Whether for an automobile, a bullet train, an aircraft or a boat, honeycomb and composite materials such as FRP, CFRP and GFRP are widely adopted as structural materials to achieve high speed, durability and economic efficiency. While application of honeycomb and composite materials continues to expand in diverse structures, nondestructive testing (NDT) equipment and devices have also diversified.

Commonly, the tapping or tap testing, ultrasonic, thermography and X-ray methods are used to detect detachment and debonding/disbonding of honeycomb and composite materials. Tap testing is widely adopted as it is a simple and effective method for initial stage inspections. At the same time, the traditional analog tapping method using a hammer requires experience and well-honed senses. In addition, tapping using a hammer is sensitive to noise in the surrounding environment, meaning that inspections must be conducted under quiet conditions.

Mitsui developed the Woodpecker WP632-series portable tapping exfoliation detectors adopting a solenoid-driven hammer and CPU, making possible automated and easy tapping inspections. The Woodpecker WP632-series not only automates the traditional tapping method, but it also makes possible the quantitative detection of detachment and debonding/disbonding of honeycomb and composite materials.

Since its release, the Woodpecker WP632-series has been widely adopted in the aerospace, military and auto-racing industries. The Woodpecker WP632-series has been recognized by Airbus, Bombardier Aerospace and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as authorized testing devices which are being adopted by most major airline operators around the world