GE

Sensing & Inspection Technologies

3D Computed Tomography
on the basis of industrial x-ray technology

Y
X
The basics
X-ray inspection of cast parts is used
to detect inclusions, such as gas, air or
foreign bodies based on the attenua-
tion difference between the material
and inclusions. This technology is avail-
able in various forms to satisfy the full
range of quality requirements. The dif-
ferent solutions offered, for instance,
range from manual radioscopic sam-
pling inspections to the unattended,
fully automated in-line inspection and
classification of cast parts.
Industrial x-ray-based computed to-
mography (CT) is typically used for de-
X-ray source
Tube control
Requirements
Foundries are constantly facing new
challenges to reduce weights whilst
cutting production times and improving
quality.
However, safety remains one of the
key issues in all areas of the industry
involved with the manufacturing or
handling of safety-related products.
fect analysis and the measurement
of either metallic or plastic cast parts.
This is an integral method of non-de-
structive inspection, particularly suited
to the determination, description and
measurement of large-area defects in
materials and components.
In order to generate a three-dimension-
al CT image, a series of two-dimension-
al images are first taken while rotating
the sample 360 in small increments
(of <1). These projections contain in-
formation about the position and den-
sity of absorbing object features in the
Test sample
Incremental
rotation
Radiation
CNC sample carrier
Computed tomography/volume reconstruction
How it works
For this reason, any pores, blowholes,
cracks and inclusions have to be
detected at an early stage to enable
an optimization of the production
processes, thus ensuring that there are
no defective parts in the final products.
One area whose importance is growing
is the non-destructive measurement
sample. This data is then combined
with the geometric data of the struc-
ture to generate a numerical recon-
struction of the volume. The resulting
volumetric data set is then visualized in
cross-sectional planes or as a 3D view.
The surfaces can be extracted from
the volumetric data as isosurfaces or
point clouds. This data can then be
measured using standard geometries
or compared with CAD data. This is the
only way of measuring objects with
complex internal geometries in a non-
destructive manner.
Detector
Data acquisition
of internal component structures.
Computed tomography, for instance,
allows considerable time to be saved
in initial sampling. Construction that
remains true to the drawing in terms of
geometry or the detection of changes
after stress can go a long way towards
reducing production costs and early
weakness detection.
Different measurement methods
2D/3D defect analysis
CT makes it possible for a test sample to be
represented as a 3-dimensional object with all
internal information included. The volumetric
data acquired enables a precise analysis to be
performed of the position, size and frequency of
defects (such as pores, blowholes and inclusions)
in the component. Analysis of the defects can be
performed using either multi-positional 2D cross-
section planes or the 3D volume view.

3D image-based defect analysis

Dimensional measurement
The volumetric data acquired using CT contains
geometric information for the entire specimen. It
is therefore perfect for performing a dimension-
al inspection of component structures that are
either not visible from the outside or difficult to
access. The wall thicknesses of the entire speci-
men can be measured in addition to distances,
holes, radiuses, angles and other internal struc-
tures. CT remains the only non-destructive meth-
od for the precise measurement of complex
internal component structures.
Dimensional measurement

Nominal / actual comparison

CT technology can be used to capture internal
component structures and generate Voxel sur-
face data from these. This surface data or original
CT Voxel data set can then be compared with the
original CAD data from the component. To do this,
the two are overlaid virtually and each individu-
al variance is determined automatically at every
position within the object. The variances are then
colour coded or assigned numbers.

Nominal / actual comparison

Reverse engineering
CT data can also be used for the non-destructive
recovery of component geometry data. Dedicat-
ed software can be used to reimport the surface
generated from the Voxel data back into a CAD
model. These real surfaces can thus flow back
into the CAD process and be used to accelerate
and, in some cases, even make possible the re-
construction, alteration or replication of spare
parts.

Reverse engineering
Our solutions
phoenix|x-ray v|tome|x L 450
Max. inspection volume (D x H) 800 mm x 1000 mm
Resolution up to <2 m (depending on sample size)
Max. test sample weight 100 kg
X-ray tubes
Max. voltage 450 kV (optional) + 240 KV microfocus
Detector Various solutions available

phoenix|x-ray v|tome|x L 240

Max. inspection volume (D x H) 500 mm x 600 mm
Resolution <2 (optional 1 )
Max. test sample weight 50 kg
X-ray tubes
Max. voltage 240 KV microfocus
Detector Various solutions available

phoenix|x-ray x|argos|ct compact

Max. inspection volume (D x H) 335 mm x 550 mm
Resolution 100 m, 12 bit dynamic
Max. test sample weight 50 kg
X-ray tubes
Max. voltage 320 KV
Detector Line detector

CT package for phoenix|x-ray x|argos

Max. inspection volume (D x H) 110 mm x 700 mm (M=1.25)
Resolution 100 m
Max. test sample weight 100 kg
X-ray tubes
Max. voltage 240 KV microfocus
Detector Various solutions available

CT package for SEIFERT X-Cube

Max. inspection volume (D x H) 110 mm x 700 mm (M=1.25)
Resolution 100 m
Max. test sample weight 100 kg
X-ray tubes
Max. voltage 225 KV
Detector Various solutions available

Benefits to you
Saves time by eliminating the need for time-consuming micrographs or destructive inspection
Provides precise inspection results for a wide variety of applications and materials
Reduces costs by optimizing the production process
Ensures consistently high standards of product quality

www.gesensinginspection.com

GEIT-30011DE (10/09)

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Contact: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH, Bogenstrasse 41, 22926 Ahrensburg, Germany, T +49 (0)4102 807 240