MWI Robotic Scanning Solutions represent the pinnacle of automated material characterization. Moving beyond legacy eddy-current sensors, these systems utilize MWI’s advanced broadband probes to provide high-resolution mapping of dielectric and conductive properties. Built around a “Virtual Dielectric” net table, these scanners eliminate environmental interference, allowing for laboratory-grade Dk, Df, conductivity, and Ohms/sq measurements across large-scale industrial panels.

Versatile Mechanical Architectures

To accommodate varying production footprints and material weights, MWI scanners are available in two primary configurations:

• XY-Moving Net Table: The probes remain stationary while the material is precisely translated through the test zone. Ideal for high-speed “down-web” inspection of flexible films and lightweight sheets.
• Robotic Gantry (Moving Probes): The material remains fixed on a stabilized net while the probe assembly traverses the X, Y, and Z axes. Optimized for large, heavy, or rigid aerospace components and honeycomb cores.

Multi-Modality Inspection

Unlike single-purpose scanners, the MWI platform is a multi-tool environment. A single robotic frame can be configured for:

• Admittance Tunnel Scanning: Automated volumetric characterization of thick slabs and cores.
• Focused Reflection Mapping: High-frequency analysis of stealth coatings and surface treatments.
• Near-Field Sensing: Ultra-localized flaw detection and Ohms/sq mapping for R-cards and conductive films.

Key Technical Advantages

• Instrument Agnostic: Fully compatible with all industry-standard Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs).
• Scalable Test Regions: Available in footprints ranging from compact lab units to massive 16ft x 28ft industrial installations.
• Precision Gap Control: Automated Z-axis adjustment maintains a constant standoff distance, ensuring data integrity across contoured or non-planar surfaces.
• High-Speed Data Correlation: Synchronized with the MWI Data Reduction Suite to generate real-time spatial “heat maps” of material performance.

Primary Utility

The essential solution for automated quality control of radomes, honeycomb cores, shielding textiles, and aerospace composites where 100% surface verification is required.