3D X-ray overview
X-ray technology and radiographic techniques have been utilized for quality control purposes in regards to industrial applications for many years. A relatively new form of X-ray is 3D x-ray, where users are able to view 2D x-ray imaging results from different angles of a given part for failure analysis purposes. Users often outsource such testing projects to certified radiographers and nondestructive testing (NDT) labs for a quick and easy part analysis.
What is 3D X-ray?
3D X-ray is the concept of capturing multiple 2D x-ray images from different angles of a given part. These resulting 2D X-ray images are viewed and analyzed independently for quality control purposes. For a true 3D perspective of a given part, users turn to Computed Tomography (CT) scanning. With 3D x-rays, a parts internal configurations and structural properties are inspected for failure analysis.
How 3D X-ray works
With the use of an x-ray source and detector panel, a part can be inspected by analyzing 3D X-ray results. The x-ray source has to be strong enough to penetrate through the material of the part being inspected. As the x-ray source shoots through the part, a 2D x-ray is captured using a detector panel or film screen. Due to technological advancements in digital detectors, film screen applications have become obsolete for industrial inspection purposes. The detector panel captures 2D x-rays of a given part from multiple different angles which are independently viewed and analyzed for quality control and failure investigations.
Uses of 3D X-ray
3D X-rays can be utilized in many different ways including but not limited to:
- Research and development
- Locate and measure internal fatigue
- Identify discrepancies in part
- Comparison analysis for part structure (perfect vs. defective part)
- Pre-production inspection
- Prototype testing
- Production part approval and rejection
- Quality control management tool
- Failure analysis and investigation
Benefits of 3D X-ray
There are several benefits for reviewing and analyzing 3D x-ray results, including but not limited to:
- Internal part composition
- View internal interaction between different material
- Identify, locate and measure internal defects
- Highlight fatigues and discrepancies
- Quick, accurate and reduces time
- Nondestructive method of inspection
Applications of 3D X-ray
Industrial applications for 3D x-ray vary and can be applied across many different industries including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Medical Device
- Military and Defense
- Consumer products
- Packaging
Types of 3D X-rays
3D x-rays can be conducted with one of three different types of radiography testing (RT) testing techniques. These include:
- Film radiography
- Computed radiography
- Digital radiography
