Industrial CT Scanners

Industrial CT (Computed Tomography) is a non-destructive testing and measurement technology that uses X-rays to create detailed 3D images of an object's internal and external features:

Industrial CT works by taking hundreds or thousands of 2D X-ray images of an object from different angles, then using computer processing to construct a detailed 3D model. This process reveals:

•    Internal structures and geometries
•    Material variations and densities
•    Defects, voids, or cracks
•    Precise dimensional measurements

Key applications include:

Manufacturing Quality Control - Inspecting parts for internal defects, measuring wall thickness, and verifying complex internal geometries.
Reverse Engineering - Creating detailed 3D models of existing parts, including internal features that can't be measured with traditional methods.
Failure Analysis - Examining failed components to understand root causes without destroying the evidence.
Assembly Verification - Checking assembled products for proper component placement and potential interference.

Unlike medical CT scanners, industrial CT systems:

•    Use higher energy X-rays to penetrate dense materials like metals
•    Offer higher resolution (down to micrometers)
•    Can handle larger and heavier objects
•    Often provide more detailed measurement capabilities
 

1.  X-ray Generation

• A powerful X-ray source generates a beam of X-rays
• The energy level is adjusted based on the material density and thickness being scanned

2. Object Positioning

• The part is placed on a precision rotary table between the X-ray source and detector
• The table's position and movement are computer-controlled for precise positioning

3. X-ray Penetration and Detection

• X-rays pass through the object
• Dense areas absorb more X-rays, while less dense areas allow more X-rays to pass through
• A digital detector panel captures the X-rays that pass through the object, creating a 2D projection image

4. Rotation and Image Capture

• The part rotates through 360 degrees in small increments
• At each increment, a 2D X-ray image is captured
• Typically hundreds or thousands of 2D images are collected during one complete rotation

5. Data Processing

• Specialized software processes all the 2D X-ray images
• Using complex algorithms, it reconstructs these images into a 3D volume
• The reconstruction creates a complete 3D model made up of voxels (3D pixels)

6. Analysis and Measurement

• The 3D model can be sliced in any direction for internal viewing
• Software tools allow precise measurements of internal and external features
• Different materials can be distinguished based on density variations
• Defects, voids, or inclusions become visible in the 3D model

Key Technical Parameters:

• X-ray power (typically 100-450 kV for industrial applications)
• Detector resolution and size
• Geometric magnification (determined by source-to-object and object-to-detector distances)
• Number of projections (2D images) taken
• Reconstruction algorithms used