CT Machine Introduces Innovative Features Doubling Productivity and Enhancing Inspection

Nikon Corporation  has announced the release of the 225kV XT H 225 ST 2x microfocus X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) system.

With the increase in electronic and semiconductor parts mounted on products for the automobile industry as well as the spread of 3D printers, the number of products molded by various methods has also been increasing. Manufacturers in various industries, such as automobiles, electronic components, molds, and batteries, are required to inspect the components internally and non-destructively in the manufacturing process. To meet these demands, Nikon has developed the XT H 225 ST 2x, simplifying the operation and speeding the process without loss of image quality.

The operation has been greatly simplified and efficiency doubled, enhancing the system’s suitability for a wide range of applications from the museum laboratory through academia to the R&D department and onto the factory floor.

The XT H 225 ST 2x allows both the exterior and interior of a sample to be inspected and measured non-destructively. Being able to detect inside of the components which cannot be seen is necessary for quality control, failure analysis, and material research. Nikon offers a wide range of high-resolution X-ray CT inspection systems with unique microfocus X-ray source technology.

Continuous Generation of High Power X-rays Small Focal Spot

‘Rotating.Target 2.0’ maximizes the quality of data collected and hence image resolution. Spinning the target dissipates the heat generated by the small focal spot size more efficiently, enabling continuous generation of high power X-rays and a dramatic increase in scanning speed and resolution, without the need for cool-down. It also doubles the running time before preventive maintenance is required, lowering costs and raising equipment availability.

Improvement of Measurement Accuracy by Automated Calibration

‘Local.Calibration’ allows rapid, repeatable, automated calibration of voxel size at any CT scan position, rather than the user having to perform the function manually. It leads to a radical improvement in measurement accuracy. Extra benefits are that the procedure is deskilled and dimensional accuracy is traceable.

*Unit which divides the point in 3D space into a cubic lattice

Improvement of Filament Lifetime and System Uptime

‘Auto.Filament Control’ intelligently controls the X-ray source to double the lifetime of the filament, lowering the cost and increasing system uptime without losing microfocus resolution. Downtime is considerably reduced by the introduction of ‘Quick.Change’ plug-and-play filament cups. In the past is required the adjustment of position each time the filament was replaced; with the filament cups placed and adjusted in advance, the replacement time can be considerably reduced.

Increase Inspection Efficiency by “Half.Turn CT”

Instead of rotating the sample under investigation through 360 degrees during the X-ray cycle, with ‘Half.Turn CT’, it is only necessary to rotate through just over 180 degrees to obtain sufficient data for an image of equivalent quality. Increasing data acquisition rate by 100 percent doubles inspection efficiency, especially useful in support of production applications. There will be an artefact (the noise) when investigating in less than 1 rotation, however, this can be reduced by Nikon’s optimized reconstruction software.

The XT H series provides automation modes to maximize CT productivity. Automated production workflows are fully customisable, with automated scanning, reconstruction and data analysis. In-house CT Pro software offers world-leading reconstruction times performed by Nikon Metrology’s expertly configured, high-performance computer specifications, with image enhancement and artefact removal options included as standard.

With full control through IPC communication, the XT H series can be configured with auto-loaders and robot retrofit for full automation and seamless integration into a production line. After providing superior image quality and leading reconstruction times, customisable analysis tools are available with data output compatible with both in-house and all industry-leading third party software for automating sample-specific analysis.