Optiv CT160 Accurate measurement for every detail Computed Tomography System
Computed Tomography CT Technology. New prospects for metrology. Computed tomography (CT), a technology with unique advantages, makes its entrance on to the industrial metrology stage. One scan allows you to capture the complete external and internal geometry of your part - fast and nondestructively. But what is the principle behind it? CT systems are based on X-ray technology. X-rays penetrate an object, which absorbs the radiation partially. The thicker the object or the higher the material density, the more radiation is absorbed. An X-ray inspection system normally consists of a radiation-proof housing, an X-ray tube with an oppositely positioned X-ray detector and a sample manipulator between them. From radiography to computed tomography imaging Using industrial computed tomography, X-ray images of a part are taken from various directions and then reconstructed by computer to create a 3D volume of the object which can be used for example to create virtual cross sections or to extract the surface for further metrological evaluation. This is done by rotating the part positioned between the X-ray source and the detector while the system takes a series of two-dimensional X-ray images. The projections give information about the position and thickness of all the features that absorb radiation. Different materials and thicknesses are shown in various shades of grey. The projections provide the basis for the digital 3D reconstruction of the volume data record. The measurement software automatically extracts all the internal and external surfaces of the part from this data record. Computed tomography in industrial 3D metrology The advantages of a CT system reveal themselves when the task is to measure concealed or difficult-to-access features on complex parts. What conventional coordinate metrology can accomplish only with a great deal of effort and complexity, a CT system does quickly and easily: it captures a high number of measured points and maps the complete geometry and density of a part in a fraction of the time that a coordinate measuring machine would require to achieve the same result. X-ray source Sample Digital Array Detector step-by-step rotation X-ray cone beam Y x Z Tube Control CNC Object Stage Data Acquistion Computed Tomography/Volume Reconstruction
Optiv CT160
Optiv CT160. A system with perspective. In close cooperation with GE Measurement & Control Solutions, Hexagon Metrology is expanding its portfolio: the Optiv CT160 is a high-precision CT system that excels through its flexible measurement range, speed and high reproducibility. A development backed by CT know-how from General Electric and metrology expertise from Hexagon Metrology. For small low density parts scanning with the Optiv CT160 can be completed in as little as 5 to 30 minutes. The system can measure several parts at once completely without pallets or complicated workpiece supports. A simple means of fixing on a polystyrene mount is enough. The parts can fill the entire measuring volume up to 150 mm high and have a maximum diameter of 120 mm. For small low density parts having complex features and requiring 100% inspection, the Optiv CT160 can save time compared with traditional CMM. Core components from the CT specialist High-quality soft- and hardware components like X-ray tubes are also key to achieving high precision results. The core of the Optiv CT160 consists of a durable high-power microfocus X-ray tube produced by GE and a fully digital 5-megapixel detector. Thanks to the special design of its tube, the Optiv CT160 provides the best prerequisites for high-precision and reproducible measurements: focal spot sizes of less than 3 micrometres are possible. A smaller focal spot size leads to less geometric fuzziness and a finer image resolution. The system provides high-resolution images with voxel resolutions up to 0.5 micrometres. And even in the smallest details, Optiv CT160 never loses perspective: it visualises details down to the size of the smallest voxel. Software from metrology experts PC-DMIS is the result of twenty years of continuous metrology software development. The simple principle behind PC-DMIS: it takes measured data directly into the CAD model and therefore simplifies the specified-actual comparison, for example between point cloud and CAD model. PC-DMIS allows you to analyse dimensions, form and position, to measure surfaces and to visualise defects, even on nonprismatic features. Optiv CT160. The Highlights: 3D computed tomography for CAD comparisons, dimensional and density measurements, e.g. for failure analysis High throughput: complete scans in as little as 5 to 30 minutes for small low density parts Low maintenance 160 kv/15w high-power microfocus X-ray tube from GE Fully digital detector with 5 Megapixel Ultra high-resolution images with voxel resolutions of less than 0.5 μm* Max. size of workpiece (Height x Diameter): 150mm (5.9") x 120mm (4.7") Max. weight of workpiece: 2 kg (4.4lb) Expensive fixtures as well as time consuming sample preparations aren't necessary Granite-based precision manipulation and optional thermal stabilization Variable focus-detector-distance High precision rotation unit with air bearing Full protective radiation safety cabinet Compact size (164 x 143 x 75 cm; 64.6" x 56.3" x 29.5") * For inspection of smallest components closest to the source
Applications Optiv CT160 in practice Optiv CT160 is perfect for the inspection of small lightweight, flexible materials with complex internal geometries. The ideal system for quality assurance of precision molded plastic components, electromechanical parts and medical devices. The Optiv CT160 computed tomography system is suitable for a wide range of applications. The use of the system should always be considered when you need to capture the complete external and internal geometries of a part. Suitable metrology applications include: Interference fit of assembly fittings, i.e. dimensions of components while engaged Measurement of different material interfaces of non-homogeneous objects; volumetric and surface calculations. Defects in plastic parts, such as cracks, voids, mould parting lines or shrinkage cavities Wall thicknesses, including that of coated materials Small but fine Lightweight materials such as plastic and aluminium are ideal materials for CT inspection due to their low absorption, and are commonly used in manufacturing across many industries. Precision plastics have become particularly important in the development of new technologies in emerging industries such as medical devices and portable electronics. To complicate matters even further, many devices need to be inspected in their final assembled state which may include many small components of various materials. This is where the advantages of the Optiv CT160 come to the forefront: The measurement of the smallest inaccessible dimensions for determining the final quality of the end product. This point could not be more poignant in medical device manufacturing where producing small devices means being less invasive for the patient. This drive to create ever smaller components to improve the technology has made quality inspection an increasingly difficult task. In some cases failure not only impacts the bottom line, but the quality of life, and sometimes even life itself. The Optiv CT160 masters these high requirements thanks to core components from the original manufacturer and advanced metrology software.
Hexagon Metrology Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, Cognitens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h Inprocess Messtechnik, Optiv, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield, Standard Gage and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), portable measuring systems and handheld instruments, and tens of thousands of metrology software licenses. Hexagon Metrology empowers its customers to fully control manufacturing processes that rely on dimensional precision, ensuring that products manufactured precisely conform to the original product design. The company offering of machines, systems and software is complemented by a wide range of product support, aftermarket and value-added services. www.hexagonmetrology.com 2011 Hexagon Metrology. Part of Hexagon Group All rights reserved. Due to continuing product development, Hexagon Metrology reserves the right to change product specifications without prior notice.