NyproMold Adds CT Scanning to Its Metrology Capabilities

At NPE2012 NyproMold (Clinton, MA) highlighted its use of CT scanning as it adds a suite of innovative services to its industrial metrology capabilities. CT scanning can simultaneously and nondestructively visualize, measure and analyze individual parts or complete assemblies. The machine rotates the article 360o to capture 1200 images and then constructs them into a precise 3D model presentation.

Industrial computed tomography (CT) scanning is the equivalent of human CT scanning, which physicians commonly use to diagnose disease. In CT scanning, a large number of two-dimensional X-ray images are used to create a three-dimensional model. In human applications, an X-ray tube is spun around a person held in a fixed position on a special hospital bed. For plastics parts, the x-ray tube is fixed, and the plastic part is spun around it.

NyproMold recently installed an industrial CT scanner in its Advanced Technology Center metrology lab in Clinton, MA. Using CT scanning, NyproMold can nondestructively visualize, measure, and analyze an application all at the same time and get results quickly with unparalleled accuracy. CT scanning services can be performed on individual parts as well as on complete assemblies and devices. In all cases, the customer receives an integrated viewer for easy review of the data results.

FASTscan: Part-to-CAD Comparison: Typically in less than two hours, this service creates a precise overlay of the scanned data set to the original 3D part model database. The color-coded, easy-to-interpret display of a geometry comparison quickly and clearly provides meaningful information about the dimensional stability of the entire component. Using an integrated viewer, the customer can easily determine the part’s dimensional deviation from nominal.

Part-to-Part Comparison: Similar to FASTscan, part-to-part comparison provides an overlay of two scanned parts, which allows for quick identification of dimensional deviations between the parts. These parts could represent process 1 vs. process 2, archived parts vs. new parts, or parts produced from two different molds. Using an integrated viewer, the customer can easily analyze a color variation chart showing the deviation from one part to another preselected reference part.

Void and Inclusion Analysis: This service provides material and defect analysis showing void or inclusion size and locations.

Wall Thickness Analysis: Conventional metrology techniques often require destructive slicing in order to access areas within complex parts. With complete 3D model generation, the color-coded display allows you to quickly and accurately measure slight changes in the wall stock of complex parts without destructive testing.

Assembly Analysis: CT scanning applies to complete assemblies and devices and produces a 3D image that can be manipulated to show hidden components and internal assembly. Complicated assemblies can be reviewed and critiqued at levels previously unavailable, showing seals, fits, interface engagement, interferences, etc.

Dimensional Analysis: Just like with traditional CMM techniques, CT scanning can produce full first article inspections and provide a dimensional report, but often cheaper and faster than CMM.

Reverse Engineering: A 3D CAD file can be generated and exported from the CT scanned data set quickly and accurately.