One of the challenges facing manufacturing quality control teams from all industries is knowing what to inspect on their parts and how to inspect them. It can be difficult to know what element of a part is causing failure when you can’t see or assess it with traditional inspection methods.
From vision systems to CMMs and hand tools to microscopes, inspection equipment encompasses a wide range of technology suited for different types of applications. One of these technologies is Industrial Computed Tomography (CT), which uses X-ray radiation to see inside solid structures and perform different measurement analyses.
What is Computed Tomography and How Does it Work?
Computed Tomography is the process of constructing 2D cross-sectional images of an object from radiographic X-ray images. By incrementally rotating an object on the axis and capturing radiographic images at thousands of angles, a CT system is able to gather incredibly useful data about the surface and internal structures of an object.
Those radiographic images are then digitally reconstructed, or Computed, into a set of 2D slices. These 2D slices can then be further rendered into 3D models of scanned objects showing all internal structures and features. The data from these rendered scans can generate millions of data points which can then be analyzed and used to make quality control, engineering, and manufacturing decisions.
No physical contact occurs during a CT scan as photons of X-ray light move through the part. Because of this, industrial CT scanning is considered a non-destructive testing method that can be performed again and again without causing damage or deterioration.
When is CT the Right Inspection Method?
X-ray technology is well suited for applications where the inner structures of a part need to be analyzed. It is designed to handle simple and complex assemblies alike and can scan and analyze each component without disassembly. The data from a single scan then allows defect detection, material analysis, and dimensional metrology to be conducted.
Depending on part composition, size, and density, scans can take anywhere from 2 minutes to several hours to complete, making it a good fit for meeting high throughput demands. RX Solutions CT systems are capable of voxel (i.e. a “3D pixel”) sizes as low as 350 nm allowing for submicron image resolution. These clear, detailed, and non destructive results that are unachievable through other inspection methods.
Is CT Scanning Right for Your Parts & Applications?
Choosing RX Solutions as your partner in CT means choosing innovation and reliability. RX Solutions controls and conducts all research, development, design, and final assembly of the EasyTom line of CT systems and software in-house. This approach ensures the highest standards of performance and reliability, resulting in cutting-edge CT solutions that meet your specific requirements.
The RX Solutions North American Technical Center is hosted at Productivity Quality Inc’s facility in Plymouth, MN. As the North American partner, PQI provides CT scanning services, support, and equipment to industries in US, Canada, and Mexico. PQI caters to many industries including aerospace, automotive, medical & dental, plastic injection, foundry, scientific research, and more.
Request a complimentary scan to explore industrial CT as a solution for your applications.
Why Choose RX Solutions for Your CT Scanning Needs?
RX Solutions controls and conducts all research, development, design, and final assembly of the EasyTom line of CT systems and software.
The RX Solutions North American Technical Center is hosted at Productivity Quality Inc’s facility in Plymouth, MN. PQI provides CT scanning services, support, and equipment to many industries including aerospace, automotive, medical & dental, plastic injection, foundry, and more.
Request a complimentary scan to explore industrial CT as a potential solution for your applications.