Imaging

Neutron and Synchrotron CT – Two complementary non-destructive inspection methods

Your benefits compared to lab-based analytics

Continuous improvements in material properties and production processes in industry mean that more sophisticated analytic techniques are required. Imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT) provide a three-dimensional view of the interior of objects without destroying them. 

Synchrotron CT allows high transmission with light elements, and strong contrast with heavier elements. Neutron CT, on the other hand, allows strong contrast with light elements, and higher transmission with heavier elements.

This means that the two methods offer different yet complementary contrast possibilities.

Both Neutron and Synchrotron CT deliver high spatial resolution, high throughput and real-time investigations. The data obtained provide further analytical capabilities, as described below.

We are looking forward to working with you.

Imaging is used as a qualitative and quantitative measurement technology with the following analysis capabilities:

Material distribution analysis in 3D
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Material distribution analysis in 3D

  • Visualization of the outer and inner structures and geometries of arbitrary and complex objects
  • Segmentation of the object into its individual components and materials
Defect and porosity analysis in 3D
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Defect and porosity analysis in 3D

  • Visualization of pores, blowholes and inclusions inside arbitrary and complex objects
  • Quantitative information such as size, volume, shape and associated distributions
  • Determination of the total percentage of defects and porosity, and presentation of results in a histogram
Wall thickness analysis in 3D
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Wall thickness analysis in 3D

  • Quantitative determination of the wall thicknesses of arbitrary and complex objects
  • Localization of areas with insufficient or excessive wall thicknesses or gaps
Nominal/Actual comparison analysis in 3D
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Nominal/actual comparison analysis in 3D

  • Direct geometrical comparison of CT data with CAD data of arbitrary and complex objects
  • Quantitative information regarding deviations in the dimensions of an object compared with its CAD drawing
Reverse Engineering
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Reverse Engineering

  • Physical reconstruction of arbitrary and complex objects without knowledge of design data
  • Determination of external and internal object geometries
  • Creation of an STL file for subsequent reverse engineering to a CAD model

The complementarity of Neutron and Synchrotron CT

Selection of advantages of each technique

Neutron CT

Neutron CT

 

Synchrotron CT

Synchrotron CT

  • Higher penetration for light elements (such as H, B, Li)
  • Higher contrast for metallic elements (such as Ti, Cr, Fe)
  • Higher spatial resolution compared to neutrons and lab-based X-ray systems
  • Much higher temporal resolution compared to neutrons and lab-based X-ray systems
  • Much higher sample throughput compared to neutrons and lab-based X-ray systems

Technical details of Neutron and Synchrotron CT

Selection of detailed information

Information Neutron CT Synchrotron CT
Field of view 5x5 mm2 - 400x400 mm2

0.3x0.4 mm2 - 16.6x14 mm2

Spatial resolution

8 µm - 150 µm

0.16 µm - 6.5 µm

Temporal resolution

150 Hz in 2D

20 Hz in 3D

Energy range

2.3 - 25 meV

8 - 45  keV

Wavelength

1.8 - 6 Å

1.5 - 0.3 Å

Bandwidth

10 %

0.02 %

Flux

~ 107 - 108 cm-2 s-1

~ 1014 cm-2 s-1

 

The way we work with you

Your
challenge

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Competent
consulting

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Applied material analytics with Neutron and Synchrotron radiation &
tailor-made infrastructure

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Data analysis and interpretation

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Final
report

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Any question? Feel free to contact us!

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