Industrial CT Scanning and 3D X-Ray Analysis Solutions

When precision and certainty matter in component analysis, industrial CT scanning is the gold standard in non-destructive testing. At 3D Engineering Solutions, we’ve elevated this technology through our metrology-grade systems and century of combined engineering expertise, delivering insights that traditional inspection methods simply cannot match.

Our industrial CT scanning services provide insights across important applications – from casting inspection and porosity analysis to precise measurements of assembled internal geometries. With advanced systems capable of handling everything from delicate electronics to dense metal parts, we provide the detailed analysis and rapid results that engineering teams need to make decisions.

Industrial CT Scanning: Advanced Metrology Solutions for Modern Engineering

At 3D Engineering Solutions, our industrial CT scanning services are the pinnacle of non-destructive testing technology. By combining high-powered X-ray imaging with precise rotational mechanics, we create detailed 3D digital representations of your components – from the external surfaces to the most intricate internal structures.

Our metrology-grade industrial CT scanning process captures thousands of X-ray images as your component rotates through 360 degrees. These images undergo reconstruction to generate a detailed 3D volume, composed of millions of data points called voxels (volumetric pixels). Each voxel contains important dimensional and material density information, allowing our degreed engineers to analyze your components with precision.

What sets our industrial CT scanning services apart is our ability to:

• Capture internal and external features simultaneously.
• Measure components without physical contact.
• Analyze assemblies without disassembly.
• Detect microscopic variations in material density.
• Identify potential defects with sub-micron accuracy.

Through our ISO 17025 accredited industrial CT scanning process, we deliver actionable insights for quality control, failure analysis, and dimensional verification. Whether you’re in aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing, or any industry requiring precise internal measurements, our team provides the detailed analysis you need – available 24/7 with rapid turnaround times.

Non-Contact Data Collection

This virtual mapping of the object being scanned (including the air space surrounding and inside the object), is the basis of what we use to visualize and measure the object. Industrial scanning computed tomography (CT) is the leading-edge technology for touchless data collection technology. Full assemblies can be scanned without disassembly! So you can capture data on internal stressed components in their assembled state. Solids, liquids and gases can be distinguished from each other as well. 3D Engineering Solutions industrial CT scanning services are able to capture what has never before been available to the industry – the precise dimensions of internal and external structures captured in a non-destructive fashion. This includes porosity and inclusions on the internal material of the object itself. Industrial CT scanning also excels at capturing obscured internal and external features which line-of-sight data collection methods such as laser and structured light scanning are not able to.

Once the data is captured, you have the option of virtually disassembling an assembly to see and measure each component in its compressed assembled state. This non-destructive testing method is unparalleled in its ability to do this and far exceeds traditional destructive methods that require mounting and preparing cross-sectioned samples. Once the dataset is obtained, you can create as many virtual slices as desired. Inspection services can follow up the scanning services process and confidence in the technology of the industrial accuracy of your x-ray data. This technology provides medical information on the computed tomography process for an in-depth analysis.

Full Industrial CT Scanning Equipment

Highly specialized equipment is used in medical Industrial CT Scanning services. We employ the best available industrial CT scanning equipment. As a metrology and engineering services provider only, we are not bound to purchasing or using any particular equipment due to a commission arrangement with the manufacturer. So we are free to pick the current best equipment on the market for your project. Each piece of equipment that we maintain is OEM equipment and is maintained by service agreements with the OEM for optimal uptime. We need each piece and part of equipment available for use on your project as you need it. So we do not purchase or assemble ‘one of a kind’ equipment for use in our service business. You will note on each quote and report, the exact make and model being used for your industrial CT scanning services project. This helps assure you or your end customer of the validity and repeatability of our results in our industrial CT and x-ray services.

3D Engineering Solutions employs CT scanners that cover a range of application needs from tiny delicate parts to large Inconel aerospace parts. As a service provider, we see the full spectrum of x-ray computed tomography scanning requirements and have a depth of experience in processing all of them. Our scanning services technology ultimately aims to get an in-depth, internal look at the object being scanned.

Our 160kV XTV Nikon machine is superior for capturing fine detail in components. Its sub-micron spot size yields incredible detail. This combined with its ability to 3D scan objects with high aspect ratios (think printed circuit boards [PCBs] which are wide but thin) through X.Tract (laminography), makes what is normally not possible for CT a reality. Each CT machine is also an X-ray machine and can be used for live X-ray movies of assemblies as they are being actuated. This particular machine is especially useful and most frequently used by the PCB industry for x-raying BGAs, other components, solder pads and the like. After the CT scanning process is completed, inspection services can be followed in order to ensure no faults were made during the x-ray. Time and money can be saved through an internal inspection and checking possible mistakes during the x-ray process and will guarantee accuracy giving you confidence in your CT scanning services results.

Scanning Environment

The 225kV MCT Nikon machines that we use are advanced metrology-grade CT scanners. These are not the standard 225kV machines that are available, but are packed full of technology to control the scanning environment to a degree unheard of in the past from traditional industrial CT scanners. Both of our MCT machines are on our ISO17025 scope of accreditation and as such we have developed measurement uncertainties around this process. These metrology grade computed tomography systems establish maximum permissible error (MPE) values per VDI 2630 guaranteeing accuracies for critically toleranced components. We find these machines highly reliable and repeatable when compared with our other in-house CMMs. These MCT machines employ 16” detector panels are the largest in the industry. These 16” detector panels allow us to resolve the best level of detail for your project. Our metrology grade systems provide reliable technology that gives us accurate results on internal structures. Tasks like failure analysis, defect analysis, and wall thickness analysis can all become easier to manage.

3DES’ 450kV micro-focus Nikon system sports dual detectors (16” panel and proprietary curved linear diode array – CLDA) and generous cabinet space for larger parts. 3D Engineering Solutions features Nikon’s XTH 450kV micro-focus CT with patented technology that allows the smallest spot size available in this size of machine anywhere. Combined with a low noise CLDA detector, the 450kV micro-focus CT allows us to generate brilliant and crisp CT scans of even the most difficult parts. What this means for our customers is incredible detail in dense or thick parts that was not possible before. Our machine provides the highest accuracy with power enough for larger/denser parts including difficult Aerospace materials.

All of our CT data is processed with the premiere CT scanning software from Volume Graphics. VG Studio Max and its multiplicity of accessory modules are used to parse the voxel data better than other software. Because Volume Graphics has a single focus on CT analysis software development, they have generated an analysis package that is unbeaten by its competitors. This has led to their unmistaken leadership in the market and the reason that we chose them as our CT scanning analysis software of choice.

3D Engineering Solutions Strategy

What sets our industrial CT scanning services apart isn’t just our advanced technology – it’s our focus on engineering excellence. Unlike equipment vendors or general service providers, 3D Engineering Solutions concentrates exclusively on delivering precise, timely metrology services. This focus means your projects are always handled by degreed engineers with extensive CT scanning expertise, ensuring superior analysis and actionable results.

Our commitment to industrial CT scanning excellence is built on three core principles: dedicated expertise, round-the-clock availability, and uncompromising precision. Each member of our engineering team brings years of experience in CT technology and analysis, ensuring your projects benefit from both technical proficiency and practical insight. This depth of expertise allows us to tackle complex challenges that other providers might miss, from subtle material variations to critical internal geometries.

When time-critical decisions depend on accurate internal measurements, our team delivers:

• 24/7 industrial CT scanning capabilities with rapid project initiation.
• Advanced data processing and analysis in real-time.
• Scalable solutions for projects ranging from individual components to large-scale production runs.
• Direct communication with experienced engineers who understand your industry challenges.
• Reporting that meets ISO 17025 accreditation standards.
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate urgent quality control needs.

Our in-house industrial CT scanning facilities represent a significant investment in both technology and expertise. We maintain multiple CT scanning systems, each optimized for specific applications and materials, ensuring we can handle any engineering challenge that comes our way. This capability, combined with our dedicated engineering staff, means we can manage complex projects without outsourcing or delays.

The value of this approach becomes clear in the results we deliver. Whether you’re validating aerospace components, analyzing medical devices, or performing failure analysis on automotive parts, our industrial CT scanning services provide the detailed insights needed for confident decision-making. Our engineers don’t just collect data – they interpret it through the lens of practical engineering experience, delivering actionable recommendations that drive your projects forward.

Ready to experience the difference that dedicated industrial CT scanning expertise can make? Our team is ready to discuss your project requirements and how our metrology-grade solutions can support your quality and engineering goals. We’re available 24/7 to respond to your most pressing metrology challenges with the precision and urgency your projects demand.

Our motto is measuring and modeling quality. We want to earn your business. Please contact us for your CT scanning, inspection, reverse engineering and analysis needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of industrial CT scanning over traditional inspection methods?

Industrial CT scanning provides internal and external measurements without destroying or disassembling components. Unlike traditional methods, our industrial computed tomography systems can detect internal defects, measure wall thickness, and analyze material density variations – all in a single scan. This nondestructive approach saves time and provides more complete data for quality assurance decisions.

How accurate are your industrial CT inspection services?

Our metrology-grade CT scanners achieve sub-micron accuracy, depending on the part size and material. All our systems are ISO 17025 accredited, and we regularly validate our measurements against certified standards. For specific applications, we can provide detailed measurement uncertainty reports to support your quality requirements.

Can you perform 3D CT scans on assembled products?

Yes, one of the key benefits of our industrial scanning services is the ability to analyze fully assembled products. Our systems can capture internal components in their assembled state, allowing for inspection of interference fits, alignment, and wear patterns without disassembly. This capability is particularly valuable for failure analysis and quality validation of complex assemblies.