The Mad Hatter
Addicted to Softballfans
Everyone knows the flaws of existing bat testing (compression) equipment. See any one of 1,000 posts on the subject.
I'm wondering if anyone has looked at alternate technology to detect shaved or doctored bats? Specifically I'm talking about the use of an ultrasonic thickness gauge (example - http://cfnewsads.thomasnet.com/images/large/019/19768.jpg). These devices are used to measure wall thickness in a variety of materials, including metal, ceramics, and other composites. Typically they're used to detect flaws (i.e. corrosion) in piping and other materials without having to remove and visually check the piece in question, keeping it in operation. From my research it seems like they would be a great alternative to check composite bat wall thickness without having to pop a cap off a bat. The devices also have an extremely fine resolution (.001" or finer).
My thought is that If bat manufacturers would provide directors and associations with their wall thickness specifications and tolerances you could simply use this device (found on ebay for as cheap as $150) to test the wall thickness of a bat in question. If the wall thickness is found to be out of conformance the bat would be automatically taken and shipped to the manufacturer for additional testing. If in the odd case the a bat was stock but constructed outside a manufacturer's spec the manufacturer would review , approve and return.
Very cheap alternative, quick non intrusive precision test that would correctly identify shaved bats.
While I'm an engineer and used these types of devices in some of my college labs, this field isn't my specialty. Is anyone aware of an association or person trying this type of device? Any other thoughts on potential success/failure? Input is encouraged. I'm considering buying one and trying it out - I could always resell it on ebay if it doesn't work or find someplace that rents one....
I'm wondering if anyone has looked at alternate technology to detect shaved or doctored bats? Specifically I'm talking about the use of an ultrasonic thickness gauge (example - http://cfnewsads.thomasnet.com/images/large/019/19768.jpg). These devices are used to measure wall thickness in a variety of materials, including metal, ceramics, and other composites. Typically they're used to detect flaws (i.e. corrosion) in piping and other materials without having to remove and visually check the piece in question, keeping it in operation. From my research it seems like they would be a great alternative to check composite bat wall thickness without having to pop a cap off a bat. The devices also have an extremely fine resolution (.001" or finer).
My thought is that If bat manufacturers would provide directors and associations with their wall thickness specifications and tolerances you could simply use this device (found on ebay for as cheap as $150) to test the wall thickness of a bat in question. If the wall thickness is found to be out of conformance the bat would be automatically taken and shipped to the manufacturer for additional testing. If in the odd case the a bat was stock but constructed outside a manufacturer's spec the manufacturer would review , approve and return.
Very cheap alternative, quick non intrusive precision test that would correctly identify shaved bats.
While I'm an engineer and used these types of devices in some of my college labs, this field isn't my specialty. Is anyone aware of an association or person trying this type of device? Any other thoughts on potential success/failure? Input is encouraged. I'm considering buying one and trying it out - I could always resell it on ebay if it doesn't work or find someplace that rents one....
