In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, product development is not merely about conceptualization and manufacturing; it’s about precision, efficiency, and innovation. To meet the demands of customers and stay ahead in competitive markets, companies are increasingly turning to cutting-edge technologies. One such innovation that has revolutionized the product development process is Industrial CT Scanning.
What is Industrial CT Scanning?
Industrial CT (Computed Tomography) is a technology taken from medical CT and brought into the product development and engineering fields. It is changing how product development is being approached and executed. Engineers are unlocking a new way to inspect their parts and accelerating the ability for engineers to make decisions using CT scanning. It brings a non-destructive method into a space that historically uses destructive methods for dimensioning and internal inspections of parts. The ability to get internal details of parts without sectioning a part speeds up the processing time and can produce results much faster than previously used methods.
Industrial CT scanning utilizes x-ray to shoot energy through the part and the detector is able to capture the shadows produced by the part based on the different densities of the part being scanned. The turntable of the machine rotates the part to ensure all different sides of the part are captured, hundreds of x-rays are taken of the part. The machine software then is able to merge the images together to create a 3D image of the part. These recreated images are able to then be measured and compared to different specifications defined in drawings or CAD files.
Benefits of Industrial CT Scanning
Industrial CT (Computed Tomography) scanning offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable tool in various industries. Here are some key advantages:
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) – CT scanning allows for the detailed inspection of an object’s internal and external structures without causing any damage. This is particularly crucial for high-value or limited-quantity items.
- High-Resolution Imaging – Industrial CT scanners provide high-resolution images that can reveal minute details within a component. This level of detail is beneficial for detecting common causes of medical device inconsistencies and defects such as leaky connectors / seals, assembly misalignment, mechanical failures, material fractures, pitting, voids, porosity and variation in material density. These are features that might not be visible to the naked eye or with other traditional inspection methods.
- Comprehensive Analysis – Unlike traditional x-ray techniques that only provide 2D images, CT scanning offers a complete 3D view of both internal and external features. This allows for a more thorough examination, enabling engineers to identify potential issues early in the product development process. For inspections, Industrial CT scanning can differentiate between different materials within an assembly based on the density of materials.
- Enhanced Quality Control and Assurance – Using CT scanning for quality control ensures that products meet strict standards and specifications. It helps in identifying manufacturing defects early, reducing the risk of defective products reaching customers. This leads to improved product reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Reverse Engineering – CT scanning is an excellent tool for reverse engineering. It can accurately capture the geometry of complex parts, which can then be used to create detailed CAD models. This is particularly useful for legacy parts, competitive benchmarking, and product development.
- Rapid Prototyping and Development – In the product development phase, CT scanning allows for quick verification of prototypes. This speeds up the iteration process by providing immediate feedback on the internal and external geometries, helping to identify and correct design flaws early.
- Precise Measurement and Metrology – Industrial CT scanning is ideal for precise dimensional measurements, particularly for complex geometries that are difficult to measure with traditional tools. This precision is crucial for industries requiring high accuracy, such as aerospace and medical devices.
Industrial CT scanning is a versatile tool that enhances inspection, quality control, and research across various industries. Its ability to provide detailed, non-destructive insights into the internal and external structures of components makes it indispensable for modern manufacturing and engineering.
Why work with DDL?
DDL is an ISO 17025 certified testing laboratory. From dimensional inspection of small-bore connectors to first article inspections on assemblies, we utilize custom fixturing and programming to meet the measurement needs of various types of parts. We leverage our equipment to run inspections on parts to ensure assemblies do not have defects, evaluate porosity and ensure additive manufactured parts do not have voids or issues given their design / purpose. Each project is unique and will be evaluated upon request.
Please contact us for more information or to talk to one of our engineers.
