Industrial Applications

X-ray computed tomography is the method of using X-ray radiation to take a number of two dimensional images of an object in many positions around an axis of rotation. From these images, using software, a three dimensional (3D) model of the object’s external as well as internal structure is reconstructed and can be analyzed. Typical areas of use for CT in industry are in the detection of weakness points such as voids and cracks, and particle analysis in materials.

As such, it is the only technology for industrial quality control of workpieces having non-accessible internal features (e.g. components produced by additive manufacturing) or multi-material components (e.g. two-component injection molded plastic parts or plastic parts with metallic inserts).

The number of industrial applications of CT is large and rapidly increasing. We describe here a survey of application examples from the manufacturing industry as well as from other industries, e.g. electrical and electronic devices, inhomogeneous materials, and from the food industry.

Synchrotrons sources offer specific advantages for the use of X-ray computed tomography. This form of radiation has several relevant properties: monochromaticity, high spatial coherence, high collimation, high brightness and intensity, low emittance, and wide tunability in energy/ wavelength.

Phase contrast imaging can be used to visualize small details and increase image contrast within structures that otherwise would appear uniform. Phase contrast imaging differentiates between structures under analysis by exploiting differences in the refractive index of materials and highlighting small details of differing refractive index.

Processing of natural stones for architectural and furnishing projects

marmo cucina

As part of sustainability concept, there is a great interest in exploiting marble powder dispersed in appropriate polymers for further use in 3D printing. The main challenge is to explore how these components mix and find out which are the main variables into play.

Manufacturing of acrylic glass parts

acquario

The company K-tec is interested in investigating, at the microscopic and even molecular level, a specific bonding process used in the production of very large glazing parts for institutional aquariums and swimming pools which are very demanding in terms of optical appearance and mechanical strength. A better understanding of relationship between process parameters and part properties will allow to optimize the design and manufacturing processes of their products.

Design and manufacturing of items from recycled materials

matite

It is in Alisea company’s interest to investigate the potential applications of graphite in businesses other than those commonly known. In particular, new construction materials are being studied with fire resistant qualities, which are composed of a mix of inert materials, already normally used in construction, and graphite, an additive of interest for its specific chemical-physical characteristics (i.e. thermal and electrical conductivity, mechanical resistance, etc.).

Natural fibers and eco-sustainable resins for nautical sector

nautica

The material rComposite produced by the company Northern Light Composites is made out of three main components: vegetable fibers, resin and polyurethane. The challenge for Northern Light Composites was to determine how the resin distributes into the material.

Tailor-made Polyurethane Solutions

eolico

Traditional polyurethane foams are not strong enough to resist at the working conditions of the production of composite materials. The material INTIVATO has been developed to overcome the traditional PU limitations, with a focus on the press forming technology, which is suitable for mass production. The interest of the company Carùs is studying the chemical and morphological properties of different foaming processes of polyurethane rigid foams.

Wood Processing

wood

Wood can be carbonized by controlled thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) to form a monolithic carbon surface for aesthetical or technological purposes. Wood with carbonized surfaces can also be used for interior decoration. Despite the marketing potentials, these carbonized products have not yet been characterized for the aforementioned applications, both morphologically and chemically.

New polymers and formulations from non-edible biomasses

biomasse

Since 2015, the company AEP Polymers has worked on the usability assessment of different lignin grades in polymers, like polyurethane foams for automotive and construction applications (thermal and acoustic insulation). To increase lignin efficiency and improve performance properties of the foams, AEP has explored a process to overcome the limitations of lignin as a solid powder, obtaining an easier-to-use lignin form and a more homogeneous ligninpolyurethane matrix.

Application of imaging for the study of fabrics

Applicazione dell'Imaging per lo studio dei Tessuti

In the manufacture of sterile coats for hospital use, particular importance is given to the choice of fabrics; the texture of the weaving and the characteristics of the yarn are important not only for the resistance of the product but also for their tendency to accumulate impurities which, even after careful cleaning, can contaminate sterile environments. The manufacture of coats, and in particular the sewing, can take place in a classical manner or with welds with hot glue, aimed to eliminate spaces and areas in which dirt and bacteria can accumulate.

Croissant doughs

Impasti per croissant

The ideal croissant? Crumbly, healthy and good, of course. But also easy to preserve, considering that pastry chefs often need to store raw finished dough in the freezer. The formation of elongated and large ice crystals constitutes a threat to the quality of the product, because it alters the structure of proteins and breaks the cell walls of the yeasts contained in the dough. Moreover, once cooked, the croissant will have lost its quality.

High resolution microtomography of metal foams

The necessity for devising more effective heat transfer technologies and innovative materials, capable of increasing performances while keeping power consumption, size and cost at reasonable levels, is well recognized. Under this prospect, metal foams are good candidates for improving the thermal efficiency of heat transfer devices and allowing, at the same time, the use of smaller and lighter equipment.

Applications of virtual histology in biomedical research

istologia High-resolution micro-computed tomography has been used for 3D virtual histology and volumetric quantification, but long acquisition times and additional staining procedures are required.

Last Updated on Thursday, 09 March 2023 14:04

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