NDT - CT Scanning Services
Part Inspection Lab

We help companies thoroughly investigate
parts & assemblies with our high quality
NDT CT scanning services
paired with expert analytical support.

CT Scan - Feasiblity Review - Quoting - Project Review

PHASE ONE

CONSULTATION

After the initial inquiry, our services begin by having an in-depth discussion with the inquiring individual and interested parties. If the fit is right for our CT scanning services, the feasibility review considers part/assembly type, material, regions of interest, and the objective for the CT scan.

PHASE  TWO

NDT CT SCANNING – SYSTEM MATCHING

We then match the NDT or Metrology inspection need with one of our many and highly diverse NDT CT scanning imaging machines.  Our industrial lab utilizes 100kv, 150kv, 225kv, 450kv, and 3MEV linear accelerator CT systems with LDA’s and flat panel detectors.

PHASE  THREE

ANALYSIS

Depending on the CT Scanning project, we analyze the reconstructed (3D imaging) results for either material or geometry based output requirements.

Material reporting is based upon internal density variations or percent volume changes.  These types of NDT CT Scanning analysis include : 

  • Visualizing virtual cross-sectional slices

  • Porosity / Inclusion Analysis  (Color coded voids, inclusions, and micro pores by volumetric size or percentage)

  • Enhanced Porosity (Automotive Industry Specific, P201 – 50097, P202 – 50098, P203 Analysis)

  • Fiber Analysis (Color coded fiber directional reporting)

CT Scan - Material Analysis
Play Video about Industrial Computed tomography & 3D Xray CT scanning results analyzed based upon material for internal features, fibers, and porosity for voids
Cross Sectional Analysis - Assembly Analysis - NDT CT Scanning
Porosity Analysis - Void Analysis - NDT CT Scanning
P201 P202 203 Analysis - NDT CT Scanning
Fiber Analysis - Fibre Analysis - NDT CT Scanning

Geometry reporting is based upon measurement variations or dimensioning requirements. These types of NDT CT Scanning analysis include :

  • Part to CAD / Part Comparison (Color coded variations from nominal or another identical part. Alignment by: RPS, 3-2-1 alignment, best fit, sequential)

  • Wall Thickness Analysis (Color-coded results identifying insufficient or excessive wall thicknes)

  • First Article Inspection (Tolerancing based upon part print dimensions)

  • Enhanced FAI (AS9102 Form 3 Reporting)

  • Reverse Engineering (Generation of a STL file with internal & external part geometry)

CT Scan - Geometry Analysis
Play Video about Industrial Computed tomography & 3D Xray CT scanning results analyzed based upon geometry for comparisons to CAD, part to part comparisons, wall thickness, first article inspection, fai, as9102 form 3, and reverse engineering
Part to CAD - Part to Part - Comparison - NDT CT Scanning
CT Scan - Reconstruction - Data Verification - Analysis - Results

PHASE FOUR

REVIEW

As all NDT CT Scanning projects are unique, each project is finalized between our lab and the customers key decision makers over a results web conference.  If required, output deliverables can vary between picture files, excel files, presentations, 3D imaging / CT dataset viewing software, or in some cases STL files.

CT Scan - Webinar - Completed Project Review - Deliverables - Results

Need more info on NDT?
Review our knowledge section below.

Nondestructive Testing Overview

Nondestructive Testing is an advanced method of inspection that has played a significant role for industry. Over the years, technological advancements and innovations have allowed for the introduction of many different types of revolutionary NDT methods. With access to multiple different types of inspections, it is common for users to outsource inspection to NDT labs. (Note: Also see NDI and NDE as the terms are interchangeable.)

What is NDT?

A set of analysis techniques utilized with intent to evaluate properties of a subject without applying pressure, causing damage or applying external forces. These nondestructive testing methods are utilized to ensure product reliability and quality by detective and evaluating flaws in materials, without destroying their usefulness. According to business dictionary, NDT is a quality control method that does not damage the product being tested.

What are the uses of NDT?

Non-destructive testing is a highly useful method of qualification for industrial applications. The following is a brief overview of the many uses of NDT:

  • Inspect, test and evaluate materials
  • Identify discontinuities or differences
  • Ensure product integrity and reliability
  • Control manufacturing process quality control
  • Research & Development
  • Maintain and improve quality of materials
  • Detect service related conditions caused by wear, fatigue, corrosion or stress
  • Product evaluation & troubleshooting
  • Can be used for condition monitoring
  • Residual life assessment
  • Find, size, locate surface and internal flaws
  • Quality assurance management tool
  • Used as a part acceptance/rejection qualifier
  • Accident prevention and to reduce costs
  • Improve product reliability
  • Determine acceptance according to specific requirements
  • Provide insightful data and information on repair criteria
  • Measurement of components and physical properties
  • Asses equipment condition and reliability
  • Ensure quality from raw material stage through manufacturing to pre-production/production inspection
 

When is NDT necessary?

Nondestructive testing can be applied in any stage of a given products life cycle. If applied, implemented and executed correctly, NDT can prove to be an efficient tool and useful during the following stages:

  • Research & Development
  • Product design and feasibility inspection
  • Prototyping and pre-service inspection
  • Pre-production inspection
  • Manufacturing or fabrication inspection
  • Processing product inspection
  • In-service evaluation
  • Production inspection
  • Failure Investigation
 

Benefits of NDT

Nondestructive Testing’s main feature that provides additional value in the quality control process is the fact that it is able to test subjects without causing change, damage or destroying the subject. This feature is able to save users production and fabrication costs and help improve the quality of the part. Moreover, parts can be tested and qualified as accepted within specific tolerance or rejected if out of tolerance, without destruction. Measurements can be retrieved, providing extensive insight on the part being inspected. As an additional benefit, NDT methods can be applied at any time of the products life cycle.

Types of NDT Methods

There are many different types of nondestructive testing methods. The six primary testing methods include magnetic particle testing (MT), liquid penetrant testing (PT), radiographic testing (RT), ultrasonic testing (UT), electromagnetic testing (ET) and visual testing (VT). Below, all nondestructive testing methods are briefly explained:

Surface Examination Methods

Visual Testing (VT) – The most common and basic method of inspections. Examiners check the surface integrity by looking at the part surfaces with the naked eye or with the assistance of camera systems, fiberscopes or power lenses.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) – Flaws which are on surface or near surface can be detected by this NDT method. The material of the part being tested must be ferromagnetic (steel/iron), where a magnetic field is induced, which would be distorted by any present discontinuity.

Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) – A part is coated with fluorescent dye. Excessive dye is removed from the surface, while dye is consumed by and left in defective areas (cracks). A developer retrieves the remaining dye from defective areas.

Electromagnetic Testing (ET) – This method can only be used on electrically conductive materials because electrical currents are required, which are generated by an induced magnetic field. Shifting magnetic field generates an electric eddy current; any resistance caused by flaws or defects will be captured on the voltmeter.

Volumetric Examination Methods

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) – This NDT method determines flaws and defects within a part in accordance with varying acoustic nature. High frequency sound waves are induced within a part, to identify imperfections.

Radiographic Testing (RT) – Source of radiation captures internal defects and flaws on a radiographic film. The varying densities of the part material in comparison to the flaw, will be clearly identified on the radiography results. The location and orientation of the defect can be determined.

Condition Monitoring Methods

Infrared Testing (IR) – Variations of a part are determined by presenting the thermal profile of a part in graph form. This method allows user to retrieve working temperature assessment, variations are then identified.

Vibration Analysis (VA) – Determines condition of a machine by producing vibration noise and documenting the frequency.

Integrity Examination Methods

Leak Testing (LT) – Multiple different types of leak testing techniques exist including soap-bubble test, liquid and gas penetrant techniques or electronic listening devices to name a few. These methods can locate leaks in pressure absorbent parts, for example, pipes.

Acoustic Emission Testing (AE) – Emission is acoustic energy which is released when a part is under stress. Special receivers can detect the intensity, which can provide insight to the location of a defect.

Special NDT Methods

Guided Wave Testing (GW) – As detailed within ASNT, Guided wave testing on piping uses controlled excitation of one or more ultrasonic waveforms that travel along the length of the pipe, reflecting from changes in the pipe stiffness or cross sectional area.

Laser Testing Methods (LM) – Laser Testing includes three distinct methods: Holography, Shearography and Profilometry; using lasers, these techniques are utilized to perform the inspection and detect defects and flaws.

Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) – As detailed within ASNT, Magnetic Flux Leakage detects anomalies in normal flux patterns created by discontinuities in ferrous material saturated by a magnetic field.

Neutron Radiographic Testing (NR) – Neutron radiography is similar in process and application with the only main difference being the use of an intense beam of low energy neutrons as a penetrating medium rather than the gamma- or x-radiation used in conventional radiography.

Computed Tomography (CT) – Computed tomography (NDT CT Scanning) is a process that uses x-ray technology to aid manufacturers in providing a quantifiable NDT service for difficult to inspect parts and assemblies.  The technology produces high quality and accurate 3D X-Ray datasets of internal part features and material density changes.  

Applications of NDT

Nondestructive testing is regularly applied in industries that are prone to accumulating failures in components which would ultimately cause substantial threat to safety or economic loss. Different areas where NDT methods can be applied include the following:

  • Weld Verification
  • Qualification of structural properties
  • Research & Development
  • Material thickness measurement analysis
  • Manufacturing inspection to detect failures
  • Application vary across multiple different industries, including but not limited to:
    • Aerospace – ex. Castings
    • Medical Devices – ex. Stints
    • Automotive – ex. Piston head
    • Military & Defense – ex. Ballistics
    • Manufacturing – ex. Pre-production qualification of part
    • Packaging – ex. Structural integrity/leak or failure analysis or package
 

History of NDT

Over time, there have been numerous improvements and notable advancements for nondestructive testing methods. Below is a brief observation of early industry changing events:

  • 1895 – Wilhelm Rontgen discovers X-rays
  • 1924 – Lester uses radiography to examine castings
  • 1926 – Release of the first Eddy Current for thickness measurement
  • 1940 – Liquid penetrants tests developed
  • 1944 – ultrasonic test method developed in the USA
  • 1946 – First neutron radiographs produced
  • 1950 – Introduction of Acoustic emission as a nondestructive testing method


Interested in accessing our services for
helping you and your company?