Long-awaited CT scanner in place at the Production Technology Center

The new CT scanner for non-destructive testing and quality control is now in place. A much sought-after resource, training of operators from companies and PTC researchers is already in full swing.

Executive summary

• An investment in a Phoenix V|tome|x X-ray tomography system for non-destructive testing of materials and production parts.
• The system provides much higher quality and reliability of testing compared to traditional destructive methods.
• A faster process creates opportunities for more stakeholders and increased knowledge sharing.

CT scanning or computed tomography is a relatively new and growing technology in industry that involves using X-rays to perform non-destructive testing (NDT) of, for example, materials or new production parts. The scanner allows 3D inspection and analysis with a precision and efficiency that is not possible with traditional destructive testing.

By adapting classic CT technology to industrial needs and combining it with a powerful X-ray, robotic manipulators and automated software, the total inspection time is reduced from hours to minutes, opening up a host of new applications.

Benefiting many stakeholders, both inside and outside the PTC

One of the partners in the acquisition of the scanner is GKN Aerospace, which sees great opportunities to use the scanner to develop new test processes.

- Quality is always super important at GKN and we have a great need for this type of analysis to support our process development and to develop new manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing. But the technology is also very useful for materials research and, by extension, for the qualification of our products.
Anders Rosell, Senior Research Engineer at GKN Aerospace

Another partner in the project is University West, which sees great benefit from the CT scanner in its research.

- For welds, castings and additively manufactured materials, component lifetime is mostly determined by defects. The new equipment provides very detailed information on defects, allowing us to assess lifetime without destroying the manufactured component. For additive manufacturing, this is one of the biggest obstacles for AM technology to become widely accepted in applications requiring high reliability.
Erik Lindgren, Researcher in Non-Destructive Testing at University West

The supplier of the scanner and also responsible for implementation, maintenance and training of operators is the company EP-TeQ A/S. Michael Vester, CEO of EP-TeQ, looks forward to the continued cooperation with all parties involved.

- We are very pleased to deliver a flexible solution that fits multiple markets without compromising on quality. The new equipment can perform inspection of everything from batteries, plastics, steel, metal, composites, semiconductors and even food. It has been a pleasure to participate in the tender process from Innovatum Science Park and we would like to commend their professional approach to the procurement. We are very proud to be chosen as a partner and look forward to the continued cooperation.
Michael Vester, CEO at EPTEQ

A step towards a more self-sufficient PTC

The scanner will also be rented out to R&D stakeholders and also to SMEs to enable process development and testing. And there is already a lot of interest in using the technology from stakeholders outside the PTC.

Victor Blom, Project Manager for Springboard at Innovatum Science Park, sees great opportunities to develop new collaborations and learn from each other to make the best use of the opportunities offered by the new scanner.

- "With our new equipment, PTC and Innovatum Science Park are taking a big step forward in non-destructive testing. We have already seen that the technology attracts both existing and new companies and organizations, which gives us good opportunities for further collaboration and synergies.
Victor Blom, Project Manager at Innovatum Science Park

With the new CT scanner in place, an important piece of the puzzle is being put in place, but work continues to further strengthen the Production Technology Center as a strong and attractive arena for new and more sustainable manufacturing processes.