Non-destructive techniques, which allow parts to be tested for quality in a non-invasive manner, are used to evaluate an endless number of industrial processes. These include processes that do not alter the microstructure and mechanical properties of a material, such as hardening, grinding or hot or cold stamping. Currently, the only way to determine if a part that has undergone these processes has the appropriate mechanical properties is to cut it and analyze it, thereby rendering it unusable. Additionally, these methods are expensive, slow and can only be used as statistical process control, which doesn’t guarantee adequate traceability for part quality.

LINQcase was founded with the aim of responding to this problem. The company's value proposition is to test 100% of parts using electromagnetic non-destructive techniques. For example, for a line that produces 250,000 parts/year, LINQcase’s solution would result in a 7% reduction in the defect rate, which is an increase of 17,500 parts and a savings of 5 M€/year.

Within the framework of the Hazitek program, LINQcase and Ceit have developed a system for inspecting automotive camshafts and, more specifically, the hardening and grinding processes of these parts. It consists of a monitoring system that uses electromagnetic sensors to eliminate the destructive inspection of parts and statistical process control, making unitary traceability of components possible.

The system is part of the project known as LITEBURN, which seeks to reduce the number of quality defects in camshafts. Both LINQcase and Ceit are contributors, and project funding comes from the Basque Government’s Hazitek program, which provides financial support for industrial research and experimental development projects.