Industrial computed tomography is applied in many industries and in research to examine components non-destructively and without contact. At Element, modern CT scanning systems are available to visualize material structures and flaws in components with high accuracy.
Industrial computed tomography (ICT) is a non-destructive testing method for the precise examination of components. It can be used to create precise internal views of parts, weld seams, and electronic components.
How does an industrial CT scan work?
In principle, industrial CT scanning works like digital radiography: X-rays directed at the test object are absorbed to varying degrees depending on the density and thickness of the material. The residual radiation hits a detector producing a grayscale image.
CT scans produce images by rotating the test object by 360°, producing hundreds of individual images. A 3D model is calculated from these images, which can be examined with analysis software or processed in CAD programs.
Which materials are suitable for scanning?
Depending on the material and size of the test object, the resolution of CT scans is a few micrometers (μ). Industrial CT scanning is suitable for almost all materials and is particularly good for:
- Plastics
- carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP)
- glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP)
- aluminum
- magnesium
Other materials can be better inspected for flaws using other non-destructive testing methods such as:
- Radiography
- Ultrasonic testing
- Eddy current testing
- Dye penetrant testing
- Magnetic particle inspection
- Dimensional inspection
Application of industrial CT scans
The high-resolution and three-dimensional imaging of objects of industrial computed tomography offers numerous applications and possible uses:
DEFECT ANALYSIS
By localizing and evaluating defects such as pores, voids and inclusions, industrial computed tomography supports the improvement of operational processes such as
- production start-up
- tool optimization
- production control and optimization
- quality assurance
- failure analysis
3D MEASUREMENT AND METROLOGY
Precise 3D measurement of external and internal components enables metrological applications
- target/actual comparisons and actual/actual comparisons
- wall thickness measurement
- surface determination
ASSEMBLY AND JOINING INSPECTION
Assembly defects can be detected by industrial CT non-destructively and without disassembly of the assembly:
- final assembly inspection
- incorrectly inserted or forgotten components
- position of seals
- analysis of soldering points
- visualization of leaks and corrosion
REVERSE ENGINEERING
CT scans of existing components enable the creation of drawings or CAD data sets, e.g. for the
- digitization of handmade prototypes
- digitization of spare parts that are no longer available
Industrial CT scanning at Element
The Element Aalen laboratory in Germany uses modern CT scanners with up to 450 kV power for high-precision examination of components and encapsulated electronic assemblies. The examination and evaluation can be carried out according to individual customer requirements and industry-specific standards.
For more information about our industrial computed tomography services or to request a quote, contact us today.
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