Partner for system integrators: Innovative software and hardware components in the field of industrial X-ray and CT technology

Advanced hardware components and versatile software

One of the most important components of an X-ray system is the X-ray detector used, as it largely determines the image quality. The radiation-stable X-ray cameras from the XEye series are suitable for a wide range of applications: The latest and largest detector, the XEye5640, has a significantly larger imaging area compared to other detectors, while at the same time offering very high radiation stability for up to 450 keV X-ray energy. The pixel size starting at 50 micrometers enables a more flexible and at the same time, a more efficient handling of test objects. Due to the detector area of 40 x 56 cm², large objects with high wall thicknesses, for example, for which several measurement runs were previously necessary, can be fully displayed or inspected with just one measurement. Application examples are the inline CT of clutch housings or the radiography of engine blocks within the production line in time with the manufacturing cycle. With the high-speed X-ray cameras XEye-HS of the XEye series, fast dynamic processes of hidden processes can be recorded. The imaging area, pixel size and maximum frame rate can be specifically adapted to the problem at hand, such as the observation of material deformations or turbulent flows.

Fraunhofer EZRT has been researching and developing in the field of industrial X-ray technology for more than 20 years and has extensive knowledge in software and hardware components for X-ray and computed tomography systems, especially for demanding special applications. With its components and know-how, Fraunhofer EZRT is available as a partner to system manufacturers and integrators for the implementation of innovative projects.

On the software side, Fraunhofer EZRT presents the software library firefly [ezrt], which contains different modules: E.g. an extension for the calibration of CT systems is available, which allows achieving good CT results despite an inaccurate or unknown positioning of the X-ray components. The software is delivered together with a specially developed calibration body. In addition, the possibilities for fast measurements with few projections for optimizing the quality of measurements of components with strongly different absorbing materials such as plastic and copper and for correcting scattered radiation artifacts will be presented. In addition, algorithms for improving and accelerating CT measurements are available.

Dozens of special systems in use

Together with partners, numerous special systems have already been developed and put into operation. Of particular note here is the robotic computed tomography system »RoboCT« for the BMW Group, which analyzes the quality of complete vehicles non-destructively in the early development phase of automotive production, thereby shortening development cycles. Compared to conventional CT systems, this has the advantage of being able to reach inspection positions on complexly shaped objects, such as a vehicle body or in a particularly large workspace.