Application Center for CT in Metrology (CTMT) in Deggendorf

The Fraunhofer Application Center for CT in Metrology (CTMT) at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) in Lower Bavaria is a branch lab directly affiliated with the Fraunhofer Development Center X-Ray Technology EZRT and is thus part of one of the largest research facilities for X-ray technology worldwide.

Specializing in the application and development of industrial X-ray computed tomography (CT), the CTMT in Deggendorf can draw on a wealth of experience spanning more than 15 years. This expertise includes innovative industrial services (CT measurement technology, nondestructive material testing, defect and damage analyses) as well as collaborative and contracted research and development for industrial applications.

Through the Chair of Imaging Systems with a focus on computed tomography at Deggendorf Institute of Technology (THD), in cooperation with Fraunhofer, prospective engineers and computer scientists at THD also benefit from the technology at CTMT as part of lectures and practical trainings.

For the wide-ranging field of work, Fraunhofer has CT equipment and corresponding analysis software tools available at Deggendorf, including a production-integrated CT system from Heitec. The connection to the division Development Center X-ray Technology and the European Synchrotron Facility E.S.R.F. offers further access to high-performance CT systems and resources. This also includes the RoboCT system of the THD Technology Campus Plattling.

Fields of activity

Röntgensystem des Anwendungszentrums CT in der Messtechnik
© Fraunhofer IIS
The Application Center for CT in Metrology (CTMT) has numerous X-ray systems.
  • Development of industrial CT as a universal digitalization tool in the product life cycle
  • Data management: processing and analysis of large quantities of data
  • Automation of measurement processes and integration into production processes
  • Virtual testing of components and development of digital prototypes using CT data and FE simulations
  • Provision of vocational training for future engineers at the DIT through lectures, internships and dissertation projects

Fields of application

  • Test process suitability: Using the VDA 5 guideline, it is possible to assess the suitability of a CT system as a measuring system and for the entire test process. Different components and influencing variables affect the calculated expanded uncertainty of the tomograph and it is important to identify these and assign uncertainty values to them. This makes it possible to state the probability that the true value of a measurand y lies within the interval ±u of the measurement result Y.
  • Accuracy of CT measurements: To increase the accuracy of CT measurements, influencing factors affecting the measurement result are systematically investigated. Based on the results of these investigations, guidelines for more accurate measurements can be created. In addition, methods to automate the CT process are being developed, which should improve repeatability.
  • CT process speed and component optimization: To save costs and for quality reasons, it is extremely important to automate the entire measurement process. A robot was therefore used for the unmanned loading of the computed tomography system. Ongoing research projects are working to develop an automation solution for all process steps — loading, CT scan, data analysis and preparation of final test reports. In the future, this will all be possible with just the click of a mouse.
  • Minimization of operator influence on CT measurements: CT operators have a major impact on CT measurement results. The selection of machine parameters and position of the workpieces in the CT system are just two examples of factors that can significantly influence the measurement result. Using software- and hardware-based methods, the CTMT is trying to minimize this user influence.
  • In-situ CT — measurement technology for loaded components: Thanks to dimensional metrology and material testing using nondestructive in-situ computed tomography, various types of samples and test objects can be assessed under the application of force to check for deformation and cracking. The results of tensile and compression tests are also compared with simulations of strength to identify any deviations. The aim is to use the in-situ CT system to improve simulation models with a view to producing a better representation of the real situation. This makes nondestructive component testing and simulation validation possible.
  • Process and component optimization using computed tomography: Complex prototypes can be easily analyzed in the development phase with the aid of computed tomography. Simulation models are then adjusted based on these results. The targeted use of computed tomography in the manufacturing process means that any geometric deviations can be detected at an early stage, enabling tool corrections to be performed. This saves both time and money.

Services at the Deggendorf site

  • Research in the field of CT measurement technology
  • Feasibility studies and consultation
  • Innovative measurement services

Technical equipment

Tomoscope HV 500 — Werth | 225 kV microfocus (approx. 8 µm smallest focal spot)

  • Dimensional metrology (MPEE3: [4.5 + L/75] μm) and defect analysis of components with edge lengths up to 500 mm
  • With loading robot for fully automated series measurements

InlineCT — HEITEC PTS/Fraunhofer | 450 kV macrofocus (approx. 0.8 mm smallest focal spot)

  • Automatable CT system for fast, inline series measurements
  • Also suitable for larger, metallic components and metrological applications

Tomolibri — Zeiss/Fraunhofer | 300 kV microfocus — 3K detector

  • With walk-in radiation protection cabin and integrated system for condition monitoring
  • High-resolution metrology and defect analysis also available for larger, metallic components
  • Photogrammetry — set-up for data fusion of optical images and CT data

Software-Systeme

VG Studio MAX

  • Visualization and processing of CT data
  • Dimensional metrology, wall thickness analysis, material testing (blowholes), material analysis

Avizo for Material Science

  • Complex segmentation of multi-material components
  • Fiber analysis

Simpleware

  • Intelligent mesh generation for the use of CT data in FE simulations

WinWerth

  • Automated metrological evaluations in 2D/3D

Geomagic Studio

  • Reverse engineering
  • STL data processing

Geomagic Qualify

  • Metrological evaluations

ANSYS

  • FE simulation environment for system optimization and virtual testing

ZEISS Reverse Engineering

  • Reverse engineering applications

ISG Virtuos

  • Development of digital images of real systems for virtual commissioning