Unique XT H 450 micro-focus X-ray and CT system for turbine blade and casting inspection
The XT H 450 system offers the necessary source power to penetrate through high density parts and generate a scatter-free CT volume with micron accuracy. The system is available with a flat panel or a proprietary Curved Linear Array (CLA) detector that optimises the collection of the X-rays without capturing the undesired scattered X-rays.
This linear detector realises stunning image sharpness and contrast by avoiding image pollution and associated contrast reduction. 450kV and the CLA are ideal for the inspection of small to medium metal alloy turbine blades and casted parts.
Categories: Computed Tomography
Applications: Damage propagation in composite material, Turbine Blade Inspection, Metal corrosion mechanisms, Unveiling mysteries of nature, Implant research, Aircraft Component Inspection, Powertrain Components, Revealing mysteries of Antikythera Mechanism, Automotive Components Inspection, Rocks/Minerals, Plastic Manufacturing, Metallurgy, Implants/ Protheses, Metal Manufacturing, Gas turbine blades, Automated measurement, Cracks and Failure Analysis, Manual examination
Micro-focus inspection of turbine blades: 450kV X-ray source provides power to inspect metal parts
At the core of this powerful equipment is a 450kV/1200W micro-focus source, offering sufficient X-ray power to penetrate dense specimens, such as turbine blades and casted engine parts.
Through automated inspection and high-speed CT reconstruction, blade manufacturers can run detailed CT inspection of turbine blades (e.g. wall thickness) to optimize the fuel economy of jet engines.
X-ray inspection of castings: Superior accuracy through proprietary microfocus X-ray source
The proprietary 450kV/1200W source is the only micro-focus X-ray source at this energy, and delivers 25 micron repeatability and accuracy! As this micro-focus spot size is considerably smaller than existing mini-focus sources, the level of detail that it captures is beyond comparison. As the X-ray spot size of these sources is orders of magnitude smaller compared to minifocus sources, end users benefit from superior resolution, accuracy and a wider array of measurable parts.
X-ray section of turbine blade: Curved Linear Array (CLA) detector for optimized X-rays collection
When X-rays hit an object, they are absorbed but also scattered, an undesired phenomenon that gets worse as the density of the part increases. Scatter coming from all points of the part reduces image contrast sensitivity, as is visible on flat panel images. The newly developed detector featuring a Curved Linear Array (CLA) of diodes optimises the collection of the X-rays that travel through the part without capturing the scattered X-rays. By avoiding image pollution and associated contrast reduction, CLA realizes stunning image sharpness and contrast.
The linear array of diodes is curved to further enhance image quality by keeping the X-ray path length to diode receptors constant compared to straight arrays. This allows longer crystals to be used to enhance the X-ray sensitivity and hence boost the signal-to-noise ratio. The XT H 450 manages X-ray data acquisition to generate a 2D slice of highest possible accuracy and in order to obtain a 3D volume, various slices are combined.
3D reconstruction of turbine blade: Customisable macros driving automated measurement workflow
With a maximum specimen diameter of 600mm and 500mm length, the XT H 450 is a flexible X-ray/CT system that deals with multiple small blades at high magnification, and also large blades and large castings. In a production environment, the shop floor friendly system runs automatic data acquisition and inspection based on blade type, generating pass/fail status for each inspected part.
When taking radiographs of turbine blades, raw images and specific information items, such as blade profiles and inner and outer wall thicknesses, are stored in the database for traceability and further analysis.
Full protective enclosure and continuous fail-to-safe monitoring
XT H systems have a full protective enclosure (compliant to CE and DIN 54113 radiation safety standards) and have continuous fail-to-safe monitoring during system operation.
Operation requires no special badges or protective clothing.
Microfocus source | Max. kV | Max. power | Focal spot size | Focal spot size at max power |
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450 kV Reflection target | 450 kV | 450 W | 80 μm up to 200 W | 320 μm at 450 W |
450 kV High brilliance source | 450 kV | 450 W | 80 μm up to 200 W | 113 μm at 450 W |
Detectors | # Bits | Active pixels | Pixel Size | Max. frame rate at 1x1 binning | Max. frame rate at 2x2 binning |
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Perkin Elmer 1620 | 16-bit | 2000 x 2000 | 200 µm | 3.75 fps | 7.5 fps |
Perkin Elmer 1621 EHS | 16-bit | 2000 x 2000 | 200 µm | 15 fps | 30 fps |
Nikon Metrology CLDA | 16-bit | 2000 | 415 µm | 50 fps | 50 fps |
Combination PE162x & CLDA | Configuration with both Flat panel and Curved Linear Diode Array detector |
Manipulator | |
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# Axes | 4 (optional 5th axis) |
Axes travel | (X) 400 mm (Y) 600 mm (Z) 600 mm (Rotate) n*360 |
Max. sample weight | 100kg |
General | |
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Cabinet dimensions (LxWxH) | 3,613 mm x 1,828 mm x 2,249 mm |
Weight | 14,000 kg |
Safety | All systems are manufactured to IRR99 |
Control software | All systems are controlled by Nikon Metrology’s in-house Inspect-X software |