MatriX Technologies extends its NDT product line with the XCT-6M, a high energy CT x-ray system for heavy material densities Feldkirchen, June 2011 - The new MatriX XCT-6M system was especially designed for fast CT analysis of specimens with a high x-ray absorption that can only be inspected with energies higher than 1 MeV.

Applications are to be found where particularly “heavy” material needs to be nondestructively analyzed, for example inspecting engine-block castings with steel components in the automotive industry or heavy ammunitions in the defense industry.

Integrated in an x-ray bunker, the key technology feature of the XCT-6M system is a pulsecontrolled 6 MeV linear accelerator. The accelerator generates high energy radiation for reliable transmission with extremely short exposure times per projection. The performance of the linear accelerator can be continuously adjusted via pulse number and pulse length. Rapid changing of the energy range is achieved as a result of automated changing of the target material.

Equipped with a highly precise rotary table and a high performance flat panel detector (400mm x 400mm), the system is capable of capturing all necessary projections at high speed. As a result, the XCT-6M can acquire projections in a fraction of the time needed by conventional CT systems.

The XCT-6M system is controlled by MatriX’s proprietary MIPS_NDT software, which also generates the system’s test programs. The software can uniquely combine classical transmission analysis with 3D analysis in one automated inspection program. The 6MeV (optional 9 MeV) linear accelerator significantly reduces the usually time consuming CT processing. As the generated photons are in the MeV range, very short exposure times can be achieved. At the same time high power X-ray imaging of up to 50 mm of steel and 150 mm of aluminum is guaranteed. All components involved in the acquisition of the projections are optimally configured, and therefore the XCT-6M can successfully analyze specimens such as engine blocks with steel inserts within a matter of minutes. The photon beam is digitalized using a radiation stable, high performance flat panel detector to produce high resolution images capable of showing fine cracks in the test material. The quality of the projections is extraordinary and delivers CT image reconstruction free of artifacts.

The XCT-6M programmable rotary table is designed for precise, continuous rotation of specimens. The vertical and horizontal scanning extensions allow inspection of specimens up to 1.50 m in length. As standard, the rotary table is loaded with a robot. However handling can be customized to meet requirements.

The modular MIPS_NDT software unit controls the whole XCT-6M inspection process covering pulse control, manipulation, image acquisition, integrated Siemens CERA reconstruction as well as Volume Graphics visualization. The CERA Technology with its hardware-related GPU (Graphical Processor Unit) reconstruction technique supports the high speed and high quality requirements needed for automated CT inspection. The Volume Graphics VGMax software reconstructs volume data to produce 3D visualization as well as Volume analysis and quantitate measurements on slices. The software’s most important tools are the 3D void and inclusion analysis tool and the wall thickness measurement tool.

About MatriX Technologies:
MatriX Technologies is a global supplier of innovative solutions for x-ray inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT). The MatriX systems are based on leading-edge x-ray and vision technology and ensure the fulfilment of customers' quality requirements. The MatriX Technologies product portfolio encompasses real-time failure analysis, including standardised systems for manual and automatic xray inspection, as well as customised, fully integrated inspection solutions with a broad range of x-ray applications. The MatriX client base includes leading manufacturers in the electronics and automotive industries. More information about the company can be found on www.m-xt.com