ASTM E2737 Detector Evaluation Package Available for Nikon’s X-ray CT Systems

All of the manufacturer’s X-ray sources are supported including rotating target technology and 450kV microfocus source

Published: Thursday, December 24, 2020 - 12:00

(Nikon Metrology: Brighton, MI) -- Safety standards are becoming ever stricter throughout manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries. Companies using X-ray CT (computed tomography) for nondestructively testing safety-critical components in those and other sectors are increasingly being required to, or may simply wish to, make every effort to show the veracity of their inspection results.

The condition of the digital X-ray detector in particular has a considerable influence on the efficiency and accuracy with which features are revealed and measured, so being able to evaluate and track its performance over time is crucial. To help users of Nikon Metrology’s X-ray CT systems to process check their detector performance throughout service, the company has launched a new monitoring kit that provides market-leading functionality and simplicity in accordance with the globally accepted standard, ASTM E2737.

The new ASTM E2737 Detector Evaluation Package is available to suit the entire range of Nikon Metrology’s X-ray CT inspection, metrology and large envelope CT systems. All of the manufacturer’s X-ray sources are supported including rotating target technology and the world’s only 450kV microfocus source, in addition to the full range of industry-leading detectors.

A light metal version of the Nikon Metrology ASTM E2737 Detector Evaluation Package in use within one of its X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems. Here the phantom has been relocated from its usual position on the manipulator so that it is adjacent to the digital detector, where it performs one of the nine tests, image burn-in.

The package comes with a precalibrated artifact known as a five-groove wedge phantom and easy-to-install, customized bracketry with quick-change adapters that allow the operator to secure the phantom in the right positions.

Dedicated software performs all necessary functions, including artifact manipulation, image collection, and data analysis, creating a detailed report, automatically and rapidly. The streamlined workflow relieves the operator of manual intervention and de-skills the procedure to the point where it can be carried out by an operator who knows little about ASTM E2737 or X-ray CT.

Data is obtained on nine detector parameters: spatial resolution, contrast sensitivity, material thickness range, signal-to-noise ratio, signal level, image burn-in, image lag, offset value, and bad pixel distribution.

The long-term performance and stability of the detector can be tracked throughout its service life and its consistency compared with a user-defined baseline and customizable thresholds and warnings. Results from all of the nine ASTM E2737 tests are stored every time a suite of measurements is made so they can be interrogated at any time. Graphical and tabular presentation of the results aids visualization.

Results from all of the nine ASTM E2737 tests are stored every time a suite of measurements are made so they can be interrogated over time. Graphical and tabular presentation of the results aids visualization.

The automated workflow from image collection up to the creation of the final report as well the powerful trend analysis capabilities, make the Nikon Metrology ASTM E2737 Detector Evaluation Package unique.

Being able to track detector performance over time according to international standards and in an easy way, is of particular benefit to companies that rely on computed tomography to control the quality of their products and optimize their production processes as part of their Industry 4.0 initiatives.

About The Author

Nikon Metrology Inc.

Nikon Metrology Inc. offers the most complete and innovative metrology product portfolio, including state-of-the-art vision measuring instruments complemented with optical and mechanical 3-D metrology solutions. These reliable and innovative metrology solutions respond to the advanced inspection requirements of manufacturers active in aerospace, electronics, automotive, medical, consumer, and other industries. Systems are available in both fixed and portable configurations, equipped with single or multiple sensors.