3D computed tomography

Exact digital images of your components

3d computed tomography offers solutions for complex challenges

3D computed tomography makes possible not only quality control inside a component, but also permits the preparation of exact three-dimensional models for nominal-actual comparisons using the CAD data, as well as the preparation of initial sample test reports. 3D CT also provides valuable support during reverse engineering.

Do you have questions about industrial CT? Then call us straight away!

+49 7022 2796-680 info@qa-group.com

Look inside your components with 3d computed tomography

Many defects in components, such as shrinkage cavities, pores or inclusions cannot be seen from the exterior and are therefore difficult to verify during conventional quality control. Nevertheless, they can cause serious defects with catastrophic consequences. 3D computed tomography reliably detects these defects. With our practical test reports we provide you a tool with which you can efficiently find the cause.

Fast, reliable
measurement results

  • Non-destructive testing of your components
  • Clear 3D depiction
  • Ability to detect detail down to 0.2 µm
  • Maximum component size 550 x 1,200 mm
  • Measurements of fragile components and components sensitive to physical contact
  • Acquisition of all internal geometries, such as bores, channels, hollow spaces and much more
  • Versatile volume-based analysis options, e.g. porosity analysis, nominal-actual comparison, wall thickness analysis or three-dimensional measurements

The right ct system for every requirement

  VARIAN 800 GE v | tonne | x
© General Electric
Deutschland Holding GmbH
ZEISS METROTOM 800
© Carl Zeiss AG
GE microme | x
© General Electric
Deutschland Holding GmbH
GE Nanotom M
© General Electric
Deutschland Holding GmbH
  VARIAN 800 GE v | tome | x M300 ZEISS METROTOM 800 GE microme | x GE Nanotom M
Power (kV) 450 kV 300 kV 225 kV 180 kV 180 kV
Resolution max.
(depending on component size)
200 pm 7 pm 7 pm 0.5 pm 0.2 pm
Component size max./
Scan volume
Ø = 550 mm
h = 1200 mm
Ø = 360 mm
h = 400 mm
Ø = 250 mm
h = 300 mm
Ø = 680 mm
h = 385 mm
Ø = 240 mm
h = 250 mm
Component spectrum Large components,
aluminium components:
cylinder heads,
gearbox housings
Mixed material,
cordless screwdrivers,
drilling machines,
power modules
Plastic components,
fibre composites,
connectors
Printed circuit boards,
power modules,
connections or
integrated circuits
Small components,
sensors,
chips,
electronics

Applications for 3D computed tomography

Non-destructive 3d testing
for various applications

Analyses for e-mobility
© sdecoret - stock.adobe.com

Automotive

Analysis areas - Lightweight/materials research
© xiaoliangge- stock.adobe.com

Lightweight design and material research

Areas of analysis - injection molded parts
© oyoo - stock.adobe.com

Injection moulding and aluminium casting

Analyses for electronics production
© JOGI - stock.adobe.com

Electronics manufacturing

Quality assurance and monitoring in additive manufacturing
© Pixel_B - stock.adobe.com

Additive manufacturing

Analyzes of compliance with safety standards in the plastics industry
© MaciejBledowski – stock.adobe.com

Plastics industry

Added value at quality analysis

Speed

You receive from us precise measurement results, even at short notice. We have both the necessary personnel and a large range of equipment with excellent CT systems.

Quality

We provide highly precise measurements of workpieces, initial samples and series production components of any size and in any quantity. For this purpose, we have more than 1,000 m² of accredited, permanently air-conditioned measuring rooms.

Range of equipment

Our computer tomographs from well-known brand-name manufacturers such as Zeiss cover power spectra up to 450 kV. Our evaluation software also meets the highest requirements.

Accreditation

The accreditation of our inspection methods and measuring rooms signifies for you certainty, dependability and objectivity while our experts undertake your order.

With extensive experience, excellent equipment and sound expertise, our experts obtain the best from every analytical method so that you can rely on excellent measurement results.

+49 7022 2796-680 info@qa-group.com

How does 3d computed tomography work?

From the x-ray image to the 3d model

Industrial computed tomography provides three-dimensional images that make visible the structures inside a component scanned. For the 3D model, first a series of two-dimensional X-ray images are prepared from various angles and virtual sections of the component calculated from these images. These sections are in turn reconstructed to produce a virtual 3D volume. The data generated are then prepared using a special software application which makes possible numerous uses, e.g. assessment of the dimensional accuracy, analysis of defects and flaws or feedback into a CAD model. We undertake the evaluation using VGStudio MAX and ZEISS Inspect Professional.

What are the most important ct scanning methods?

There are two basic CT methods, specifically the cone beam method and the fan beam method. We have a comprehensive range of equipment for 3D computed tomography for all power classes up to 450 kV and offer both scanning methods. We use these methods to analyse vary small components as well as for large items with a diameter of up to 550 mm and a height of up to 1,200 mm.

Cone beam method

In the cone beam method the conical X-rays are acquired by a digital flat-panel detector after passing through the component. The fast cone beam method permits shorter measuring times and is particularly suitable for smaller components for the three-dimensional depiction of internal structures and for the detection of flaws.

Technical equipment:

  • ZEISS Metrotom 800 (225 kV, 3D CT)
  • GE v | tome | x M (300 kV, 3D CT)
  • GE microme | x (180 kV, 2D X-ray)
  • GE nanotom m (180 kV, 3D CT)

Fan beam method

In the fan beam method the fan-shaped X-rays are acquired by a line detector after passing through the component. During this process, individual cross-sections are obtained that yield a 3D volume by means of vertical stitching or by stacking the layers. The fan beam method is particularly suitable for large components and components with thick walls, e.g. cylinder blocks, for defect inspection and for measuring dimensions.

Technical equipment:

  • Varian ACTIS 800 (450 kV, 3D CT)
DAkkS accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025

Accredited test laboratory
for 3d computed tomography

Our organisation is accredited in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 by Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS). We are one of the few test laboratories in Europe in which all specialist areas have been successfully accredited.

You can read more about the advantages our accreditation offers you here:

Find out more

Frequently asked questions about 3d computed tomography

Which defects can be found with the aid of 3d computed tomography?

3D computed tomography (3D CT) is excellently suited to the detection of component defects that are not visible from the exterior, for instance shrinkage cavities, pores or inclusions, even cracks or residues such as metal powder can be detected reliably. For this reason 3D CT is also often used for the inspection of castings.

How is 3d computed tomography used in industry?

As part of industrial computed tomography, 3D CT makes it possible to undertake not only exact measurements (e.g. of the wall thickness) on the object inspected, it also allows us to compare the results of the 3D measurement directly with the CAD data (preparation of nominal-actual comparisons).

What are the advantages of 3d computed tomography?

By preparing a three-dimensional model, the structures inside the component can be acquired holistically and clearly, unlike, for example, in optical metrology. Defects, shrinkage cavities, inclusions, pores and much more are not only detected more easily, they can also be located precisely.

Furthermore, measurements that would be very difficult to make on the real component can be undertaken straightforwardly on the 3D model. This aspect relates, e.g. to wall thickness analysis or the measurement of internal volumes.

QUALITY ANALYSIS

the right partner

for 3d computed tomography

What can we measure and analyse for you?
We would be pleased to advise you about the numerous possibilities and combined analytical methods. The goal: the best, most cost-effective and most efficient analysis of your component.


Call us, we look forward to hearing from you!

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