What is a CT scan for the Industry?
Posted: 2014-8-26
By:
Sara Malik
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 including
micro-sized parts.
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 a specialized lab focused on
providing 3D internal part inspection services using
industrial computed tomography (CT) equipment. To learn
more, visit www.jgarantmc.com
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 including
micro-sized parts.
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 a specialized lab focused on
providing 3D internal part inspection services using
industrial computed tomography (CT) equipment. To learn
more, visit www.jgarantmc.com
