#Weld Integrity Testing

[vincivilworld]

Radiography Test: Key Techniques and Benefits Explained

Radiography test is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method. It uses X-rays or gamma rays to examine the internal structure of materials. This technique is essential for detecting hidden flaws without causing damage, ensuring the integrity and safety of components. Radiography test is widely applied in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and aerospace to inspect welding, castings, and…

[semcoinfratechworld]

Discover the meticulous process of lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing, where individual cells are sorted, grouped, and assembled into high-performance modules. Key stages include battery sorting and grouping, spot welding, module assembly, and rigorous testing for safety and reliability. Learn how advanced techniques ensure optimal performance, safety, and adherence to industry standards in applications like electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

[integratedndesolution]

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune: Excellence in Radiographic Testing and NDT Services

In the field of industrial inspection, ensuring the integrity and quality of materials and welds is paramount. Integrated NDE Solution in Pune is a leader in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) services, with a specialized focus on radiographic testing. This article delves into the specifics of radiographic testing, highlights the importance of weld testing, and explores the comprehensive range of services offered by Integrated NDE Solution. Using the latest technologies and adhering to rigorous standards, Integrated NDE Solution in Pune ensures unparalleled accuracy and reliability in all their NDT services.

Understanding Radiographic Testing

Radiographic testing (RT) is a crucial NDT method used to inspect the internal structure of materials and welded joints. It employs X-rays or gamma rays to produce images of the interior of objects, allowing for the detection of internal defects that are not visible to the naked eye.

How Radiographic Testing Works

The process involves passing X-rays or gamma rays through the material or weld. A detector, typically a film or digital sensor, captures the rays that emerge on the other side. Variations in the material density cause different levels of radiation absorption, which are recorded on the detector, creating an image that reveals internal flaws such as cracks, voids, and inclusions.

Benefits of Radiographic Testing

Comprehensive Inspection: RT can detect both surface and subsurface defects.

Accuracy: High-resolution images provide detailed insights into the internal structure.

Versatility: Applicable to a wide range of materials, including metals, composites, and plastics.

Permanent Record: Radiographic images can be stored and reviewed for future reference.

Non-Destructive: Does not damage or alter the material being inspected.

Radiographic Weld Testing

Weld testing is a critical application of radiographic testing. In industries where the integrity of welds is vital, such as construction, aerospace, and oil and gas, ensuring the quality and reliability of welds is essential.

Importance of Radiographic Weld Testing

Welds are often the weakest points in structures and are susceptible to various defects, including:

Porosity: Gas pockets trapped within the weld.

Cracks: Fractures that can compromise structural integrity.

Incomplete Fusion: Areas where the weld metal has not adequately fused with the base metal.

Slag Inclusions: Non-metallic particles trapped within the weld.

Radiographic weld testing provides a clear image of these defects, allowing for timely detection and rectification, thereby preventing potential failures.

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune: Your Partner in NDT Services

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune is a trusted name in the field of NDT services. With a team of highly skilled technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, they offer a wide range of inspection services designed to meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Comprehensive NDT Services Offered

Radiographic Testing (RT)

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)

Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT)

Eddy Current Testing (ECT)

Visual Inspection (VI)

Industries Served

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune serves a diverse array of industries, including:

Aerospace: Ensuring the safety and reliability of critical components.

Automotive: Inspecting welds and materials to prevent failures.

Construction: Verifying the integrity of structural welds and materials.

Oil and Gas: Inspecting pipelines and storage tanks to prevent leaks and failures.

Power Generation: Ensuring the reliability of infrastructure components.

Radiographic Testing in Action

Case Study: Construction Weld Inspection

A major construction project required the inspection of structural welds to ensure compliance with safety standards. Integrated NDE Solution in Pune was tasked with conducting radiographic weld testing. The high-resolution images revealed several areas of porosity and incomplete fusion, which were promptly addressed, ensuring the structural integrity of the project.

Case Study: Pipeline Inspection in Oil and Gas

In the oil and gas industry, the integrity of pipelines is crucial to prevent environmental disasters. Integrated NDE Solution employed radiographic testing to inspect welds in a pipeline. The inspection identified several cracks and inclusions, allowing for immediate corrective action and averting potential leaks.

Advanced Technology and Techniques

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune continually invests in the latest technology to provide the most accurate and reliable inspection services. Some of the advanced techniques include:

Digital Radiography: Offers faster results and enhanced image quality compared to traditional film radiography.

Computed Radiography: Provides high-quality digital images that can be easily stored and analyzed.

Real-Time Radiography: Allows for immediate viewing of radiographic images, facilitating quicker decision-making.

The Role of Certified Technicians

The accuracy of radiographic testing largely depends on the expertise of the technicians performing the inspections. Integrated NDE Solution in Pune employs certified technicians who undergo rigorous training and continuous professional development. Their knowledge and skill ensure that clients receive the highest quality of service.

Commitment to Quality and Safety

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. They adhere to international standards and best practices, ensuring that all inspections are performed with the utmost precision and reliability. This dedication to excellence has earned them a stellar reputation in the industry.

Customer-Centric Approach

At Integrated NDE Solution in Pune, customer satisfaction is a top priority. They work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and tailor their services accordingly. Whether it's a small-scale inspection or a large industrial project, they provide personalized solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Why Choose Integrated NDE Solution in Pune?

Expertise: Extensive experience and technical know-how in NDT services.

Technology: Utilization of the latest and most advanced testing equipment.

Quality: Commitment to providing accurate and reliable results.

Customer Service: Focus on building long-term relationships through excellent service.

Compliance: Adherence to all relevant industry standards and regulations.

Conclusion

In an industry where precision and reliability are paramount, Integrated NDE Solution in Pune stands out as a leader in radiographic testing and NDT services. Their dedication to quality, use of advanced technology, and customer-centric approach make them the go-to choice for businesses across various sectors. By partnering with Integrated NDE Solution, companies can ensure the integrity and safety of their materials and welds, safeguarding their operations and reputation.

Integrated NDE Solution in Pune continues to set the standard for excellence in radiographic testing and NDT services. Their expertise and commitment to quality assurance make them a pivotal player in industries where safety and reliability are crucial. As technology advances and industries evolve, Integrated NDE Solution remains at the cutting edge, offering unparalleled service and support to their clients.

In conclusion, for businesses seeking the highest standards in radiographic testing, weld testing, and comprehensive NDT services, Integrated NDE Solution in Pune is the trusted partner that delivers results. Their innovative approach, advanced technology, and unwavering commitment to quality ensure that every inspection meets the stringent requirements of today's demanding industrial environments.

[anon-e-miss]

Reformation - 13

Ratchet found the prize Barricade kept in a jar at his berthside macabre but he did not tell him to dispose of the pickled spike. Keeping his spirits up as he suffered setbacks and made small strides in his delicate recovering. He could not fuel by the mouth due to the extensive damage to his fuel and waste systems, first from the rapes and then from the infections and got his nutrients through a port on his abdomen. Ricochet did not think he could suffer a fraction what Barricade had experience and maintain his humour. Barricade was irreverent, about himself, about everything. You would not have thought he had been not just raped but tortured and nearly killed if he was not trapped in a medberth. Prowl told Jazz that Barricade had memory purges but he was not ready to talk about them and might never be, at least not with Prowl. Everyone knew by this point Barricade had intentionally kept Lockdown’s attention on him to protect his cousin. Protecting Prowl from the memory purges sounded like something Barricade would do. The bitties Prowl had just given emergence to were at least a good distraction.

“Lookin’ restless, Cade,” Ricochet teased, mostly because it was true.

“I finally got to walk this mega-cycle,” Barricade told him. “For all of fifteen steps.”

“‘N yer ready to run,” Ricochet declared because that was who Barricade was. He did not walk when he could run. He was a wildfire. There was a bandage over his left well. It looked like Ratchet had installed a new nozzle. Whether it would function as it was meant to, like with all Barricade repairs, that remained to be seen.

“I’m bored out of my processor,” Barricade replied. “Get to see if Ratchet’s last repair did the trick and if I’m ever going to be able to eat again.”

“Ever?” Ricochet asked. “Don’t give up too quick.”

“It’s not giving up,” Barricade replied. “I’m tired of repairs and waiting for repairs to integrate. I’m ready to get on with my life. If my life is fuelling through a port, that’s fine. There are worst things.”

The room was crowded as they all, save for the bitlets, ate chrome alloy pie from Maccadam’s the meal Barricade had requested when he had been given the go ahead to actually eat. Technically, the first thing he ate was the rocket fuel energon Prowl survived on if someone else did not arrange proper fuel. Fuelling had been the last big hurdle, and despite all the setbacks, he had made it across the finish like. The next step going home. Home now was with Jazz and Prowl. The guest room had been made up for him. With Ori sticking around for a bit, what with the new grandbitties, Ricochet took the couch because there was no way he was letting Ori take it. It would be a full hab. The bitties were with Jazz and Prowl in their berthroom. This shared hab thing had an expiry date on it but that was okay. Ricochet would enjoy it for the time being. He liked the chaos.

“Hey Rico?” Barricade was in the doorway. Everyone else was in recharge. It had only been a couple of orns since he had been home and everyone was happier for it. He looked perfect. The welds were hidden by his armour. Looking at him, you would never know he had needed a partial frame rebuild. There was mischief in his optics.

“Yeah?” Ricochet replied. “Need anythin’?”

“Wanna take it for a test drive?” Barricade asked, with a sweeping gesture of his array. Ricochet choked.

“Cade!” He exclaimed. “Primus.”

“Everything works,” Barricade assured him. “I’ve been practising.”

“Are ya tryin’ to kill me?” Ricochet asked. “Ori’d throttle me.”

“For taking what I’m offering?” Barricade asked. “I’m not interested in being a nun.”

“I woulda thought ya was scared off Alphas,” Ricochet replied.

“Can’t say I’ve had many,” Barricade admitted. “Most jumped into berth with other Betas. But I met a few good Alphas, like you..”

“Prowl might kill me. Jazz might kill me,” Ricochet said. He looked at Barricade. If he let his spike do the thinking, the choice would be easy. “Scratch that, Prowl would definitely kill me.”

“Don’t worry, Rico,” Barricade teased. “I can protect you from my cousin.”

***

Barricade worried he had misinterpreted Ricochet’s banter. He did not want to pressure the Alpha into anything and maybe he had already taken it too far. Though he was not well known within the Autobots, it was not exactly a secret that Lockdown had practically raped him to death either. Maybe they would not know him by designation but many would be able to do the math. Was everyone going to treat him like he was made a glass? Would they assume he would have no interest in interface or that he needed protection from his own desires due to the trauma? Would they assume he did not know what he wanted? Proving himself, proving his strength to Alphas had been par for the course in Barricade’s life but for some reason having to prove it now was just extra exhausting. Ricochet got up from the couch and Barricade hiked back up his doorwings. It seemed like they showed his mood more than ever, even though they had been fully repaired. Barricade count it easier to blame their cant on that then to acknowledge any inner turmoil.

“Don’t push yerself, Cade,” Ricochet scolded him as he guided him from the doorway. Barricade spark skipped a pulse as the door closed.

“I’m not,” he argued.

“Ya sure?” Ricochet asked.

“Yes,” Barricade growled. “I’m not glass, Ricochet. I’m not marble. I feel. I want you to help me feel more.”

“Ya can change you processor any time,” Ricochet told him. “Got it.”

“Yes,” Barricade said. “I got it.”

Ricochet kissed him, a simple kiss. Barricade cupped Ricochet’s face and kissed him hard. It unleashed something from Ricochet. He plucked Barricade’s armour from him and cupped his left well, kneading it with strong, calloused digits. Already, the Beta’s valve was wet and getting wetter. It had all the sensation it was meant to, all the proper triggers. His back was up against the wall as Ricochet kissed his neck and chassis. The Alpha’s servo was between his legs, rubbing the copious lubricants Barricade was producing all over his swelling folds. Barricade clung to his shoulders as sharp bursts of pleasure exploded across his sensory net. It was keener with Ricochet’s digits than it had been with his own. Ricochet fragged him with his digits as Barricade tossed his helm, moaning loudly and his clung to the Alpha.

“Frag me!” Barricade barked the demand as Ricochet knelt between his trembling thighs. The Polyhexian’s face was stained pink from Barricade’s lubricants, his servo up to the wrist was buried in his gushing valve.

“Not yet,” Ricochet told him. “No rushing it, Sweetspark.”

“Rushing?” Barricade groaned.

He held Ricochet’s helm to his arrange as the Alpha fragged his sheath with his glossa. Barricade had already overloaded four times from his new spike. Ricochet cleaned the foaming mess with gusto. Half his arm was buried in the Beta’s valve, two digits popped his inner duct. When Ricochet pulled his servos free with an audible, wet pop, Barricade could almost feel air on his ceiling node, he had been opened so well. He was begging for the Alpha’s spike even as Ricochet’s lined up with his valve. Barricade held Riochet’s shoulders and watched as the Alpha’s impressive girth disappear inside of him. The biolights and nodes on Ricochet’s spike synced to those in Barricade’s valve and it was better, even better than his servo had been.

“Ahh,” Barricade gasped as he saw the Alpha’s spike moving in him, his flat belly bulged with it. Ricochet ran his servo over the Beta’s belly stroking his spike through the taunt sentio-metallico. “Oh frag. Frag.”

“Ya good, Cade?” Ricochet had processor enough to ask.

“Frag yes,” he groaned. He reached and squeezed Ricochet’s aft with his servos. “Don’t fragging stop.”

His peds kicked as his knees were pressed against his shoulders. The hot rush of transfluids seared his internal sensors. Ricochet’s knot crushed his gamma cluster. Barricade’s belly filled with transfluids and lubricants that could not escape. He groaned as Ricochet collapsed against him. It would be a half joor at least before the Alpha’s knot let up enough for him to pull free. Betas just needed more time all together. This Alpha did not snore, using his wells as a pillow though, he rocked his hips, fragging Barricade with his knot, ensuring the Beta’s overload did not stop until it had deflated enough for Ricochet to pull out. Barricade had never had an overload last so long. He whited out twice before it was over. Ricochet broke free of his hold to pull out, he looked Barricade offer, checking for damage.

“I wanna do that again,” Barricade groaned. He touched his valve and found it gaping so well he needed to spread his digits to actually cover it. “Frag. When I can move.”

“At yer service, Sweetspark,” Ricochet teased him.

[bittybeanie]

Heavy Handed ch. 5 (Stanford Pines x Reader)

“Don’t worry, nothing is live.” He can’t quite keep the amused lilt out of his voice as he sticks the second electrode, connected to a flat, white machine, to your side. “I’m not recording your reactions yet.” And he’s glad he isn’t, because he has no idea how he would describe the lecherous shudder your breathing takes on when his fingers brush across your stomach on the way out from under your shirt.

content notes: technically ford is Experimenting On You but it's very tame (he's just recording your reactions to things, not actively doing anything to you), even more mentions of scars because i'm a freak that can't stop, suggestive thoughts (from reader and ford this time, but just barely), reader is touch-starved

word count (this chapter): 3,513

read on ao3 || to the beginning

Stanford has always been in the habit of turning things he doesn’t understand into the one thing he does: science. Body language and tone of voice become data points. Relationships, platonic and romantic alike, become a map of connections, a neural network of behaviors and outcomes. The rules of communication become hypotheses, something he can test for and control variables during instead of a mess of rules and exceptions he can never quite grasp. The chaos of the real world and all its nuances is distilled into a collection of nice, neat patterns, easily cataloged and searchable in his memory. It’s a functional necessity just as much as it is a defense mechanism, such an integral part of how he views the world that he’s not sure how anybody else manages without it.

It’s no surprise, then, when faced with your admission, your reassurance, your praise, that his reaction is not an emotional one but an academic one. There’s no room to feel flattered or cautiously optimistic, to wonder about the ‘what’ that could follow. There’s only the ‘why’ and ‘how’ - data to gather and a pattern to extrapolate.

Your willingness to cooperate, ironically, has thrown a wrench in the works already. The only way the suggestion came so easily was through him believing it would be shot down. Having to actually follow through with it now is both unexpected and nerve-wracking in a way he has almost no experience dealing with. Stanford would never admit it out loud - has trouble even thinking it - but he’s scared of where the results might lead. He could easily deal with the negative reaction he’s expecting, could file it away and lock the box away somewhere deep in the vault where the rest of his life’s failures and disappointments live with a resounding ‘I told you so’. But if he gets the positive reaction you’re insisting he will…

“So what exactly are we measuring?” You’re fidgeting with the edge of the table, feeling along the welded ridge there, and it makes Stanford feel much better to know that he’s not the only nervous one. “Or, I guess, you’re doing the measuring.”

“Physiological responses.” He fiddles with some knobs, tweaks some sliders. “Actually,” he squares his shoulders and leans back against his desk, “I do have a machine that could read your thoughts. You asked about it before. It’s less open to inaccurate interpretation, but it seemed… invasive.”

“And ‘physiological responses’ aren’t?” A flash of panic crosses his face, and you hold up your hands in immediate surrender. “I’m teasing! It’s fine. I agreed. We’re good.” He relaxes slightly, but you can tell he’s still hesitant. You wonder how detailed the machine really gets, whether it would be worth it for him to see your thoughts if he doesn’t have to look like that anymore. “I trust you. And, hey, you don’t know for sure how far I’ll go for science.”

Or for you.

“If you ask next time, maybe I’ll say yes.”

Out of all the things in that statement that he’s dying to ask you about, Stanford latches on to the most recent one. “Next time?”

“Sure. One result does not a sample size make, right?”

You shift nervously, pulling yourself up more onto the table. You’re leaning to one side, your weight resting on one hand as you get comfortable. Your knees dangle limply over the edge, just a whisper of space between your thighs.

Stanford makes a new box with your name exclusively for thoughts he can only think while he’s alone.

“Yes, that would be-” He clears his throat before he can finish the sentence with ‘a dream come true’. “Besides, now that I think about it, I still need to fix the screen.”

A mess of equipment and paper waits on his desk, but nothing needs any further preparation. There’s nothing left to delay him.

“Ready?” When you nod, he does the same, threading a small selection of wires between his fingers to keep them separate and in the right order. “Only three of these.”

The first electrode, connected to a tall, black box, is the easiest. Ford tilts your head to the side, smoothing the patch down against your temple. The attached wire gets pushed over your shoulder, and you bristle when it lands against your back. You’re not sure if your intake of breath is from surprise or from the feeling of his fingers sliding away from your jaw.

“When did you pick up this kind of study anyway? I thought you were all about anomalies.”

“You don’t think this counts as anomalous?” You should be offended that he’s implying you’re strange. It shouldn’t make your face hot or your stomach flip or your skin tingle. But you know how much consideration he shows the unusual, and it might be the greatest honor you’ll ever receive. “Even if only by association?”

“There’s no way I’m the first person to think this.” He passes you one of the electrodes, longer and skinnier than the other two, and you let it rest sticky side up on your open palm. ”I’m just the first one that said anything about it.”

He gives you a sideways glance, but says nothing. When he slides one hand under your shirt, his fingers feel much colder than before, and you can’t quite suppress a shiver.

“Sorry.” He counts quietly to himself as he drags two fingers up your side, pressing gently but firmly against your ribs. “I should have warmed them.”

“It-” Your voice comes out quieter than you planned, more breathy, and you awkwardly clear your throat. “It’s alright.”

“Don’t worry, nothing is live.” He can’t quite keep the amused lilt out of his voice as he sticks the second electrode, connected to a flat, white machine, to your side. “I’m not recording your reactions yet.”

And he’s glad he isn’t, because he has no idea how he would describe the lecherous shudder your breathing takes on when his fingers brush across your stomach on the way out from under your shirt.

“Oh, good, I’ll preserve my scientific integrity. It can replace my dignity.”

“There’s nothing undignified about the scientific process.”

Stanford isn’t sure if he’s reassuring you or reminding himself.

“Just the polygraph now.”

He plucks the third and final electrode from you, supporting your hand from underneath as he wraps it around your index finger. As he steps back to his desk, you wiggle your fingers to test how the weight of the cable feels; unless you focus really hard, it’s barely noticeable.

”A lie detector? That’s more mundane than I was expecting.”

“You’d be correct if this were an ordinary polygraph machine, but,” he pats the top of a bubblegum pink machine, “this one has teeth!”

You had no plans to lie during the testing, but now you really want to avoid it.

There’s a couple more switches being flipped, some scribbling being done in margins around diagrams you can’t quite make out, and then Ford turns to face you. “Alright. I’m going to show you some images, one at a time. Say the first thing that comes to mind, and then describe the image.” He lays his hand flat over the notebook, pen leveraged into place between his first and second finger. There’s a loud beep; it startles both of you. You think it came from the black machine, but they’re all making enough ambient noise that you can’t be sure. Ford moves to write something down but pauses before he makes contact with the paper. “And perhaps don’t look this direction.”

“Um. Okay?”

“You won’t be missing anything! I’ll just be over here recording my observations and drawing conclusions about you based on your answers. And your biological data.” He blinks. “What I mean is-”

“Yep, got it.” You cut him off, swallowing a laugh at his expense. “I’m ready to be judged.”

“That’s not… Mm. Very well.” He presses a button on a small remote, and a slide projector clicks with effort beside you. On the rickety screen opposite you - just a random blanket hanging from a dented metal beam by workshop clamps from who-knows-where - a top-down image of a hand appears. It’s laying flat in a blank, white void.

“It’s a stock photo of a hand.” In the edge of your vision, you see Ford settling into his rolling chair. When he swaps the remote to his other hand so he can write more easily, the cable attaching it to the projector taps lightly against your foot. “It- um. It’s a hand? I have no other thoughts. Sorry, am I supposed to describe it in more detail?”

“No, no, that’s sufficient. Just warming up, after all. Try this one.”

With another button press and another click from the projector, a new image appears. It looks like the image has been cropped to center somebody gingerly holding a tall glass.

“Fancy party. They’re drinking champagne, I think. Pinky out, very elegant. Um… their nails are painted?”

“Good. Next.”

It’s another cropped photo, cut close around Ford holding a flashlight. On further examination, he’s carefully angled the composition so you can only see his thumb with no signs of his six fingers, and you think he might be wearing Stan’s suit jacket, but you know immediately that it’s him. You squint.

“Hey, wait, is that where my flashlight went?”

“It’s a very generic flashlight. What makes you think it’s yours?”

“It’s obviously your hand.” The black machine whirs lightly and spits out a scroll of paper. “And you’re nearby when I’m working, so it would have been pretty easy for you to end up with it, even on accident.”

Ford sighs and reaches into his jacket. He sets your flashlight down on the edge of his desk.

“You didn’t think it was Stanley? He’s a known pickpocket. And more general thief.”

“Nah. I realized it was his clothing after I recognized it was you.”

“Hm.” Ford rips the paper away from the machine and skims over the contents. His eyebrows raise, and he pulls in a sharp breath, and he tucks it under his notebook the same way a student might hide a note from a teacher. “Moving on!”

“Wait, no, that sounded bad.” Despite already being able to see him, you turn to look directly at him, hoping to get more clues on what he was reacting to. “Did I do something wrong?”

“It’s not a test, there is no ‘wrong’. You’re doing fine.”

“Just fine? Should I give more detail?”

“Stop worrying. You’re doing perfectly.” The white machine screeches with a sustained, high-pitched beep. Ford stares at it like it might explode, eyes flicking between some sort of gauge and the digital display while he frantically scribbles in his notebook. By the time he stops, the beeping has died down to a steady, quieter pattern. “Just keep your focus on the projector. Please.”

The request sounds like it comes from Ford the person just as much as Ford the scientist. You pull your focus back to the screen.

Another click, another picture; this one has somebody holding a handbag. It dangles loosely in front of them by the small section of strap they have a decent grip on.

“Who the hell holds a purse like that?” There’s a sort of choked-off cough from Ford’s direction, and it takes everything you have to not look over at him holding back laughter. “And why do you have so many pictures of hands on such short notice?”

“They were the only thing I needed to draw consistently that I couldn’t use myself as a reference for.” He shrugs, and the chair squeaks as he swivels to face you. He must have one leg crossed over the other, because his foot is sticking out at an angle. It blocks the bottom corner of the projector screen. “As for why they’re holding it like that, though, I couldn’t tell you. A more photogenic pose, maybe?”

You hum thoughtfully.

“Anything else to say about this one?”

“No, I have nothing else to say about the horrible purse picture. Get it out of my sight and such.”

“As you wish.”

This hand has six fingers, wrapped loosely around a small box that rests in its palm. By some miracle, the person is wearing a sweater just like Ford’s. The image cuts off mid-forearm and you can’t see much of the surrounding room, eliminating most other context clues.

“It’s a polydactyl hand. It’s not yours, though.”

“What makes you so sure?”

Compared to the picture, Ford’s palms are much broader, covered in scars and burns and scratches. His wrists have a sharper angle, his veins are more visible, his knuckles stand out more. His fingers are more square, with more callouses and shorter nails. There are a million different things you could say, but you feel compelled to tell the easiest, most encompassing truth.

“It’s not as pretty as yours.”

“I’m sorry, pr- you said ‘pretty’?” Ford trips, almost literally, over the word as he shoots up out of his chair. He ignores the cacophonous beeping to examine the lie detector, walking around his desk to press the attached cables more firmly into the machine. “Pretty.”

“Yeah.”

“So it’s not just-” He traces the path of the wire to your hand, squinting like he’s not sure he believes he’s still seeing the electrode there. He points at the projector screen. “This hand?”

You shrug.

“And my hand?”

The silhouetting light of the projector mimics the first day you saw him.

“Beautiful.”

One of the beeps becomes almost shrill.

“Alright, alright, fine! New tactic.” Ford mashes the remote to make the projector go backwards through slides until he reaches an empty one. He sets the remote on his desk and kicks his rolling chair into the path of the light, swearing under his breath when it starts spinning wildly and he has to catch it by the back.

“What am I supposed to be-”

“Nothing yet. One moment.”

He stacks the machines on top of each other, quickly but carefully, and rotates the pile so all the screens face his chair. After a quick glance over at you to make sure everything is still attached and in place, he sits down.

“Alright. If you could direct your attention here, please.”

He holds his hands out in front of him palms up.

“What do you-?”

“Ah-ah! Don’t say anything. It’ll affect your brain activity.”

“Oh.” He glares. You mouth the word ‘sorry’, and Ford turns to the stack of machines with just the hint of a smile on his face.

You’ve looked at his hands enough that there’s not much left to discover, but having the chance to look without the weird pretense of avoiding being caught means that you can really take your time to search for things you haven’t noticed yet. On his first finger and thumb, there are matching burns, tiny and pointed and mostly faded. You can almost picture him testing whether his soldering iron was hot, and you fondly roll your eyes.

One of the machines whirs lightly with the sound of printing.

Ford almost always has ink smudged on him and now is no exception; today’s splotch is on his right hand, blue ink in a sideways smear along the bottom of his palm. After a moment of consideration, you realize the blue ink is unusual. You’ve only ever seen him write in black ink before, multiples of the only kind of fountain pen he’ll use scattered throughout the Shack in every place he could ever need one and then some. Pulling from your memory, the notebook he’s been scribbling in is new, too, small and black and flexible as opposed to the hard-cover red journals reserved for adventures and anomalies.

The printing sound comes again.

Right as you’re about to ask about the notebook, Ford flips his hands over, and you stop yourself from talking just in time. You see his head move and you look up, giving him a small smile. He returns it, if a little shakily, then turns back to his desk.

The backs of his hands are even more familiar, so you don’t find anything new to contemplate. Your gaze settles on that round scar on his left hand, a pale patch matching the more painful-looking tear in the same spot on his palm. You hadn’t been thinking when you touched it earlier but he had reacted well enough if his shiver had been anything to go by.

Maybe it’s especially sensitive? Or maybe he’s like you: not very used to being touched at all. You could fix that.

Another slip of paper prints.

Ford pulls in a breath.

You take that as your cue to shift your focus. Your attention drifts up his arm, over the cuff of his sweater and along the buttoned sleeve of his jacket, past the patch at the elbow to his shoulder, across his collarbone to the curl of his turtleneck. With his head tilted away from you, the line of his jaw is even more enticing, with just the faintest hint of a 5 o’clock shadow.

He’s not that far away. It wouldn’t be that hard to reach out and pull him toward you, to lean forward and press your lips to the junction just under his ear, to pull his sweater down to reach the pulse point on his neck. One of the machines is going berserk now, beeping and whirring and spitting out paper faster than Ford can make sense of what’s on it. His head tilts more and more as he struggles to keep up and you want nothing more than to tilt him back to face you, to put your hand on his cheek and slide your fingers into his hair and kiss him. His eyebrows pull together, then raise, then settle in a confused tilt. He pushes his glasses up, and it pulls your attention to his eyes, warm and brown and wide open with surprise, regarding you with a cautious sort of hope.

It takes you embarrassingly long to realize he’s watching you watching him.

“Um. Hi?”

“This isn’t exactly what I had in mind when I told you to direct your attention.”

“I know. I got,” you glance at his lips, “distracted.”

“We can wrap up here, then.” Finally realizing he has his arms out for no reason, he folds his hands into his lap. “I’m sure the data will still be,” he clears his throat, "enlightening.” He shifts in his chair like he about to stand up, but settles back in after just a second. He rolls over to his desk and starts separating the slips of paper that have been printing out. “I might need more information after I do some analysis. Are you alright to stay there for a bit?”

“Sure. Whatever you need.”

He gives you another one of those sideways glances, his grip on the strip of paper he’s holding tightening ever so slightly, before turning back to his desk.

Ford pulls all the pieces of paper he’s gathered together into a line. He doesn’t say anything for a while, flipping through old textbooks that he pulls from drawers you didn’t know existed, poring over graphs and charts with frequent glances to the white machine as he navigates through a complicated series of menus.

You take the opportunity to try to relax. You pull your legs up onto the table and, when he doesn’t seem concerned about you moving, decide to lie flat on your back. The ceiling of the lab is covered in tubes and cables and pipes of all sizes and materials. You wonder where each one goes, if they still do anything now that there’s not a nightmare project in the other room. Lights from all sorts of dials and buttons and displays twinkle in the edges of your vision, and you spend a while examining each one, playing a guessing game with yourself to figure out which are high-tech gizmos and which are just glorified VCRs. The hum of machinery is soothing, a kind of white noise, and you find yourself drifting off - just barely awake enough to hear Ford muttering about ‘associations’ and something that ‘couldn’t possibly be right’.

[mieberoc]

With the help of some lovely messages and AI here is a story.

Beneath the lowest sub-level of Fort Resolute’s bio-sealed annex, six men of CBRN Task Force Theta—Hauptmann Friedrich Adler, Oberfeldwebel Lukas Krüger, Stabsunteroffizier Wilhelm Stein, Unteroffizier Markus Vogel, Gefreiter Erik Weiß, and Gefreiter Johann Köhler—sat in regulation combats, boots planted on the metallic floor, awaiting the irreversible. Each had been hand-picked: Adler, the only commander in Europe to log three consecutive zero-casualty extractions from nerve-agent zones; Krüger, a demolitions savant whose calm pulse under fire never rose above fifty; Stein, an endurance record-holder able to remain conscious through fifteen minutes of hypoxic gas testing; Vogel, a virological prodigy with natural resistance markers to mutagenic particulates; Weiß, a former Olympic triathlete whose cardiovascular efficiency bordered on superhuman; and Köhler, confirmed by military psychiatrists as possessing the rarest trait of all—complete affective detachment in the face of mass casualties. Doctor Karczek, architect of the Permanent Protective Integument Programme, activated holoscreens that unfurled a vivid breakdown of the six-phase metamorphosis awaiting them. Phase One: Exfoliative Etch—their outer epidermis would be misted away by enzymatic solvent as pink rivulets dripped into drains, an agonising itch muted only by intravenous analgesia. Phase Two: Polymer Suspension Bath—each man would float in black, mercury-like fluid while nanoscale carriers welded synthetic latticework to raw dermis, sliding between toes, beneath nails, even along gumlines, twitching muscles like marionettes. Phase Three: Fusion Cure—immobilised in induction sarcophagi, electromagnetic pulses would shrink-wrap the polymer deeper, flash-hardening every molecule; Karczek likened it to the T-1000 poured over living flesh. Phase Four: Respirator Integration—a seamless mask, sculpted from sister polymer, would be pressed to their bared facial bones, microspikes rooting into maxilla and mandible in under thirty seconds; speech would emerge through a sub-glottal vocoder, accents flattened into submarine basso. Phase Five: Sensory Calibration—the sealed figures would be bathed in chlorine vapour, VX simulant, and neutron-irradiated dust, sensors confirming zero uptake while phantom itches flared across fingertips soon to be fingerprint-less. Phase Six: Psychological Lock-In—EEG-guided neurofeedback would teach their brains that the suit was self, every recollection of old flesh punished by cascading migraines, cementing loyalty to the integument for life. Krüger asked the final question: what becomes of them when wars end? Karczek answered with clinical certainty: they would return, but so would the suit; children might hold their hands yet feel only polymer, their eyes forever staring through respirator lenses. Tablets slid across the desk, black screens awaiting fingerprints soon to dissolve; one by one the men pressed, committing skin, name, and future. Cradle doors hissed, releasing a metallic scent like rain on scorched iron. Boots struck concrete in perfect cadence as six elite soldiers marched towards dissolution and rebirth, destined never again to wear protection but to become it—living weapons forged from fear and rubber, able to tread where no unsealed man could follow.

[shiyorin]

I wish that you would write a fic where you and Perty spend some time together creating/engineering god machines.

Here you are. Actually I think it was 'Perty is building a machine and he thinks you're bothering him'

Perturabo scowled down at the machine taking shape under his hands. Countless hours spent crafting each girder and gear to exacting specifications, yet still it was not enough. There was always more to be done, more to improve, more deficiencies to root out and correct.

A noise behind drew his gaze, finding a solitary figure observing from the walk above. Perturabo sighed irritably as you followed close behind. Truly, was there no end to this creature's insolence? He had made it explicitly clear you were not welcome in his place. But here you were, barging in once more like you owned the place. Well, no matter. Soon your inevitable blunders would force him to eject you, like others. And if not… There were other means to remedy pests.

You nodded respectfully at being noticed, making no move to approach, a rare show of wisdom, in his view. Most would bombard him with pointless questions or fawning praise at this stage, hampering his work. But he sensed no such intentions from your gaze. Merely open curiosity as eyes traced each component with appreciative care. Studying, but passing no judgment. It was… tolerable, at least for now.

Ignoring you completely, Perturabo returned to his labors, focusing intently on welding a joint into place. He set about assembling components for his latest augmentation. Tools danced skillfully under his guidance as intricate mechanisms began taking shape.

You fell silent, observing with keen interest as joints and pistons slid neatly into place. Perturabo was grudgingly aware of your gaze tracing each minute motion, as if to unfold the creative process unfolding before steely eyes.

It was… disarming, to have such unfettered focus directed his way without demand or expectation. He scowled. What could a paper-pusher possibly comprehend of the ingenuity and graft involved in his works?

But a small, traitorous part inside relished the rapt attention nonetheless. To have one so near who saw his delicate work, it stirred echoes of gratification long thought dead. As if in that moment, his craft held all your fascination simply for its own merits, not his name or reputation. A novel experience, to say the least.

Perturabo redoubled efforts to focus on circuit splicing, mentally banishing such fanciful notions. This was no pleasure outing to indulge idle spectators. There were calculations to finalize and field tests to prepare for, not entertain petty curiosities.

A soft gasp drew his notice despite vows to ignore the interloper. You had moved closer, peering in awe at neatly bundled wiring coming to life under activation. Perturabo froze, hyperaware of her proximity yet loathe to break concentration and perfection almost achieved.

Time passed without remark as systems began integrating fully under his touch. You still watched without complaint or query.At last the final components locked into synchronization in a shuddering crescendo of sound and light. Perturabo straightened, surveying his handiwork with a critical eye. An imperfect machine, as always, he was not satisfied.

He turned then to find you regarding him with a small, knowing smile, as if this imperfect machine were an achievement through your own eyes. He blinked, taken aback by the acknowledgment in your eyes.

Caught off guard, Perturabo found words deserting as emotion welled unexpectedly. What did you want? His mouth moved, words emerging gently, at least he thought so.

"Would you like to know what this machine is?"

[rendomski]

The last one remaining

I had this idea for a while: Crosshair discovers that in addition to being the baby of the Batch he also is the last virgin of the Batch.

Enjoy, laugh, or hug the poor man, as you like 😀.

Pairing: Clone Force 99 (except Crosshair, naturally) x other clones.

Rated M; no smut, only frisky discussions.

Crosshair was glowering. Hunter was glowing. Karking hell, as if it was the top-of-the world experience to stick one’s overly eager dick into a regular-size hole.

If it was the other way round, Crosshair didn't even want to think about it.

“Really, Hunter? You and that ‘got stranded on Felucia for a tenday’ guy? ‘Ooh, you must tell me everything,’ really?” Crosshair looked at his other brothers and declared furiously, “Hunter is fucking with a reg!”

Hunter opened his arms and shrugged, “Fuck, yes.”

Wrecker looked puzzled. “Who doesn't?”

“Wrecker, I don't mean figuratively fucking with the regs. He is literally fucking one, if you even know what it means.”

“I don't. Which pose is literally?”

Crosshair made a choking sound. Hunter huffed. “Guess, he knows perfectly what the fucking is. I smelled at least three different regs on him during our stay with the 212th only.”

“You smelled wrong! Who says they were ON me?”

“I'd better put a request for more quick STD tests.” Tech might have been discussing the level of grease in Marauder’s ramp hinges in this casual tone. “As for your concerns, Crosshair, fucking regs is a perfectly logical solution. Considering that there is not much readily available alternative.”

Now Crosshair was not the only one staring at Tech.

“I knew it,” Wrecker chuckled happily. “All these never-ending maintenance procedures, modifications, and repairs. And lo-ong stays at the base's workshop.”

Tech stared back, unfazed.

“Actually, sometimes long breaks between welding the details are necessary for the metal alloy to cool slowly and solidify properly.”

“Yeah. And these long breaks must be filled with something.”

“Precisely.”

“What’s wrong with caf breaks?” Crosshair hated how his voice almost cracked from knowing in advance he was suggesting something agonisingly lame. However, Tech gave his question some thought as if he offered a sound alternative.

“Excessive caf consumption is known to lead to multiple health issues.”

“And you can't be excessive with…” Wrecker's enthusiastic gesture was way too explicit for Crosshair's taste.

“No, sex can be excessive, too. But reaching its limits is far more—”

“Fun?”

“—challenging.”

“Nah, just practice and get good. Like with everything else!” Wrecker was almost bouncing from excitement. “What is your high score, in a day?”

Trying and failing not to look smug, Tech instead of answering flashed several fingers. An impressive number of fingers

“You mean minutes, right?” Crosshair equally failed to sound like he was joking. “Right?!”

“Tech, are you sure so much welding is safe for the ship's integrity?” asked Hunter with almost sincere concern.

Meanwhile, Wrecker was overexcited with this new competition.

“What about you, Crosshair?” It dawned upon him then. “Hey, do you mean that you never, not even once?..”

“Fuck you,” Crosshair snapped and stormed out. Hunter’s eyebrows jumped almost under his bandana. Tech took his goggles off and focused too intensely on polishing them. Only Wrecker broke openly into roaring laughter.

***

“Sergeant Hunter?”

It was quite late already when Lieutenant Waxer knocked on the door of the Batch’s guest barracks. Crosshair was following him, his shoulders hunched as if he was miserably trying to hide behind a shorter reg.

“This one is yours, I presume? Unless you gave in to temptation and traded him for Longshot.”

Hunter hummed. “Yeah. Should I regret that I didn't?”

Crosshair managed to glare at both of them with his head still bowed low.

“No worries. Nothing Marshall Commander Cody hasn't been able to handle.”

“Commander Cody, eh?”

Waxer patted Crosshair's shoulder, nudging him inside the barracks at the same time.

“That damned irresistible charisma of the commander class,” said Waxer, lowering his voice to barely audible.

Hunter nodded. “Oh, I get the idea.” Damn, Crosshair wouldn't be Crosshair. Decided to outmatch them all in one breath by going straight after Commander Cody.

“Hope nothing Commander would not be able to tell General Kenobi,” Hunter said pointedly. The flush on Crosshair's cheekbones deepened. Waxer did his best to put on a stern face.

“Commander Cody is a gentleman, Sergeant.”

“Right…”

Unexpectedly Waxer, losing his stern composure in an instant, waved at someone behind Hunter's back. “Hey, big guy! Weren't going to leave without saying a proper goodbye to me and Boil, I hope?”

Hunter turned on his heels just in time to see Wrecker's radiant smile blossoming. “Me? Not a chance, Lieutenant!”

Crosshair crept in and curled on his top bunk, almost out of view. Hunter sighed as a flash of pity struck his chest.

Cody was a gentleman. But, unfortunately, none of the Batch were.

[cinemaocd]

Star Wars films ranked in order of their technical innovations:

Star Wars (1977): innovations: motion controlled cameras, immersive sound design, high tech puppets, unified aesthetic that was unique from prev. sci fi films, welded fantasy and sci fi together, brought back vista vision/wide screen technology from the scrap heap and updated it, iconic costumes based on actual military equipment and historic royalty rather than imagining a "futuristic fashion," created Industrial Light and Magic effects company which funded R&D to create new cameras and equipment for the film, used percentages of the film's profit to pay actors and others involved in the project.

The Phantom Menace (1999): The first all digital studio film, computer graphics used for backgrounds/sets/whole environments, extended motion control cameras with digital environment, fucking amazing costumes borrowing from period films and classic Hollywood to bring the universe into a more sumptuous plentiful past, motion capture used to create integrated digital puppets.

Empire Strikes Back (1980): stop motion animation updated to include the motion controlled cameras for more realistic/seamless animation (compare to Harryhausen's Clash of the Titans which came out the next year to see what I mean), Lucas used the profits of Star Wars to expand ILM and give it a permanent home where effects artists weren't working in sweatshop conditions anymore, created a licensing company to try to stem the tide of unlicensed Star Wars products, a fire on the set of The Shining at Elstree studios lead to a dedicated Star Wars stage being built there which is still used to this day.

Return of the Jedi (1983): steadicam which was relatively new tech, customized by the inventor for the speeder bike chases, created THX to try to improve sound equipment in theaters because the sound mix for the film was too complex for the old sound systems used during test screenings.

The Force Awakens (2015):pulled back from the maximalist aesthetic of the prequels using more real sets, environments and models thereby creating a cohesive look that fused the two previous trilogies, made the film without having a clear outline about where the trilogy was going, giving freedom to future filmmakers to make changes to the story or to fill in holes, (not necessarily a good thing, but it was the first time it was done for a blockbuster trilogy), recreated most of the story beats of Star Wars (1977) in the updated sequel.

The Last Jedi (2017): Contains the most practical effects of any Star Wars film, with the most sets and creatures ever built for the franchise, literally set canon on fire, leaving writers and directors free to create Star Wars product that doesn't fit with previous canon/continuity.

Clone Wars (2008): First fully animated film in Star Wars universe, was the pilot for the TV show, integrated materials from the star wars Expanded Universe comics and novels.

Rogue One (2018): Used digital technology to allow Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher, who had died, to appear in the film by digitally combining their faces onto the bodies of other actors, first attempt to create a "gritty" Star Wars that reflected more of the reality of war, final scene with Darth Vader creeated 100% digitally.

Revenge of the Sith (2005): Lucas used a three camera set up and combined all three digitally, which allowed a much faster turn around time for completing shots, held the world record at the time of the most effects shots ever in a film.

Attack of the Clones (2002): continued with the innovations of Phantom Menace, creating the first entirely virtual film studio (for example some of Ewan McGregor's work was filmed on the Moulin Rouge sets with the actor in an entirely different location than the rest of the people in the scene, fewer models and real sets in general.

Solo A Star Wars Story (2018): used effects techniques such as rear projection and stop motion animation from the OT, but cleaned them up in the digital environment. For the first time used an effects company in addition to ILM.

Rise of the Skywalker (2019) Returned effects to the province of ILM, but the film was produced by Bad Robot, JJ Abrahams company (All the other films either produced by Lucasfilm or Disney).

[vincivilworld]

Magnetic Particle Test: Techniques and Principles Explained

Magnetic Particle Test (MPT) is a widely used non-destructive testing (NDT) method. It detects surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys. This technique is renowned for its speed, cost-effectiveness, and relative ease of application, making it a preferred choice across various industries, including aerospace, automotive,…

[standwinspections]

Ensuring Weld Quality: Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Methods  

In the world of welding, ensuring the quality and integrity of welds is crucial. One of the most effective ways to inspect welds is through ultrasonic testing, which uses high-frequency sound waves to detect imperfections. This blog explores advanced ultrasonic testing methods for welding inspection, highlighting their benefits and applications in the UK.  

Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing  

Ultrasonic testing for welding involves high-frequency sound waves to detect flaws in welds. This non-destructive testing (NDT) method effectively identifies internal and surface defects without damaging the material.  

Why Ultrasonic Testing for Welding?  

Accuracy: Provides precise detection of internal flaws.  

Non-Destructive: Does not damage the material being inspected.  

Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of materials and thicknesses.  

Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Techniques 

Advanced ultrasonic testing techniques have revolutionised the NDT industry, providing unprecedented levels of accuracy and efficiency. Below are some of the most advanced testing techniques used in the industry:  

1. Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)  

PAUT is an advanced technique that uses different ultrasonic elements and electronic time delays to create a sweeping beam. This method provides a detailed image of the weld, allowing for precise identification of defects.  

Benefits:  

High-resolution and detailed images 

Faster inspection times 

Improved defect characterisation 

2. Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD)  

TOFD is another complex ultrasonic testing method that uses the time taken by sound waves to travel and diffract around defects to detect and size flaws accurately.  

Benefits:  

High accuracy in defect sizing 

Effective for detecting both surface and subsurface defects 

Reduced operator dependency 

3. Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT)  

AUT involves automated systems that perform ultrasonic inspections. This method enhances the consistency and repeatability of inspections, making it ideal for large-scale projects.  

Benefits:  

Consistent and repeatable results 

Increased inspection speed 

Reduced human error 

Applications of Ultrasonic Testing in the UK  

Ultrasonic testing is widely used in the UK across different industries to provide safety and integrity to critical infrastructure. Here are some key applications of ultrasonic testing in the UK. 

1. Oil and Gas Industry  

In the UK, the oil and gas industry rely heavily on ultrasonic testing for welding to ensure the integrity of pipelines and other critical infrastructure. PAUT and TOFD are commonly used to inspect welds in pipelines, ensuring they are free from defects that could lead to failures.  

2. Aerospace Industry  

The aerospace industry requires the highest levels of safety and reliability. Ultrasonic testing methods are used extensively to inspect welds in aircraft components, ensuring they meet strict safety standards.  

3. Construction and Infrastructure  

Ultrasonic testing plays a crucial role in the construction industry, particularly for inspecting welds in bridges, buildings, and other structures.   

Advantages of Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Methods  

Check out the advantages of advanced ultrasonic testing methods over traditional approaches. 

1. Enhanced Accuracy  

Advanced ultrasonic testing methods provide higher accuracy in detecting and sizing defects than traditional methods.  

2. Increased Efficiency  

Automated and advanced techniques like PAUT and AUT significantly reduce inspection times while maintaining high levels of accuracy.   

3. Comprehensive Reporting  

These methods offer detailed and comprehensive reporting, providing clear images and data that can be used for further analysis and decision-making.  

Conclusion 

Adopting advanced ultrasonic testing for welding is essential for industries aiming to maintain high quality and safety standards.  

Investing in these advanced techniques enhances inspection reliability and ensures compliance with stringent safety regulations. By leveraging the benefits of advanced ultrasonic testing, industries can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and overall project success.  

[theironjanissary]

Purpose Within, Purpose Without

[ Janissary walks through the corridors towards the engine room, following the sounds of clanging metal and welding sparks. Several of the new Phoenixes salute as he walks by, which he quickly returns. He eventually finds Clad in front of engineering, patching holes in the walls ]

"You know, you give ME hell for being a workaholic. Have you even taken time for a diagnostic since we conducted that raid?"

"No."

[ Janissary looks exasperated as he checks the corridors. Clad was as meticulous as always, the only detriment to his work being his sheer size preventing access to small sections. ]

"Are you okay, Clad? Ever since we defrosted you've been a lot more... I dunno, surly? Blunt?"

"Have you addressed your tremor?"

"That's not impor--"

"Have you run a backup?"

"Now what does that--?"

"You are asking me if I am okay but have not taken care of yourself. You need rest, relaxation, and proper care. I do not. I am built for extended operation without maintenance"

[ Janissary starts with a flash of anger, something that gets both of their attention. He looks at his hand, watching curiously as it trembles violently. He looks back up at Clad ]

"I came to tell you I'm going to tell the Captain about the BioDrones"

{ He is exposing himself. Revealing this will put him in danger }

"I do not know if that is wise. You are very well the last one. You could be shunned, tested, or worse, destroyed if seen as dangerous"

"I don't think the Captain would do that, or let that happen. They trust us, and I trust them. We have a means to do more than just fight and die here. I don't want to risk that by holding secrets."

"That is what we are. Secrets. Soldiers. Sacrifices. We must protect ourselves, protect -y̴͖̰̭̟͓͎͇̯͓̲̟̘̦͕̿́̆̈̊͐̽́͐̄̈́̍͘ǫ̶̨̨͖̗̪̻̥̺͉͈̻͓̼͔͕͑̂̊́̈́̋̀̏̆͊͊͆̕͜ų̷̛͓̟͚̮͇̥͈̣͙̥̟͉̖̖̖̜̑̅͑-"

"Hey, what was that? Are you okay? That wasn't normal."

{ An Error }

{ [[ Run = Shackle Diagnostic: ..... ]] }

{ [[.....done. Shackle integrity: holding. }

{ [[ Cycle advised. Begin? = Y/N ]] }

{ [[N]] }

"Clad, Hey Clad are you okay? Do I need to check something?"

"Negative. I am fine."

{ You are safe }

{ I will keep it that way }

"Okay. Well, I may go give Styx a call. She may have a way to help with that firewall lock"

{ NO }

"They are very capable, but do not put yourself at risk for no reason. Such things can wait"

"We have time, and shore leave soon. You should take a break, too. Find something to enjoy before the Captain makes you."

[ Janissary continues to talk about activities Clad could try, as In Anger Clad grows more solemnly pensive ]

{ He has found a new squad. I can hear it in his voice. He has goals now }

{ I am sorry. I will keep him s̴̛͇̻̯̗͊͛̈͐͋̑̇̋̆̓ą̴̬̠͉̘̱͙̙͎̜̖̲̖͉̐̈́̈́̚f̵̧̡͍̮̗͔͇͕͔̪̺̙͕͉̘̑̍̍̒̽͌͌̀̄̄͐ē̵͔͈̈ }

//Janissary\\

[fonlandlaser]

How to Choose the Right Laser Welding Machine？

Laser welding technology has transformed industries ranging from heavy manufacturing to delicate jewelry repair. Whether you need a ​laser welder for industrial metalwork, a ​handheld laser welder for on-site flexibility, or a specialized ​jewelry laser welder for intricate designs, selecting the right machine requires careful evaluation.

​1. Match Material and Application to Laser Type

For jewelry laser welding machine applications, focus on machines compatible with precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum. These devices often use lower power (e.g., 200W YAG lasers) to avoid damaging delicate materials while ensuring precise welds. In contrast, ​handheld laser welding machine models, such as 1000W fiber laser systems, excel in welding thicker metals like stainless steel or aluminum, offering portability for repairs or complex geometries. Always verify the machine’s compatibility with your material thickness and thermal sensitivity through supplier-provided trials.

​2. Prioritize Technical Specifications for Efficiency

Power and Beam Quality: High-power ​laser welders (e.g., 1000W handheld models) deliver faster welding speeds and deeper penetration for industrial use. For jewelry or electronics, prioritize beam quality (smaller spot size) to achieve seamless, deformation-free results. ​Energy Efficiency: Modern fiber laser welding machines consume minimal electricity (e.g., 1–1.5 kWh) and require less maintenance than CO₂ models, reducing long-term costs.

3. Evaluate Automation and Support Options

Automated ​jewelry laser welder systems, like chain-making machines with integrated laser welding, boost productivity for high-volume workshops. Meanwhile, ​handheld laser welder devices prioritize flexibility, ideal for small-scale repairs or custom projects. Ensure suppliers offer robust after-sales support, including overseas technician access or local service centers, to minimize downtime.

Final Tips

Visit manufacturers to test equipment—especially for ​jewelry laser welding machine precision or handheld laser welding machine ergonomics. Balance upfront costs with long-term benefits like energy savings and durability. By aligning technical specs, material needs, and supplier support, you’ll invest in a laser welding solution that drives quality and ROI.

[mistakenot4892]

Nebula vledbog May '24

This post was crossposted from cohost.

It has been a busy month on the dev branch. A lot of forward progress has been made on the Shaded Hills fantasy map, and several big rewrites have gone in and are under active adjustment and review.

Nebula SS13 is an open source project based on the Baystation 12 version of Space Station 13. SS13 is a topdown multiplayer simulation game where you play the crew of a ship, station, colony, etc. depending on your fork and map, with the Nebula and Bay forks having a focus on roleplaying and simulation interactions.

Notable changes

A big chunk of the work this month has been adding subtypes and variants for the fantasy map. You can now override things like loadout options, backpack types, survival box types, and starting cash options on a per-map basis. The fantasy map has also had a lot of aesthetic adjustments made to lighting and turf colouring to make things look really nice.

Penny has finished removing a billion unused procs and vars, cleaning up the code significantly.

Lots of clothing has been generalized. The /accessory subtype has been removed, and combining clothing items has been generalized. Shirts can be freely matched with pants, suit jackets no longer come with full business casual attached, and more.

Penny has also gotten the dev branch compiling on OpenDream, an open-source BYOND alternative with a lot of potential. The OD compiler is also included in the continuous integration testing for each merge to the dev branch, identifying problems that would be missed by the linter or the base BYOND DM compiler.

Penny has also resolved a really annoying issue with map edge lighting causing weird artifacting, making edge transitions much nicer visually.

The daycycle system has been gutted and reworked to take advantage of our much faster ambient lighting. Instead of crawling left to right across a single level, daycycles are now applied to entire z-level chunks, and can be customize with individual periods, lighting changes, and temperature. Dawn is bloody red, evening is dim.

Storage has been datumized! This is a bit of an arcane technical change, but in essence it means anything can have the ability to act as storage and hold items inside itself. Previously this was restricted to a single specific item subtype.

Supporting code for quadrupedal (or hexapodal, or n-podal) species has been merged, and immediately caused all simple animals to believe they had no legs and fall over. Working as intended. Grafadreka (reworked from the Polaris version) will be going in soon...

Bugs of note

C4 immediately melts at room temperature when spawned, making it very hard to attach it to doors or walls.

Taking the 'synthetic brain' aspect to fulfil your beep boop robot roleplay needs appeared to work fine, but five minutes after you spawned it would delete your brain and kill you.

You can use a lighter or welding torch to 'carefully heat' yourself, a mechanic intended for chemistry, but one that results in your hands becoming white-hot beacons that instantly melt anything you pick up.

Due to hairstyles defaulting to a human buzzcut when hidden by gear, neo-avians and yinglets manifested a floating buzzcut two feet above their head anytime they wore a hat.

Current priorities

r5 is very close to being ready to go. Once the robot bugs are sorted, we can finish off this staging period and start on r6.

The MVP TODO list for Shaded Hills is down to 10 or so items - getting through that before r6 staging would be ideal, since Shaded Hills being incomplete on staging/stable would suck.

I really want to completely dismantle the /under subtype and make all the various uniforms into component clothing items. It's much nicer for customizing your character and making outfits for jobs etc. than the current arrangement. As of my current PR, there's only ~200-odd uses of /under in the codebase, so we are closing on victory (act now).

[rvsqualitycertificationspvtltd]

The Power of Precision: Exploring the Benefits of PAUT in NDT

In the realm of industrial inspections, the demand for accuracy and efficiency has never been higher. Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) stands out as a revolutionary method that fulfills these requirements, offering unparalleled precision and speed. As an integral part of Non Destructive Testing, PAUT is widely used across various industries to ensure the integrity and reliability of critical components. Here, we delve into the intricacies of PAUT and its benefits.

PAUT is an advanced method of ultrasonic testing that uses multiple elements and electronic time delays to create beams of sound waves. These beams can be steered, focused, and scanned, providing detailed images of internal structures. Unlike conventional ultrasonic testing, which uses a single transducer to send and receive sound waves, PAUT employs an array of transducers. This allows for simultaneous collection of data from multiple angles, resulting in more comprehensive and accurate inspections.

As part of a broader suite of Non Destructive Testing Services, PAUT plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of industrial components. Nondestructive testing (NDT) from RVS QUALITY CERTIFICATIONS PVT LTD encompasses various techniques used to evaluate the properties of a material, component, or system without causing damage. PAUT's advanced capabilities enhance the overall effectiveness of NDT services, providing detailed and reliable data that support maintenance and quality assurance programs.

Applications Across Industries

The versatility of PAUT makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. It is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and power generation industries for inspecting critical components such as welds, turbine blades, and composite materials. PAUT's ability to detect minute defects and irregularities ensures that even the smallest flaws are identified before they become critical issues. This level of precision is essential for maintaining safety and performance standards in high-stakes environments.

Efficiency and Accuracy Combined

One of the standout features of PAUT is its efficiency. The ability to steer and focus sound waves electronically means that inspections can be performed more quickly compared to traditional methods. This not only reduces downtime but also increases the number of inspections that can be completed within a given timeframe. Additionally, the detailed images produced by PAUT provide a clearer understanding of the inspected material's condition, allowing for more accurate assessments and decision-making.

Enhanced Tube Inspections

A specific area where PAUT excels is in Tube Inspection Services. Tubes, often found in heat exchangers and boilers, are prone to various types of degradation such as corrosion and cracking. PAUT's ability to inspect from multiple angles simultaneously makes it particularly effective for tube inspections. It can detect flaws that may be missed by conventional methods, ensuring that tubes are thoroughly evaluated for any signs of wear or damage. This comprehensive approach helps prevent failures and extends the lifespan of critical equipment.

Advancing with Technology

The continuous evolution of technology has significantly impacted PAUT. Advances in digital signal processing and software have improved the resolution and clarity of the images produced. Portable PAUT equipment from RVS QUALITY CERTIFICATIONS PVT LTD has made it possible to conduct inspections in challenging environments, further expanding its applicability. These technological advancements ensure that PAUT remains at the forefront of nondestructive testing techniques, providing industries with cutting-edge solutions for maintaining safety and quality.

In conclusion, PAUT is a powerful tool that combines precision and efficiency to deliver superior inspection results. Its ability to provide detailed images from multiple angles makes it invaluable for identifying defects and ensuring the integrity of critical components. As a key component of Non Destructive Testing, PAUT supports industries in maintaining high standards of safety and performance. Whether it's for welds, turbine blades, or Tube Inspection Service, PAUT continues to set the standard for advanced nondestructive testing methodologies.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

NASA sees progress on Starlab commercial space station development

A NASA-funded commercial space station, Starlab, recently completed four key developmental milestones, marking substantial progress in the station's design and operational readiness.

The four milestones are part of a NASA Space Act Agreement awarded in 2021 and focused on reviews of the habitat structural test article preliminary design, systems integration, integrated operations, and a habitat structural test plan.

"These milestone achievements are great indicators to reflect Starlab's commitment to the continued efforts and advancements of their commercial destination," said Angela Hart, program manager for NASA's Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program. "As we look forward to the future of low Earth orbit, every successful milestone is one step closer to creating a dynamic and robust commercialized low Earth orbit."

The commercial space station is designed to launch on a single flight and includes a large habitation and laboratory module with a smaller service module for power and propulsion.

Earlier this year, Starlab Space completed a structural test article preliminary design review, supported by NASA. The structural test article is an engineering development unit of the station's habitation module, which is where astronauts will spend most of their time living and working aboard the future commercial destination. An engineering development unit is a physical model that is used to test and verify the design of a project, such as a space station.

Starlab also recently shared a test plan for the structural test article, which included defining qualification tests of the development unit from welding verifications to proof pressure and static load testing, among others. During proof pressure tests, a spacecraft component or system is pressurized to a significantly higher than normal operating pressure to verify its structural integrity, and a static load test measures the response of a component or system under an applied load.

In addition, Starlab completed integration operations and systems integration reviews. These reviews included updates on system and station architecture, segment interfaces, and program goals, as well as a comprehensive look into the program's requirements.

Starlab also is set to complete a preliminary design review and phase 1 safety review by the end of the year. This review is meant to demonstrate that the station's design meets system requirements, including human spaceflight verification, with acceptable risk. The safety review will summarize the current design and general safety approach for the destination.

NASA is supporting the design and development of multiple commercial space stations, including Starlab, through funded and unfunded agreements. The current design and development phase will be followed by the procurement of services from one or more companies, where NASA aims to be one of many customers for low Earth orbit destinations.

NASA's low Earth orbit microgravity strategy builds on the agency's extensive human spaceflight experience to advance future scientific and exploration goals. As the International Space Station nears the end of operations, NASA plans to transition to a new low Earth orbit model to continue leveraging microgravity benefits. Through commercial partnerships, NASA aims to maintain its leadership in microgravity research and ensure continued benefits for humanity.

TOP IMAGE: A digital rendering of the Starlab, which includes a large habitation and laboratory module with a smaller service module for power and propulsion. Credit: Starlab

LOWER IMAGE: A digital rendering of the Starlab free-flying commercial destination, which continues to be developed as part of a Space Act Agreement with NASA Credit: Starlab