By Jesse Garant Metrology Center
For Composite part types, there are 3 primary areas that have had a large amount of success when adopting CT Scanning. These areas include: Qualifying New Products Typically traditional manufacturing and inspection techniques have proven to be highly effective in verifying production products. However, when high precision parts require qualification, the costs and time for validating measurements can quickly add up. CT Scanning not only has the ability to be a non-destructive testing (NDT) method to perform non-contact measurements of part features, but it can also provide a color-coded map identifying variations between parts or variations to the nominal model. During the launch of new products (FAI – First Article Inspection) or annual qualifications of production runs (LAI – Last Article Inspection), measurement costs and time frames can really stack up. When utilizing CAT scan inspection, products can be quickly validated without destructive means to save on costly samples being manufactured and allow for additional downstream testing to be performed on the same component. Furthermore, the utilization of surface profiles in the 3D realm allows for a detailed color map aligned by the customers preferred datum scheme to be completed and paired with key dimensional measurements.Composite parts of a wide variety of shapes and sizes have benefited from the use of CT scanning such as 3D printed parts, graphite products, springs, and high temperature components. Another key area for new product validation is the identification of pores or cracks that are forming during the manufacturing process. When CT Scanning is used the technology can positively aid manufacturing companies in developing a repeatable and low defect manufacturing process for production. Failure Investigation X-Ray and CT scanning in a failure investigation has proven beneficial for identifying the root cause of a potential composite part failure. Identification of the failure not only allows companies to correct the error happening in production, but it also helps to identify a potential financial impact resulting from the failing products. When even further insight is required, Micro CT scanning with very high-resolution systems can identify slight changes in geometry which could stack up to result in an overall failure. Industrial CT Scanning can provide data for virtually all physical defect types external and internal to the product. These include porosities, voids, and cracks, assembly misalignments, inconsistent wall thickness, variations in material geometry, and variations from the nominal CAD model. Benefiting from Service Labs As the technology is rapidly being adopted and standards are evolving all the time, utilizing a certified service lab ensures proper compliance to the latest standards. This ensures the project is completed according to a verifiable process and the experienced lab can not only complete the results but communicate the results. As computed tomography data is complex, large in file size, and new for some people; effective communication is key to ensure all parties are properly informed of the results for effective decisions to be made.
