Computed Tomography (CT)

Scan preparation
Scan preparation of a lightweight compressor blisk (“blade integrated disk”) with a novel design and manufacturing approach
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The colleagues after a successful investigation of the lightweight compressor blisk
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High resolution CT – nanotom: main components
Overview image showing the main components of the CT-System
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DLR

Our institute has been operating CT systems since 2007. Both facilities can work either independently or will complement one another perfectly.

The large CT facility, "v|tome|x L240/450", enables the investigation of complex shaped structural parts and component groups of up to 2 m in diameter. The system includes two x-ray tubes of different design. The high-power 450 kV (minifocus-) x-ray tube is used for radiography of massive metal parts, as for example for the inspection of the heavy cast components of a cylinder block. In contrast, the 240 kV (microfocus-) x-ray tube enables the 3D inspection of complex component groups of light metals, synthetics and fibre-reinforced composite materials with a resolution of up to 5 µm to detect the inner structure and eventual occurring material defects.

For a very detailed non-destructive evaluation on smallest electronic components and material samples the so called "nanotom" may be used. This CT system is the right choice for high resolution 3D inspection. Its specially designed transmission x-ray tube with the very small focal spot enables the sharp imaging of a specimen’s microstructure.

Fact sheet for both CT systems

Large CT facility – v|tome|x L240/450 

 

X-ray tubes

240 kV microfocus and 450 kV minifocus

Detector

4,048 x 4,048 pixels at 100 microns (14 bit)

Max. resolution (voxel size)

approx. 5 µm

Detectable area (3D-CT)

Ø = 800 mm, H = 1,000 mm

Max. size of structural parts

approx. 1,000 x 1,500 mm

Weight of structural parts

100 kg

Manufacturer

phoenix|x-ray (Baker Hughes, Waygate Technologies)

High-resolution CT – nanotom

 

X-ray tubes

180 kV high power nanofocus™

Detector

2,300 x 2,300 pixels at 50 microns (12 bit/16 bit)

Max. resolution (voxel size):

approx. 2 µm

Minimum focal spot diameter

0,9 µm

Max. sample size

approx. 150 mm

Max. sample weight

1 kg

Manufacturer

phoenix|x-ray (Baker Hughes, Waygate Technologies)

Contact

Raouf Jemmali

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Structures and Design
Ceramic Composites and Structures
Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart