New Level of high-resolution Computed Tomography with a 450kV Meso Focus x-ray Source

Abstract

Computed Tomography (CT) production applications of modern components are increasingly faced with the challenge of achieving a very high resolution even with high densities and a comparatively large material thickness. These components in the aerospace, automotive and electronics industries often consist of 3D-printed metals such as iron, copper, nickel or alloys with resolution requirements rising higher than 10 lp/mm (50 μm). With Computed Tomography and the new MesoFocus x-ray source at 450 kV, YXLON uses the innovative Comet technology, which is made for industrial applications where resolution and penetration of dense material-objects matter. CT with the MesoFocus sources eliminates the tradeoff everyone has to make today between sealed tube solutions and open microfocus tubes – sealed tubes are robust and stable and made for production environments, but offer only limited resolution, while open microfocus tubes offer high resolution, but are not made for production environments and 24/7 operation. YXLON’s new CT solutions allow hassle-free operation, while they bring lab resolution to the production floor. The excellent stability of the sealed MesoFocus x-ray source enables long exposure times that are an enormous advantage for CT applications and are a perfect fit for inspection in aerospace, automotive and electronics industries. The excellent resolution down to 30 μm makes the CT solution the key enabler for advanced manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing. We will present CT results for 3D-printed iron and copper parts as well as for finest mechanics surrounded by gold with sub40μm resolution. Duplex wire IQI and ASTM E1695 results prove the image chain resolution.