Computed tomography (CT) is an X-ray inspection technique that produces high-resolution 3D images of components. After reconstruction, the component can be viewed from any 3D angle, sliced in any direction, measured and even animated in a virtual workspace. This enables detailed analysis of the internal structure of a wide range of components. TWI has acquired the X-Tek 450 keV and 75 keV systems.
In CT the sample is X-rayed from a range of angles over 360 degrees. The TWI installation has a manipulator with 5 degrees of freedom so that all areas of the component can be covered. Software uses the X-ray images to calculate the density at all points within the volume to create a 3D model of the component. The model can be rotated and viewed from any desired position and angle. CT enables complex 3D analysis of the structure of components. It can be used to:
- Verify complex internal structures
- Isolate and inspect internal components
- Measure dimensions and angles within the sample without sectioning it
- Automatically detect and measure internal voids / volumes
- Remove / strip external surfaces from view to ease inspection
Selected Applications
TWI uses CT to inspect a variety of safety critical components:
- Small machine components such as valves of various types, the glow plug described above being an example
- Gauges
- Sensors
- Turbine blades, etc
For more information about TWI's NDT services, please contact us.
