List your special requirements
No matter the industry you’re in, you’ll need to know the final application. Start with studying your market trends and your product’s pros & cons and how that can be improved in terms of pre-production, quality control, manufacturing process, and so on. Whether it’s material analysis, geometry, or metrology… this will help you categorize your needs and get a better vision of your applications.
Do your research
Different sectors are using the technology of X-Ray Computed Tomography in order to increase product quality by performing high-level investigation and accuracy of parts. Ask around for the solution your business needs. No CT systems can have it all but what’s far more important is a specific one that answers your questions. What works best here is describing applications and assigning a priority for each of them. Like this you can easily be able to know the system’s available technical capabilities.
Investigate the system’s technical potential
First developed for the medical world, X-Ray CT scanning constructs a 3D image by stacking hundreds of thin 2D images. Long story short, this is how X-Ray CT works: the X-Ray line beam scanning is the traditional process in which the generated X-Ray lines are translated across the part, and data is collected by the detector. The data is then reconstructed to create a 3D volume rendering of the part.
What’s important here is that you’ll need to be careful with the features embedded – the versatility of the system is linked not only to the mechanics – but also to the essential components for performing the scan: the X-Ray generator and the detector.
The resolution of a computed tomography system is determined by its X-Ray generator. The more powerful the generator, the larger the parts to scan can be. Since computed tomography is a transmission technology, the X-Rays must pass through the part to obtain information on the internal structures. Finally, to get a precise scan, the mechanics should be very accurate and must fit tight tolerances. Ultimately, all these elements must be perfectly orchestrated to provide perfect results.
Focus on a long-term relationship with your CT supplier
A flexible CT system manufacturer that is at your disposal for any follow-ups whether it's technical support or after-sales service, should be on top of the list of your requirements. X-Ray micro tomography being a very complex technology, your business will most definitely need support from experienced engineering staff. Depending on how special or customized the system is, the day-to-day usage can be critical if your operators aren’t fully trained.
Look beyond cost efficiency
We want performance whether it’s regarding ease of use, rapidity, and image resolution. As mentioned above, the system’s capabilities are chosen accordingly to your applications and the type of part you need to inspect. Unfortunately, technical features can usually be misleading and better support by your CT manufacturer for a cost-efficiency analysis will give you a clear & objective vision prior to purchase.
Our EasyTom S is a compact & flexible CT system, powerful enough for the most challenging 3D applications in material research, quality control but also production.