X-ray CT Inspection Services

DR provides a flat, 2D radiograph, similar to a traditional medical X-ray. DR is great for fast, routine inspections as well as real-time evaluation. CT builds on DR by capturing hundreds or thousands of DR radiographs around an axis of rotation and then compiling them into a 3D volumetric reconstruction. CT scans provide data easier to visualise and interpret and offer much more advanced inspection capabilities, especially on complex objects.

The types of parts vary greatly depending on the physical size of the system and the power of the X-ray source. We have a wide range of systems and have inspected objects varying in size from small to very large.

X-ray CT scan resolution depends on many factors, including part size, X-ray source, detector, technique, and area of interest. The sample size is often the most significant determining factor in scan resolution – the smaller the item, the higher the resolution we can achieve. We’ve scanned very small samples in the 1 to 10-micron range and large samples in the 100 to 200-micron resolution range. A discussion with our technicians about your sample and needs can usually give a good idea of what resolution to expect.

The resolution does not equal defect detectability. Ideally, you want your scan resolution to be three times better than the defect size you are trying to find. For example, if you are seeking a 15-micron defect, your scan resolution should be 5 microns or better. There are exceptions to this, but this is a good starting point for establishing expectations.

Typical deliverables for our X-ray CT Inspection Services include the full CT reconstruction exported into a packaged myVGL format, a free viewer which allows you to open and manipulate the scan data on any computer without downloading additional software. Also included are images, videos, and advanced analysis reports specific to the project and customer’s needs. Additionally, we offer an optional web meeting to review the data and guide you through the software.

We can detect a variety of internal defects, including casting defects, cracks, pinholes, voids, air bubbles, dimensional defects, and foreign matter contamination. Nikon propose the optimal inspection method tailored to the type and shape of the material.

We can handle a wide range of materials and products, including metals, resins, ceramics, electronic components, composite materials, aluminum, iron, plastics, rubber, carbon, and castings. We serve various industries and applications, including automotive parts, precision instruments, medical equipment, and aircraft parts. Please feel free to contact us even if you are unsure whether a material or product can be inspected by X-ray.

Non-contact three-dimensional measuring machines and 3D digitisers are mainly used for measuring the shape of the exterior or surface, but measuring the dimensions of metallic or transparent products can be difficult. On the other hand, X-ray CT can measure dimensions without cutting the sample and can also detect internal defects, foreign matter contamination, and structural defects. Ultrasonic inspection mainly provides two-dimensional results, and magnetic particle testing and penetrant testing are limited to detecting defects on or near the surface. In contrast, X-ray CT has the advantage of being able to detect complex internal problems that are difficult to find with these methods with high precision.