Hyperspectral inspection of steel surfaces

Steel surfaces are fundamental to industries such as construction, manufacturing, marine, and aerospace. Over time, exposure to environmental factors leads to corrosion, water accumulation, and coating degradation, affecting both performance and longevity. Traditional inspection methods, like visual assessments and chemical testing, are prone to human error and inefficiencies. To address these challenges, Qtechnology’s hyperspectral imaging (HSI) solutions provide a non-destructive, high-precision approach to analyzing rust, water films, and epoxy coatings on steel.

By capturing a broad spectrum of wavelengths, Qtechnology’s hyperspectral cameras detect unique spectral signatures, allowing for automated rust detection, water presence analysis, and coating quality assessment. This imaging technology ensures higher accuracy and reliability compared to conventional techniques.

A controlled rust formation experiment revealed that HSI could accurately distinguish rust from clean steel, with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighting rusted areas based on their spectral properties. A notable dip in reflectance around 500 nm was characteristic of rust, proving HSI’s capability in early-stage corrosion detection. Figure 1 below shows the rusted and clean steel areas, while Figure 2 illustrates the PCA mask identifying rusted regions.

Rust detection using hyperspectral imaging

This application is particularly valuable for predictive maintenance and industrial corrosion monitoring, helping to reduce material failures.

Monitoring water films on steel

When investigating water films on steel, hyperspectral imaging provided real-time monitoring of evaporation. A thin water film applied to the steel surface was analyzed over time, showing a distinct absorption peak at 1450 nm, which allowed differentiation between wet and dry regions.

The results demonstrated that water distribution and film thickness could be mapped with precision, an essential feature for ensuring optimal surface conditions before painting or welding.

Evaluating epoxy coatings with HSI

For epoxy coatings, Qtechnology’s hyperspectral cameras analyzed samples with various epoxy coatings and primers, revealing subtle differences in reflectance spectra. The Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLSDA) method further distinguished between epoxy layers, highlighting variations in coating thickness and curing state.

This non-invasive assessment helps industries improve coating uniformity and application efficiency, ensuring durability in automotive, aerospace, and marine sectors.

Advancing steel surface analysis with hyperspectral imaging

The adoption of Qtechnology’s hyperspectral imaging in steel surface inspection represents a paradigm shift in material analysis. This automated, data-driven approach enhances preventive maintenance, quality control, and corrosion management, reducing operational costs while improving structural integrity. As HSI technology continues to evolve, its role in industrial steel inspection and performance optimization is set to expand, setting new standards for efficiency and accuracy in material evaluation.