Fujifilm Introduces Digital X-Ray FCR DYNAMIX Imaging System
Posted: 2013-1-21
FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) has launched 'FCR
DYNAMIX SYSTEM' (hereinafter 'DYNAMIX SYSTEM') as the highest resolution and
best image quality digital X-ray imaging system for non-destructive testing. This
new 'FUJIFILM COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY (FCR)' is capable of detecting and
precisely imaging microstructural defects in materials which are used across a
wide range of industries and applications such as aerospace, oil/gas and
automotive. 'DYNAMIX SYSTEM' can deliver premium image quality with the
industry's highest level* of 'spatial resolution', 'density resolution' and 'signal-to-
noise ratio' by using double pitch 25μm reading technology and
the company's advanced proprietary image processing technology.
Fujifilm's FCR systems for non-destructive testing generate high resolution
images by recording image data on the high-sensitivity radiation sensor called
an Imaging Plate (IP). The IP is then processed using IP reader which contains an
X-ray image scanning device which reads the IP and then creates a digital image
showing the structure of the tested material.
The urgent need for higher resolution digital imaging is driven by the rapid
expansion of new materials for critical applications, by more exact monitoring of
decay and corrosion for existing materials and infrastructure applications.
Demand for this new technology is also driven by the transition to digital
imaging from film based NDT techniques, resulting in significantly improved cost
of ownership for the more traditional NDT applications fields such as aerospace
structures/airfoils, petroleum/chemical/power generation facilities, and
automotive parts.
Accompanying this high market demand is the shift toward international welding
test specification standards which is resulting in the demand for best available
technology across global markets requiring ever increased performance
standards for material joining applications and higher material safety levels
against corrosion wear degradation.
The new DYNAMIX SYSTEM consists of the IP image scanner 'DYNAMIX HR2', the
DICONDE*** compliant image display and measurement software 'DYNAMIX
VU'.*4
The DYNAMIX SYSTEM delivers best-in-class image quality using the Fujifilm's
high-definition 25μm scanning technology, advanced proprietary image
processing technology which exceeds the current inspection industry's highest
level of spatial resolution, density resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. The
system's wide dynamic range provide clear images with no highlight and shadow
clipping or uneven resolution regardless of material thickness, allowing users to
precisely examine the internal structure of and cast materials and parts with a
variable wall thickness.
The DYNAMIX SYSTEM uses Fujifilm's novel 'IP Direct Read' function, in which the
IP is placed on a specially engineered tray and inserted into DYNAMIX HR2*5 just
prior to image reading. This new reader accepts the IP from both a cassette and
as a direct feed*6 after displacement in a protective envelope. The direct feed
mechanism is especially beneficial for testing non-standard IP sizes. IPs as long
as 152cm can be readily accepted using the direct feed functionality. This
function is particularly suited when using imaging plates for pipes and other
rounded surface components inspection. The accompanying software features an
'Automatic Pipe Wall Thickness Measurement' tool*7 which automatically
measures the external and internal wall surfaces of pipes to calculate the degree
wall thinning**. This allows for easy and accurate wall thickness measurement
regardless of operator skill level.
Fujifilm continues to be the imaging technology leader through the application of
enabling and proprietary technologies. The DYNAMIX CR system is a generation
ahead of the competing systems and technologies offering our customers
superior imaging performance and lowest cost of ownership.
* According to Fujifilm's measurement figures, the system meets the highest
class specifications for spatial resolution (DD13+) and signal-to-noise ratio (130
or above) according to the evaluation standards set by Bundesanstalt für
Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM), a public evaluation institute for
instrumentation and testing technologies under Germany's Federal Ministry of
Economics and Technology. As for density resolution, it clears the industry's
highest level in accordance with the industrial standard 'ASTM E-746-07', set by
the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International).
· Spatial resolution: Represents how finely an image is resolved, and indicated by
the distance of two identifiable points in space.
· Density resolution: Relates to gradation and represents the ability to reproduce
fine shades of grey.
· Signal-to-noise ratio: Indicates the amount of noise against image signals. A
larger value represents a better image quality.
** Gradual wear and corrosion of pipe's internal and/or outside walls
*** Standard specifications for sharing image data among parties involved in
non-destructive tests
*4 'IP' and 'cassette' are also required for use.
*5 IP must be inserted in a semi-darkroom, as recorded image signals attenuate
in visible light.
*6 Commercially available rubber cassette, etc., to be prepared by each customer
*7 Optional
1. Launch date: January 17th 2013
2. Product name: FCR DYNAMIX SYSYTEM
IP image scanning device 'DYNAMIX HR2', image display and measurement
software 'DYNAMIX VU'
3. Price: IP image scanning device 'DYNAMIX HR2': Open price
Image display and measurement software 'DYNAMIX VU': Open price
4. Main features
(1)Highest image quality in all tests
The system delivers high definition scanning with half of the previous pitch at
25μm, and incorporates the company's advanced proprietary image
processing
technology of 14-bit log processing to achieve premium image quality with the
industry's highest level*1 of 'spatial resolution', 'density resolution', 'signal-to-
noise ratio' as well as a wide dynamic range. It performs scanning optimized for
the characteristics of testing samples (e.g. material and thickness) and provides
highest image quality in a range of tests, making it possible to make precision
detection of faults such as minor fractures and air gaps. The ability to obtain
clear images free of highlight / shadow clipping or uneven resolution regardless
of material thickness, allows users to clearly check the inside of cast materials
with a varying degree of wall thickness.
(2)New 'IP Direct Read' function for directly reading IP
The system uses the new 'IP Direct Read' function, in which IP itself is placed on a
dedicated tray and inserted into DYNAMIX HR2 for reading image information.
The function reads data not only from IP inserted in a cassette, but also from IP
placed in a protective bag for testing pipes and other items with round surfaces,
without having to remove it and insert it into the cassette for a substantial
enhancement of convenience.
Traditionally it was necessary, in the case of thick pipes, to scan them multiple
times and read each of the IPs. However, the DYNAMIX SYSTEM supports the
Long IP (152cm in length), thereby reducing the number of IPs involved to
streamline testing.
(3)Diverse automatic functions for speedy and high-quality testing
i) Automatic Pipe Wall Thickness Measurement function (optional)
Automatically detects the external and internal wall surfaces of pipes to gauge
the degree of their wall thinning
ii) One-Click Auto Image Adjustment function
Advanced users can set a wide range of adjustment parameters including density
and contrast in the menu, by setting the parameter all testers can generate the
optimum assessment images with a single click.
iii) Contrast Normalization function (optional)
The system can automatically adjust the density and contrast of each of the
materials specified by U.S. ASTM (i.e. E2422 [aluminum], E2660 [steel] and E2669
[titanium]).
iv) Automatic Image Quality Assessment function (optional)
The system automatically assesses whether the image quality complies with
ISO17636-2 (welding)*8.
(4)Digital X-ray imaging system's Traceability function, defined by MAI*9
(optional)
The system follows steps in line with customer's workflow to record the
assessment results of image quality testing and fault testing, All the test history,
required for audit response, etc., can be easily examined.
(4)Network solution in coordination with other systems
The system can provide integrated solutions for managing non-destructive
testing through coordination with SAP, Oracle and other integrated mission-
critical systems that control production / testing planning, components and pipe
layout drawings.
5. Main specifications
[DYNAMIX HR2]
(1)Compatible imaging plates: UR-1 (35.4x43.0cm, 24x30cm, 18x24cm,
6x40cm, 7x152cm)
ST-6 (35.4x43.0cm, 24x30cm, 18x24cm 15x30cm)
(2)Compatible cassettes: 35.4x43.0cm, 24x30cm, 18x24cm, 15x30cm
(3)Scanning pixel pitch: 25μm, 50μm, 100μm
(4)Dimensions / weight: 600(W) x 800(D) x 550(H)mm / Approx. 58kg
[DYNAMIX VU]
(1)Compatible OS: Microsoft Windows® 7(64bit) *10
(2)System requirements: intel® Core™ i7 CPU 2.6GHz or higher*11
(3)Recommended monitor: 5M
*8 Currently being developed
*9 Procurement streamlining program led by the U.S. Air Force
*10 Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of U.S. Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and other countries.
*11 Intel, Intel logo, Intel Inside, Intel vPro, vPro Inside, Intel Core, Core Inside
and Ultrabook are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.