Technologies

We research and develop various technologies in the field of non-destructive testing that range from conventional two-dimensional radioscopy and three-dimensional computed tomography and magnet resonance methods, to optical technologies, among others for inspecting surfaces.

 

Computed tomography (CT)

 

The term computed tomography is a combination of the words “computer” and “tomography,” where “tomography” means imaging different regions of the examined object by sections. A modern CT scanner can display sections of or an entire object in just a few minutes. As with conventional X-rays, computed tomography is based on the attenuation of X-rays by different materials in the object. A CT scanner operates by rotating the object between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, whereby the part of the object being examined is scanned by a cone-shaped X-ray beam. The attached detector captures the more or less attenuated X-rays from the object and forwards them to a computer for reconstruction and processing. The computer then generates cross-sectional images, or “slices,” from the measured values. Systems with area detectors can record several layers simultaneously, which considerably speeds up the examination process. Whereas in the past only two-dimensional slices were computed, today’s systems usually generate three-dimensional volume datasets, which allow computations that go beyond the layer levels for a vivid three-dimensional representation of the object.

 

High energy CT

Together with partners, Fraunhofer EZRT developed an XXL CT system that can be used to scan oversized objects such as an entire vehicle

 

Inline CT

The advanced inline computed tomography technology developed by Fraunhofer EZRT allows cast parts to be inspected even during the manufacturing process. The benefits of this process-integrated inspection solution are many and varied and include fully-automated x-ray inspections and a reduction in the number of rejected parts and components.

 

Portable CT

The portable computed tomography technology was developed for the location-independent inspection of objects made of less-absorbent materials that are no larger than a tennis ball. Despite its compact dimensions and extremely low weight, this x-ray system is in no way inferior to its »bigger brothers«.

 

Micro- and Nano Computed Tomography

Backed by extensive know-how in the field of computed tomography, Fraunhofer EZRT is capable of generating extremely fine, high-resolution radiographic images using appropriate CT systems. That means the internal structures of even the smallest objects can be visualized in microscopic resolution.

 

Phase contrast and darkfield CT

Raster-based phase contrast technology and its incorporated darkfield contrast imaging, provide a unique opportunity to create two- and three-dimensional representations of microscopic structure information in objects as large as 15 cm. This technology is used mainly for analyzing the structure of fiber-reinforced plastics, including any damage, as well as for inspecting microporous bioimplants.

 

In-situ computed tomography

In-situ computed tomography makes it possible to carry out measurements and material testing on tensile specimens or test objects under defined application of force.

Additional x-ray technologies

 

X-ray scattering

Small-angle x-ray scattering - or SAXS - is used to analyze the shape and size distribution of mesoscopic particles in the length scale of 2 nm - 500 nm. Typical applications include the examination of protein solutions, nanoporous solid bodies, nano fibers and aerogels.

 

Fully Automated Inline X-ray Inspection

In fully automated inline X-ray inspection, test objects are automatically positioned using a manipulation system and image data is automatically generated.

 

Computed laminography

Computed laminography (CL) is an ideal X-ray analysis technique for the inspection of laminar components. Due to their unfavorable aspect ratio they are not easily accessible from all sides and thus a regular CT scan cannot be performed. CL is employing alternative scanning geometries for overcoming these hindrances. Individual sectional planes of an object can be represented sharply (focal plane). An extraction of a multitude of focal planes is conducted by means of reconstruction algorithms like tomosynthesis or iterative methods, each having specific advantages. In addition to the inspection of printed circuit boards, CL is applied in the analysis of modern lightweight materials (e.g. fibre reinforced polymers CFRP and GFRP).

 

Dual energy methods

With dual energy x-ray technology, the material under test is subjected to two different x-ray spectra, which permits the identification of different materials based on the varying chemical atomic numbers.

 

XRM-II nanoCT

The system supports a variable magnification range from 100x to 2000x achieved by geometric magnification, which equals a voxel size between 600nm and 30nm.

Magnetic Resonance (MR)

Magnetic Resonance is one of the standard imaging techniques in medicine. The most used clinical devices have either a magnetic field strength of 1.5 Tesla (T) or 3.0 T. For our research work, we use various magnetic field strength starting with the low magnetic earth field and ending with 17.6 T. All of our MR devices have standard measurement sequences for routine applications. For special tasks, we adapt the measurement sequences and/or hardware.

 

Biomedical Imaging

We are researching and developing faster and highly functional magnetic resonance techniques that assist physicians in diagnostics and provide patients with shorter examination times.

 

Machine Learning in MRI

We use various machine learning techniques to improve different aspects of MRI measurements.

 

Functional brain imaging

Functional MRI (fMRI) allows imaging of activated brain areas with high spatial resolution due to increased metabolism in the active areas.

 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in orthodontics

MR can be used in many areas of orthodontics just as successfully as the previously common imaging techniques.

 

MR Safety

By performing MR compatibility and safety tests on active and passive implants as well as on MR-relevant devices and accessories, we contribute to the safety of the user and the patient. 

 

Nondestructive MR on standard materials

We use relaxometry methods to characterize and identify materials that are not usually measured by MR.

 

Nondestructive MR on biomaterials

MR allows a far-reaching insight into the large field of biomaterials, for example by means of labeling cells.

Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy (MPS)

Magnetic nanoparticles are characterized by a magnetic moment that can be manipulated in an external alternating magnetic field. A typical superparamagnetic behavior leads to a dynamic and especially nonlinear response. The result can be represented as an amplitude and phase spectrum with a whole chain of higher harmonics (oscillations). The exact shape of this spectrum is unique to this particle and can provide information about its properties.

 

Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy

Our MPS instrument directly measures the magnetic moment of iron oxide nanoparticles within a few milliseconds.

 

Nano ID

Magnetically marked raw materials and goods (Nano ID) can be tracked and identified in international supply chains with MPS and also enable sorting during recycling.

Optical technologies

 

Optical 3D measurement technology

For rapid three-dimensional scanning of surfaces, we rely primarily on sheet-of-light imaging, an especially advantageous method for inspecting moving objects. We possess extensive experience in this field, particularly in applications such as tire manufacturing and the inspection of finished tires, wheels and brake system sealing gaskets.
 

Inverse deflectometry

Inverse deflectometry is a 3D measuring and inspecting method, which does not require the presence of a diffusely reflecting surface.