Methods for fast setup and robust dimensional measurements with industrial x-ray computed tomography

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Robert Heinrich Schmitt
• Subject Area: Production Systems, Operations Management, Quality Management and Factory Planning
• Term: from 2009 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 138792210

The application of industrial x-ray computed tomography (XCT) for the dimensional inspection of work pieces is growing rapidly. The main potential of this technology is related to the capability of acquiring very dense point clouds in outer as well as in inner regions of the sample piece. However, limitations due to the high costs, the lack of metrological traceability and the high complexity of the setup process are still inhibiting factors to a broader use of the technology. The influence of the operator is one of the major error sources on the process of acquiring tomographic images. During the setup process of XCT-measurements, the operator has to take decisions regarding the proper selection of setup parameters (e.g. voltage, current, amount of projections, etc.) that influence directly the quality of the resulting voxel model. Up to know these decisions are highly intuitive and thus the quality of the measurement (accuracy, robustness) as well as the time, which is needed for the setup of the XCT, depends mainly on the individual knowledge and ability of the operator. The objective of the project is to improve the setup process of industrial XCTmeasurements, reducing setup time and increasing the reliability and robustness of the obtained measurement results. This is achieved by the design of a knowledge-based system (KB.S) for modelling expert knowledge in order to support the determination of appropriate setup-parameters for a given measurement task. The generation and systematization of knowledge about the relationships between measurement task-specific characteristics, setup parameters and the quality of resulting voxel model represent an important step to the establishment of XCT as a powerful coordinate measurement technology.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Brazil
• Partner Organisation: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior; (CAPES); Setor bancario Norte
• Participating Person: Professor Dr.-Ing. Carlos Alberto Schneider