|
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 MatriXs proprietary MIPS_NDT software, which also
generates the systems 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 softwares 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 | 
13
More of MatriX Technologies GmbH published in NDT.net
