From Garage Startup to a Global Technology Leader


phoenix | x-ray inspection and CT products from GE celebrates 15 years



Wunstorf, Germany. — From humble beginnings in a double garage in Wunstorf Germany, phoenix | x-ray and computed tomography (CT) products from GE have grown to become a global technology leader. In April 2014 the phoenix | x-ray product line celebrates its 15th anniversary, and looks toward future growth as 3D CT solutions drive productivity improvements on the production floor in the automotive, aerospace and power generation industries.



The product line was founded in 1999 near Hanover to serve the electronics industry with 2D microfocus X-ray inspection systems produced in the original Wunstorf garage. Just two years later, phoenix | x-ray was the first to introduce an industrial nanofocus X-ray tube and in 2007 the company was acquired by GE.



Today thousands of phoenix | x-ray systems have been supplied worldwide for use in the aerospace, automotive, energy and electronics industries. Products range from compact 2D X-ray inspection systems to 3D CT systems with walk-in radiation protection cabins that can perform three-dimensional analysis of large components such as cylinder heads or aero engine fan blades. At the other end of the spectrum, materials scientists use high-resolution nanoCT® systems from GE to perform three-dimensional analysis of structures manifold smaller than the thickness of a human hair.



"The phoenix | x-ray product line is an integral part of GE's Measurement and Control offering, and has consistently been at the forefront of technological development," said Juan Mario Gomez, general manager– Radiography for GE Measurement and Control. "We will continue to introduce new technologies and applications that improve our customers' productivity in their operations and in the field."



Phoenix | x ray products continue to be manufactured in Wunstorf, Germany near Hanover. Additional application centers are located in Ahrensburg, Stuttgart, Munich, France, the United States, Brazil, South Korea, Japan and China.



Computed Tomography replaces destructive tests and tedious measurements

By offering high resolution three dimensional imaging and allowing users to create virtually any cut through the interior of a sample, CT technology opens new possibilities for analysis and quality control.  Differences in material composition or density can be visualized three-dimensionally.  This makes it possible to detect pores, cracks or inclusions without destroying the object under examination.



CT scans acquire all the surface points of an object simultaneously, enabling the precise 3D measurement of components to the accuracy of a few micrometers. This is something that cannot be performed non-destructively by coordinate measurement methods, especially if the part has hidden surfaces not accessible for tactile or optical measurement methods.



Recent developments in industrial computed tomography have allowed customers to realize enormous efficiency and productivity benefits by bringing advanced measurement out of the research laboratory into the production process. There is no doubt that the next 15 years will bring continued technological advancement, with GE' phoenix business as a technology leader.



About Measurement & Control

Measurement & Control Solutions delivers accuracy, productivity and safety to a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation and healthcare. It has over 40 facilities in 25 countries and is part of GE Energy Services, which provides cleaner, smarter, more efficient solutions for its customers. For further information visit, www.ge-mcs.com/phoenix



About GE Oil & Gas

GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world's toughest challenges. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, health care solutions and television programming, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.



GE Oil & Gas is a world leader in advanced technologies and services with 43,000 employees in more than 100 countries supporting customers across the industry—from extraction to transportation to end use. Our unrelenting commitment to the environment, health and safety, quality and integrity defines us: it's The Way We Work. We develop smart solutions for our customers across the oil and gas value chain delivering the innovation, customized service solutions, training programs and technology that helps them to maximize their efficiency, productivity and equipment reliability. We partner with our customers to develop their next generation workforce; help them to fully benefit from the megatrends of natural gas, the growth of subsea and hard-to-reach reserves and the revolution in asset health management.



Contact for Reader Inquiries:

GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH

phoenix|x-ray

Niels-Bohr-Str. 7

D-31515 Wunstorf

Tel.: +49 5031 172-0

phoenix-info@ge.com

www.ge-mcs.com/phoenix



Media Contact:

Dr. Dirk Neuber

Measurement & Control

Niels-Bohr-Str. 7

31515 Wunstorf

Germany

+49 5031 172-124

dirk.neuber@ge.com


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