Robotic based computed tomography (CT) system

• Subject Area: Polymer Research
• Term: Funded in 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 523705647

The device applied for is a system for robot-assisted computer tomography (CT). This included two collaborating robots that move the imaging components - X-ray source and detector - in a corresponding manner to travel the necessary trajectories for the computed tomographic examination of various objects, depending on the object-specific accessibility. In addition, the large-scale equipment application includes an X-ray-safe enclosure, which is required for the safe operation of the facility. The flexibility gained using robots makes it possible to examine geometrically complex and large components and production facilities. The examination of such structures and plants by means of X-ray CT can otherwise only take place on a laboratory scale on cut-outs or samples taken from large structures on the smallest scale. Robot-based CT can overcome this deficit of classical laboratory CT systems. In addition to three-dimensional imaging, two-dimensional large-area X-ray images are also possible with the planned system. The flexibility of the system is to be used to perform CT examinations of objects on a meters scale and to feed back the information obtained about material structure, inhomogeneities, defects into the underlying manufacturing process. In addition to the analysis of objects after their manufacture, the system is also to be used for in-situ examinations in the testing of samples from the coupon level to component testing. Furthermore, the possibilities for direct monitoring of manufacturing processes are to be explored, as small production systems can also be accommodated within the planned X-ray-safe enclosure.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Robotergestütztes Computertomographie (CT) System
• Instrumentation Group: 4070 Spezielle Röntgengeräte für Materialanalyse, Strukturforschung und Werkstoff-Bestrahlung
• Applicant Institution: Universität Augsburg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Markus Sause