Applied Technical Services offers industrial computed tomography scanning as a powerful nondestructive method for detecting flaws and taking internal measurements.
Industry-focused businesses understand the importance of testing their equipment parts. Preventative maintenance and new product development efforts hinge on finding the flaws and weaknesses of important components before something goes wrong – failure is not an option in the aviation and nuclear industries, for instance. Companies subject their assets to inspection for that reason. Inspectors, usually engineers or technicians, are trained to ensure that no avoidable problem sneaks up on the critical equipment that keeps industry running.
Nondestructive testing is the preferred family of analysis method for customers; if the subject passes its inspection, putting the part back into use is a far more attractive prospect than losing it entirely.
Strengths and Uses of Industrial CT
Industrial Computed Tomography is one of the most comprehensive and powerful NDT methods available. It uses X-rays to build an image of the test material as if it had been sectioned in layers. An X-ray emitter takes multiple projections of the subject while rotating around it, which are received by a DR imaging panel.
The projections capture the subject from every angle and can be assembled into a single 3D model for easy manipulation and study. Because it is a composite made of many images, the model shows features beneath the exterior surface of the subject with an incredible amount of detail — far more clarity than afforded by conventional radiography methods. CT also employs the precision of 3D scanning methods, allowing the computer to measure internal components and flaws volumetrically by comparing the scanned model to its CAD model.
Computed Tomography is a multifaceted inspection method because it gives multiple test results for the same amount of time and effort spent on performing one test. Because this scanning method includes features of both X-ray and 3D inspections, technicians can measure both coating and surface material thickness readings on the subject without having to perform a further ultrasonic thickness test.
Though this technology has been available to the medical field for decades, it was a costly and cumbersome prospect for use in other industries. Due to recent improvements in complementary technology, such as computers with greater processing power and more sensitive DR imaging panels however, Computed Tomography has become a practical testing method for industrial inspections. Scanning test materials now takes a relatively small amount of time, whereas before the process of assembling the 3D model took hours. The improved DR imaging panels are the reason for the higher level of visual detail in each X-rayed projection.
ATS’ expert technicians take advantage of the technological advances of the last few years to provide our clients with an unparalleled view inside of their sample component. The following pieces of machinery allow us to render the incredibly precise images and models that make industrial CT scanning such a sought-after method of analysis:
- Zeiss Metrotom 1500, with a 225kV micro-focus
- Annual A2LA calibration
- Certified to accuracy within 4.5 microns
- Chamber fits specimens up to 11.75 in (300mm) in diameter x 23.6 in (600mm) high. 50 kg (110 lb) weight limit.
- Annual A2LA calibration
- Northstar Imaging X5000
- Minifocus 450kV X-ray projector (0.016” Focal spot at 3mA)
- Dual energy capability with 225kV Microfocus X-ray Machine
- Can achieve focal size as low as 0.0002” (based on voltage)
- Multi-Axis Manipulator (x, z, tilt, rotation), capable of supporting max 250 lb
- Resolution of manipulator angle is 0.001°
- Capture elongated subjects unable to fit within a single exposure by scanning with a spiral acquisition
- Minifocus 450kV X-ray projector (0.016” Focal spot at 3mA)
ATS and CT Scanning Services
Applied Technical Services, LLC has provided engineering consulting and industrial inspection services for over 50 years. We are excited to add Industrial Computed Tomography to our already long list of inspection methods provided. Our talented and certified technicians will analyze clients’ critical equipment parts with our industry-leading CT inspection tools, and assess any current or impending problems. We offer our satisfied clients the most appropriate inspection for their situation, and thorough analysis of their cause for concern at a competitive price – see what ATS can do for you today.