Firearm Barrel Life Test

NDT Tests

Firearm Barrel Life Test

Until recently, the quantitative gun barrel inspection was carried out manually, using a star gauge or a weather indicator, with hours of operation and providing minimal data. Electronic star gauges eventually developed equipment such as video borescope, but these systems were still limited to providing a minimum number of data points.

Firearm Barrel Life Test

A new system, BEMIS captures more than 7.000 data points per revolution and performs inspections in just a few minutes. It also removes most of the user error and subjectivity that existed in older methods. EUROLAB provides non-destructive laser-based mapping of gun holes using industry-leading BEMIS (Barrel Erosion and Measurement Inspection System) technology.

The Barrel Erosion and Measurement Inspection System or BEMIS uses an advanced laser profilometer that has been miniaturized to fit into a delivery package as small as .22 cal. Using this unique sensor design, we can digitally capture thousands of points per second in a firearm barrel to capture high-precision measurements and evaluate quality like never before. This system can examine a standard length rifle barrel in minutes with very simple and intuitive setup and calibration. It will take much longer to collect such data in advance and bring undesirable variability to the process.

Although the laser profilometry method has existed for decades, newer advances in optical design and manufacturing have made it possible to create sensors that are optimized to scan grooved drums.

Focusing on testing and evaluating body armor with possibilities for a ballistic testing lab, EUROLAB can test hundreds of shots per day from a stock of over 22 test barrels from 30 caliber to 300 mm. Understanding and controlling variability in the testing process is key to getting the right results our customers can count on.

Due to the wide spread of ammunition types and the speed range used in armor tests, our test barrels cannot be evaluated by simply counting shots. This has not been proven to be an adequate method of estimating the life of a barrel, and leads to the surprise of the "dead" barrels (no longer producing a predictable speed or correct shot location) discovered in a test.

All test vats taken are inspected basically on arrival and are periodically rechecked by the number of shots. The new drums are checked and verified to ensure they are the proper size and twist ratio for the shells they will fire and the test specification they must meet.

Since all data, including projectile type, weight and speed, are recorded for each shot, changes detected in the barrel geometry over time can be analyzed with these variables. Limited studies have already produced interesting results, and as the number of shots increases and more data is collected, the door opens to develop and implement a more analytical approach to predict the barrel life.

EUROLAB currently offers its customers scanning services for small caliber guns using the BEMIS-SC. BEMIS-SC is designed for 5.56 - 12.7 mm (.22 to .50-cal.) Barrels.

Applications of this Technology:

  • Barrel erosion / durability - To characterize the primers, muzzle quality after several laps are taken to monitor wear and erosion.
  • Quality assurance / control - Inspection of new barrels by manufacturers and end users to characterize manufacturing quality and compare different barrels.
  • Barrel certification / recertification - Examination of weapon systems with the area to better predict the barrel life, reporting of wear and dimensional variation.

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