Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS
© Fraunhofer IIS
Pore analysis of gluten-free dough

Mobile computed tomography – compact and individual

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CTportable - mobile computed tomography

© Fraunhofer IIS

Large and stationary computed tomography systems are mostly used in X-ray technology. Due to the lack of mobility, measurements are only possible at the  respective system location and sometimes complex sample environments have to be integrated there.

The CTportable family developed at the Fraunhofer Development Center for X-ray Technology is extremely small and portable. Thanks to the low weight and compact size, the systems can be used for measurements at changing or previously unimaginable locations.

Fields of application

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Void analysis on plastic components
  •  Materials: plastics, light metal
  • Electronics: switching contacts, plug contact bodies, other small electronic parts   
  • Biology: insects, bone parts,  other organic objects   
  • Geology and archeology: rock samples   
  • Pharmacy and medicine: hearing aids, ceramic implants, dental fillers
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Quality analysis of seeds using maize as an example
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Pore analysis of aluminum foam
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3D visualization of a plastic component
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Pore analysis of aluminum foam
© Fraunhofer IIS
Pore analysis of gluten-free dough
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High-resolution CT enables visibility of cell structures in rape seeds

Specification

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The CTportable25.50 was specially developed for the analysis of small samples made of weakly absorbent materials. The low-energy range of the measurements, which is sufficient for this purpose, allows a more cost-effective construction of the device.

The CTportable25.50 was specially developed for the analysis of small samples made of weakly absorbent materials. The low-energy range of the measurements, which is sufficient for this purpose, allows a more cost-effective construction of the device compared to larger systems, which also consumes less energy and financial resources

W/H/L (mm) 300 x 230 x 250
Weight approx. 25 kg 
Max. sample size Ø 45 mm, 65 mm (height)
Max. sample weight 250 g
Max. recording area 38 mm
Max. magnification 2,7
Radiation protection  below 0,5 µSv/h (corresponding to full protection device)
Penetrable material thickness up to 45 mm (plastics), up to 10 mm (aluminium)
Tube voltage 20-50 kV, max. 50 W
Focal spot size Unter 50 µm
Detector pixel count 1152 x 1300
Pixel size 49,5 µm
Voxel size / spatial resolution max. 18 µm at magnification 2.7
Connections 230 V / 24 V

The system can be customized to meet customer requirements.

LAYOUT AND FUNCTION

In addition to a powerful X-ray source and a fast detector, the handy CT device contains a manipulation system with a lifting axis and a precise rotating device. A helical function is optionally integrated into the control software, which enables vertical travel during the 360° rotation of the object.

Depending on the size of the object (see technical data), the images are acquired either completely or step by step by moving the axes during the measurement. The measurement data is then reconstructed and made available for viewing

© Fraunhofer IIS
The CTportable160.90 is able to measure small objects with a voxel edge length of three micrometers up to samples the size of a beverage can.

The CTportable160.90 was developed for a wide range of different application areas. Small objects with a voxel edge length of three micrometers can be measured. On the other hand, samples up to the size of a beverage can be examined in the system.

W/H/L (mm) 880 x 650 x 440
Weight approx. 160 kg 
Max. sample size Ø 80 mm, 180 mm (height)
Max. sample weight 250 g
Max. recording area 65 mm
Max. magnification 18 times
Radiation protection  below 0,5 µSv/h (corresponding to full protection device)
Penetrable material thickness up to 80 mm (plastics), up to 15 mm (aluminium)
Tube voltage 20-50 kV, max. 8 W
Focal spot size Unter 4 µm
Detector pixel count 2304 x 1300
Pixel size 49,5 µm
Voxel size / spatial resolution max. 2,5 µm at magnification 18
Connections 110 V / 230 V

The system can be customized to meet customer requirements.

Layout and function

In addition to a powerful X-ray source and a fast detector, the CT device contains a manipulation system with a lifting axis and a  precise rotating device. A helical function is integrated in the control software, which enables vertical travel during the 360° rotation of the object.

This creates - especially for test objects with several structural layers - measurement  results in high quality and without undesirable artifacts.

Depending on the size of the object (see technical data), the images are acquired either completely or step by step by moving the axes during the measurement. The measurement data is then reconstructed and made available for viewing.

Easy handling

Screenshot der Benutzeroberfläche der Software VOLEX
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Thanks to the convenient user interface the VOLEX-Software offers, users are able to have all relevant data in sight at any given time.

The system is controlled by the VOLEX 10 software developed and supplied by Fraunhofer EZRT. The intuitive and userfriendly interface guides you step by step through the individual settings, even  without prior knowledge, until the results are of the desired quality. For advanced users with previous knowledge, the software interface can be flexibly adapted so that all system components can be set. Optionally, the reconstruction can also be automated.

At a glance

  • Location-independent measurements   
  • Mobility due to compact design   
  • Application-specific measurement procedures   
  • Easy to use   
  • Resolution in the micrometer range   
  • User-friendly control software  
  • Short measuring times   
  • Plug & Play via USB and Ethernet connection to notebook without additional hardware   
  • Cost savings through maximum adaptation to test purposes   
  • Artifact reduction in volume by helical function