What is Industrial Computed Tomography (CT)?
Posted: 2014-7-19
Learn about a reliable nondestructive testing method that can quickly inspect
parts in 3D while maintaining very high accuracy.
A very important stage in the manufacturing and production cycle of a part is
designing and verifying a prototype. Very often in the medical, automotive or
aerospace industry, we see very expensive and valuable parts being cut open to
locate internal failures or to retrieve internal measurements. This certainly proves
to be an issue, as such parts are left destroyed and can no longer be functional
after the testing process. However, the introduction of a nondestructive testing
method which can inspect parts internally and accurately in 3D has brought a
turn in the industry.
Industrial CT scanning is a nondestructive testing method which can accurately
inspect parts internally and externally in 3D. This non-contact, X-ray technology
allows an object to be scanned in Free State form, leaving the part available for
use after testing. Traditionally, Computed Tomography (CT) is primarily used to
scan the human body to retrieve internal bodily data. The adaptation of the
industrial use has been quite remarkable, as this method proves to be useful and
effective for scanning objects. Although the scanning process is quite complex,
specialized labs such as JG&A Metrology Center can make it simple.
A CT machine consists of three main parts:
Rotary Table
X-ray Source
Detector Panel
To begin, an object or part is placed on the rotary table. As it spins 360 degrees,
the x-ray source shoots through the part, toward the detector panel, which
captures several thousands of 2D X-ray images. These images are then re-
constructed into a 3D model using a software. Without damaging or cutting open
the part, the viewer can retrieve internal measurements or locate internal defects.
The inspection can be taken further by applying different types of analysis to the
resulting scan.
Industrial CT scanning provides the user with many routes in terms of
accessibility of different types of data. Apart from scanning for simple fit and
function purposes, one can also acquire a CAD model from scratch through the
CT process for reverse engineering solutions, or compare their CAD model of the
part with the scanned results to ensure the credibility of the part is not
compromised. Further, the technology can be used to locate, measure and view
internal porosity/voids and inclusions with very high accuracy. A user can also
scan and compare multiple identical parts for a comparison analysis or retrieve
general dimensions and tolerances. This technology can even be used to
measure wall thickness for parts or scan to inspect fibers. The options presented
with this using CT systems are truly overwhelming, as almost any type of
material can be scanned.
The advantages presented in this nondestructive testing method are clear. CT
scanning can reduce potential operational costs by minimizing time allocated
toward pre-production design and production. This method of inspection aims
to enhance product quality and provides high level of accuracy which would be
difficult to assume with any other nondestructive testing method. Most
importantly, it is a fast and easy internal inspection method which leaves your
part intact.
JG&A Metrology Center is the only specialized lab focused on providing 3D
internal part inspection services using industrial computed tomography (CT)
equipment. To learn more, visit www.jgarantmc.com
parts in 3D while maintaining very high accuracy.
A very important stage in the manufacturing and production cycle of a part is
designing and verifying a prototype. Very often in the medical, automotive or
aerospace industry, we see very expensive and valuable parts being cut open to
locate internal failures or to retrieve internal measurements. This certainly proves
to be an issue, as such parts are left destroyed and can no longer be functional
after the testing process. However, the introduction of a nondestructive testing
method which can inspect parts internally and accurately in 3D has brought a
turn in the industry.
Industrial CT scanning is a nondestructive testing method which can accurately
inspect parts internally and externally in 3D. This non-contact, X-ray technology
allows an object to be scanned in Free State form, leaving the part available for
use after testing. Traditionally, Computed Tomography (CT) is primarily used to
scan the human body to retrieve internal bodily data. The adaptation of the
industrial use has been quite remarkable, as this method proves to be useful and
effective for scanning objects. Although the scanning process is quite complex,
specialized labs such as JG&A Metrology Center can make it simple.
A CT machine consists of three main parts:
Rotary Table
X-ray Source
Detector Panel
To begin, an object or part is placed on the rotary table. As it spins 360 degrees,
the x-ray source shoots through the part, toward the detector panel, which
captures several thousands of 2D X-ray images. These images are then re-
constructed into a 3D model using a software. Without damaging or cutting open
the part, the viewer can retrieve internal measurements or locate internal defects.
The inspection can be taken further by applying different types of analysis to the
resulting scan.
Industrial CT scanning provides the user with many routes in terms of
accessibility of different types of data. Apart from scanning for simple fit and
function purposes, one can also acquire a CAD model from scratch through the
CT process for reverse engineering solutions, or compare their CAD model of the
part with the scanned results to ensure the credibility of the part is not
compromised. Further, the technology can be used to locate, measure and view
internal porosity/voids and inclusions with very high accuracy. A user can also
scan and compare multiple identical parts for a comparison analysis or retrieve
general dimensions and tolerances. This technology can even be used to
measure wall thickness for parts or scan to inspect fibers. The options presented
with this using CT systems are truly overwhelming, as almost any type of
material can be scanned.
The advantages presented in this nondestructive testing method are clear. CT
scanning can reduce potential operational costs by minimizing time allocated
toward pre-production design and production. This method of inspection aims
to enhance product quality and provides high level of accuracy which would be
difficult to assume with any other nondestructive testing method. Most
importantly, it is a fast and easy internal inspection method which leaves your
part intact.
JG&A Metrology Center is the only specialized lab focused on providing 3D
internal part inspection services using industrial computed tomography (CT)
equipment. To learn more, visit www.jgarantmc.com
