 GWh battery gigafactory can save over £21 million (US$26 million) a year and reduce the waste of raw mate- rials, including rare earth minerals. The feasibility approach in the awarded project is intended to lead to the creation of a framework for a digital twin of UKBIC battery cell samples. It is also to explore and leverage the effec- tiveness of computed tomography scanning as an advanced analytical tool. Quality defects could—should the project get the go-ahead—be identified, analyzed, and resolved much faster and more accurately through digital twinning. This approach will enable a faster process development in the factory and ensure greater quality. Waygate Technologies’ ambition is to leverage the data from the inspection processes across the life cycle of batteries, reduce waste, and ensure greater safety. NIST RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK AIMS TO IMPROVE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF AI The US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released its Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0), a guidance document for voluntary use by organiza- tions designing, developing, deploying, or using AI systems to help manage the many risks of AI technologies. The AI RMF follows a direction from Congress for NIST to develop the framework and was produced in close collaboration with the private and public sectors. It is intended to adapt to the AI landscape as technologies continue to develop, and to be used by organizations in varying degrees and capacities so that society can benefit from AI technolo- gies while also being protected from its potential harms. “This voluntary framework will help develop and deploy AI technologies in ways that enable the United States and other nations and organizations to enhance AI trustworthiness while managing risks based on our demo- cratic values,” said Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves. “It should accel- erate AI innovation and growth while advancing—rather than restricting or damaging—civil rights, civil liberties, and equity for all.” By creating a framework for a digital twin, quality defects can be identified, analyzed, and resolved much faster and more accurately than with any traditional inspection method. J U L Y 2 0 2 3 • M A T E R I A L S E V A L U A T I O N 13 2307 ME July dup.indd 13 6/19/23 3:41 PM CREDIT: WAYGATE TECHNOLOGIES