High-Voltage Microfocus CT System inspects large, dense parts.
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Press Release Summary:
Used for measurement as well as non-destructive testing and inspection, XT H 450 employs 450 kV microfocus source and is available with flat panel or curved linear diode array (CLDA) detector. Source's open-tube design with user-replaceable filaments offers virtually unlimited lifetime with minimal maintenance, and spot size ranges from 50–320 µm (depending on power). Walk-in cabinet features pneumatically controlled door and measurement volume of 400 x 600 x 600 mm.
Original Press Release:
High-Voltage Microfocus CT System for Inspecting Large and Dense Parts
The XT H 450 from Nikon Metrology sets a new standard for measurement and non-destructive testing and inspection, especially of turbine blades and cast metal parts. At the core of this powerful equipment is the in-house-designed, 450kV microfocus source, the only one on the market, providing superior resolution and accuracy compared to traditional minifocus sources.
The system is available with a flat panel or curved linear diode array (CLDA) detector. The latter optimises the collection of X-rays by eliminating scatter phenomena that typically corrupt 2D radiographs of metal parts.
Featuring a spot size of 50 to 320 µm (depending on the power), 3 to 8 times smaller than corresponding minifocus systems, the 450 kV microfocus source provides industry-leading performance for inspection of small, high density parts or castings, including steel and aluminium, with unrivalled accuracy and resolution. Thanks to its open-tube design with user-replaceable filaments, the source has a virtually unlimited lifetime with a very low maintenance costs.
For the most demanding applications, the high-brilliance version delivers 450 W of continuous power, without any measurement time restriction, whilst maintaining a smaller spot size of 50 to 113 µm depending on the power, up to 10 times better than a minifocus source. Compared to the standard source, the high-brilliance version allows data to be collected typically three to five times faster for a given spot size and power. Alternatively for a given power or measurement time, the available resolution will be higher, so the data quality is improved.
The system is available with a flat panel for radiography and 3D cone-beam CT or a proprietary CLDA for 2D fan-beam CT that optimises the collection of the X-rays, without capturing the undesired scattered X-rays. By avoiding image pollution and associated contrast reduction, the CLDA realises stunning image sharpness and contrast.
A newly designed, walk-in cabinet features a large, pneumatically controlled door and the measurement volume of 400 x 600 x 600 mm is sufficient to measure larger parts such as engine components. The manipulator can accommodate samples weighing up to 100 kg. Generators, safety systems, power distribution and pneumatics are easily accessible through the wide service doors, enabling easy maintenance.
Further benefiting ergonomics and ease of use are the controls, including joysticks and twin control monitors as well as the cabinet CCTV monitor mounted on a swing arm.
Turbine blade inspection
A challenge for today’s turbine blade manufacturers is to produce lighter components to optimise fuel efficiency. The wall thickness of modern blades as well as the correct location of cooling channels is of utmost importance to performance. With an XT H 450 and a CLDA, blade wall thickness measurements to an accuracy of ±25 µm can be achieved. In a production environment, the system runs automatic data acquisition, high-speed CT reconstruction and inspection, generating a pass / fail status for each inspected part.
Automotive casting inspection
Automotive manufacturers are developing more compact aluminum engines with thinner walls to reduce engine weight and lower fuel consumption. As consequence, it is critical that smaller voids in the aluminum are detected. Where a minifocus system is capable of detecting larger voids in cast engine parts, tinier voids can only be detected by a microfocus X-ray system.
Other automotive cast parts such as impellers and turbine housings require a similar system for high accuracy inspection. By calibrating the XT H 450, it is possible to inspect dimensionally both internal and external surfaces and features. Automotive manufacturers therefore benefit from the combination of NDT defect analysis and dimensional inspection using a single system.
ABOUT NIKON METROLOGY
Nikon Metrology offers the broadest range of metrology solutions for applications ranging from miniature electronics to the largest aircrafts. Nikon Metrology’s innovative measuring and precision instruments contribute to a high performance design-through-manufacturing process that allows manufacturers to deliver premium quality products in a shorter time.
On behalf of:Â Â Â
Nikon Metrology NV
Geldenaaksebaan 329
B3001 Leuven, Belgium
Tel: +32 16 74 01 00
Contact:
Renaat Van Cauter
Director Marketing Communications
E-mail: renaat.vancauter@nikonmetrology.com
Web site: www.nikonmetrology.com
Issued by:
THE RIGHT IMAGE Ltd
PO Box 42, Twickenham
TW1 1BQ, UK
Tel: 020 8891 0603
Contact:
Chris Wright
E-mail: chris@therightimage.net
Web site: www.therightimage.net
