CT Scanning
What can we offer?
- Our engineering team can help you apply the best technology for the project, considering what data needs to be captured and the ultimate output requirements. Where required we would recommend applying CT scanning.
- Ultimately, CT Scanning (or computed tomography scanning) is one of the solutions we can apply in the data capture process. It provides our clients with the best opportunity of applying the correct technology for the job.
What is CT Scanning?
Our industrial CT scanning services use X-ray equipment to produce internal and external 3D representations of a part. It can be used for internal quality inspection of components in many engineering sectors.
Why use CT Scanning?
- Industrial CT Scanning services provide the ability to inspect the internal features of components.
- This process is non-destructive allowing key internal parts to be seen in their functioning position and analysed without disassembly; areas where 3D optical scanning can’t provide a solution.
- In reverse engineering projects when the part to be scanned cannot be sectioned for data capture (which rules out the 3D optical scanning process) CT scanning can provide an accurate alternative.
Benefits of CT Scanning
Reduced product development time
Physical prototypes can be proven quickly with CT scanning services, helping reduce the design and development process. This enables companies to get products to market quicker.
Increased production ability
Internal components can be prototyped and replicated much quicker and without the need for CAD files to be created from scratch. Prototypes and full production can be completed in less time than ever before. This means businesses can improve production performance in less time.
Improved product quality and accuracy
Industrial CT scanning services allow precision measurements to be taken, identifying even the most minor flaws. This allows adjustments to be easily made during the product development process, enabling the final products to have a higher degree of accuracy and quality. More accurate final products reduce the need for replacements and product recalls.
Reduced operating costs
The ability to inspect the interior of components without disassembling them dramatically reduces the time needed for inspections and analysis, thereby reducing operating costs.
Where do we usually apply CT Scanning technology?
- 3D Metrology
- Advanced Material Analysis
- Verification of Assembly Accuracy
- Failure Analysis (non-destructive)
- Inspection of metal castings; typically aluminium and steel
- Internal and External Measurements
- Non-Destructive Testing / Inspection
- Product Quality Compliance/Screening
- Quality Inspection of parts as part of a quality control process
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Reverse Engineering Applications
- Weld Quality Analysis & Verification
We have a full glossary of terms relating to CT scanning & 3D scanning.
Advancements supporting the growing use of industrial CT scanning in manufacturing
A Qualitymag.com article outlined the four advancements that are supporting the growing use of industrial CT scanning amongst component manufacturers.
1. Advancements in Image Quality
One contributing factor to industrial CT scanning’s growth is how the technology for digital detectors has improved. Not only have digital detectors improved in capturing better image quality, the increase in detector sizes has also allowed manufacturers who produce larger parts to use industrial CT scanning effectively as well.
2. Advancements in CT technology have produced better NDT & Metrology Solutions
The ability to inspect internal features of a component without the need to disassemble the part is one of the biggest contributing factors to why industrial CT scanning’s use is increasing in manufacturing.
For example, within the aerospace industry, industrial CT scanning is helping manufacturers with their strict part validation requirements, especially during pre-production inspection stages. The effectiveness of industrial CT scanning for Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Measurement (GDTM) plans for first article inspection reports also has contributed to increased use of industrial CT scanning within the aerospace, automotive, and medical technology sectors.
NASA used industrial CT scanning in the re-design of rocket parts using 3D printing. Before testing the 3D printed rocket injector, engineers used CT scans to ensure the part was fabricated according to the design.
An added value with industrial CT scanning is that one set of scan data can be used for several post processing analyses, such as;
• inspecting for porosity/inclusions,
• comparisons between parts
• comparisons to the CAD model,
• inconsistencies in part wall thickness,
• reverse engineering.
As an end-to-end part inspection solution, industrial CT scanning has proven its worth as a practical method for inspecting parts at any stage of inspection with many analytical options to choose from.
3. Advancements in Software Capabilities
Despite these significant advancements in technology, in actuality, it’s the software and computing power capabilities that continue to be a huge contributing factor to industrial CT scanning’s use today.
4. Increased Service Providers
Perhaps the biggest contributing factor to the continuous increase in industrial CT scanning’s use is the service providers.
With the introduction of industrial CT scanning labs providing internal and external part inspection services using various systems for different applications, manufacturers have been able to develop higher quality standards for their parts.
Having access to multiple CT systems at their fingertips, manufacturers are now able to verify parts accurately, and keep up with the increasing demand for high quality parts without having to invest large amounts of capital.
If you would like to discuss your project and how our solutions can help you, then please
call us for a chat at +44 (0) 114 321 6375 or contact us.