The XT H 450 system offers the necessary source power to penetrate through high density parts and generate a scatter-free CT volume with micron accuracy. The system is available with a flat panel or a proprietary Curved Linear Array (CLA) detector that optimizes the collection of the X-rays without capturing the undesired scattered X-rays.
This linear detector realizes stunning image sharpness and contrast by avoiding image pollution and associated contrast reduction. 450 kV and the CLA are ideal for the inspection of small to medium metal alloy turbine blades and casted parts.
450 kV X-ray source provides power to inspect metal partsAt the core of this powerful equipment is a 450 kV/450 W micro-focus source, offering sufficient X-ray power to penetrate dense specimens, such as turbine blades and casted engine parts.
Through automated inspection and high-speed CT reconstruction, blade manufacturers can run detailed CT inspection of turbine blades (e.g. wall thickness) to optimize the fuel economy of jet engines.
The proprietary 450 kV/450 W source is the only micro-focus X-ray source at this energy, and delivers 25 micron repeatability and accuracy! As this micro-focus spot size is considerably smaller than existing mini-focus sources, the level of detail that it captures is beyond comparison. As the X-ray spot size of these sources is orders of magnitude smaller compared to minifocus sources, end users benefit from superior resolution, accuracy and a wider array of measurable parts
When X-rays hit an object, they are absorbed but also scattered, an undesired phenomena that aggravates with the density of the part. Scatter coming from all points of the part reduces image contrast sensitivity, as is visible on flat panel images. The newly developed detector featuring a Curved Linear Array (CLA) of diodes optimizes the collection of the X-rays that travel through the part without capturing the scattered X-rays. By avoiding image pollution and associated contrast reduction, CLA realizes stunning image sharpness and contrast.
The linear array of diodes is curved to further enhance image quality by keeping the X-ray path length to diode receptors constant compared to straight arrays. This allows longer crystals to be used to enhance the X-ray sensitivity and hence boost the signal-to-noise ratio. The XT H 450 manages X-ray data acquisition to generate a 2D slice of highest possible accuracy and in order to obtain a 3D volume, various slices are combined.
With a maximum specimen diameter of 600 mm and 500 mm length, XT H 450 is a flexible X-ray/CT system that deals with multiple small blades at high magnification, and also large blades and large castings. In a production environment, the shop floor friendly system runs automatic data acquisition and inspection based on blade type, generating pass/fail status for each inspected part.
When taking radiographs of turbine blades, raw images and specific information items, such as blade profiles and inner and outer wall thicknesses, are stored in the database for traceability and further analysis.
XT H systems have a full protective enclosure – compliant to CE and DIN 54113 radiation safety standards and have continuous fail-to-safe monitoring during system operation.
Operation requires no special badges or protective clothing.
| Microfocus source | Max. kV | Max. power | Focal spot size | Focal spot size at max power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
450 kV Reflection target  |
450 kV | 450 W | 80 µm up to 50 W | 320 µm at 450 W |
450 kV High brilliance source  |
450 kV | 450 W | 80 µm up to 100 W | 113 µm at 450 W |
| Detectors | # Bits | Active pixels | Pixel Size | Max. frame rate at 1x1 binning | Max. frame rate at 2x2 binning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perkin Elmer 1611 |
16-bit | 4000 x 4000 | 100 µm | 3.75 fps | 7.5 fps |
| Perkin Elmer 1620 |
16-bit | 2000 x 2000 | 200 µm | 3.75 fps | 7.5 fps |
| Perkin Elmer 1621 EHS |
16-bit | 2000 x 2000 | 200 µm | 15 fps | 30 fps |
| Nikon Metrology CLDA |
16-bit | 2000 | 415 µm | 50 fps | 50 fps |
| Combination PE162x & CLDA |
Configuration with both Flat panel and Curved Linear Diode Array detector | ||||
| Manipulator | |
|---|---|
| # Axes | 4 |
|
Axes travel (Typical values - Exact values depend on system configuration) |
(X) 400 mm (Y) 600 mm (Z) 600 mm (Rotate) n*360 |
| Max. sample weight | 100 kg |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Cabinet dimensions (LxWxH) | 3613 mm x 1828 mm x 2249 mm |
| Weight | 14,000 kg |
| Safety | All systems are manufactured to IRR99 |
| Control software | All systems are controlled by Nikon Metrology’s in-house Inspect-X software |
DTU use a high flux Nikon Metrology CT system to non-destructively investigate energy materials such as batteries and fuel cells. The high energy 225 kV microfocus source penetrates dense battery, electrolysis cell and fuel cell samples in the search for suitable materials to develop sustainable, green energy systems.
The Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico, is one of the country’s most prestigious universities. Its mission is to give its students “the capacity to innovate and apply knowledge with quality and social relevance.”
X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History is delivering new knowledge from ancient specimens
Advanced filters are used in many industries such as automotive, medical, oil & air filtration. As filters are often complex assemblies, advanced inspection techniques help to provide a better insight in structural or operational deficiencies such as internal voids, sealing problems or filter tears.
Computed Tomography transforms automotive turbocharger R&D at BorgWarner by non-destructively inspecting components and assemblies.
The PMA division of Leuven’s university is using X-ray CT machines to research and measure the interiors of complex AM components such as a hollow hydroformed camshaft, a 3D printed mould with conformal cooling channels.
The µ-VIS X-ray Imaging Center at the University of Southampton provides consultancy services to examine the internal structure of objects. The XT H 450 supports research in fields such as biomedical science, engineering and archaeology.
The unique microfocus XT H 450 is capable of measuring large parts and penetrates dense materials, opening CT applications for turbine blades, aluminium castings or larger fossil or rock samples, making it the must-have tool of quality departments.
An exciting link-up between high-tech industry and international universities, the secrets of the Antikythera Mechanism – were unraveled using the unique 400kV microfocus CT system leading to an astonishing new theory of how the mechanism worked.
