Scatter Correction CT Addresses X-ray Scatter Artifacts in Industrial Scanning

Nikon Metrology NV (Nikon Metrology), a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation (Nikon), announces the launch of Scatter Correction CT, a software solution designed to address the challenges posed by X-ray scatter artifacts in industrial computed tomography (CT) scanning. By employing advanced physics-based modeling techniques, Scatter Correction CT significantly improves image clarity and measurement accuracy, particularly for dense materials such as aluminum, steel, ceramic and Inconel.

X-ray scatter artifacts have long been a significant issue for CT scan operators, hindering their ability to obtain clear images of internal and external structures. X-rays, like visible light, typically travel in straight lines but are sometimes absorbed and re-emitted, which can change the direction of travel. This issue can manifest as cloudy haloes surrounding high-density regions, false inhomogeneities within homogeneous regions and edge blurring across material boundaries. Scatter Correction CT effectively simulates and corrects these complex interactions, removing the detrimental effects of scatter.

Key benefits of Scatter Correction CT include:

• Enhanced image clarity: By correcting for X-ray scatter artifacts, Scatter Correction CT dramatically improves image quality, enabling more precise visualization of internal and external structures, defects and fine details.
• Improved measurement accuracy: More precise and reliable measurements of component geometries and internal features, critical for quality control and Industry 4.0 manufacturing.
• Significantly faster scan times: More than 100 times faster than traditional scatter-free 2D CT methods, allowing manufacturers to significantly improve throughput and accelerate product development.
• Wide compatibility: Scatter Correction CT is available across all Nikon X-ray sources and systems in the 225 kV and above range and is fully compatible with all Nikon CT scanning acquisition modes, providing a versatile solution for diverse industrial applications.
• Ease of use: The correction is seamlessly integrated into the scanning workflow, requiring only a single click to enable. This reduces the need for specialized skills and improves overall productivity.

Scatter Correction CT  benefits various industries, including aerospace, automotive, additive manufacturing, moldmaking and castings.

“We are excited to introduce Scatter Correction CT, a game-changing solution that addresses a critical challenge in industrial CT scanning. By correcting for X-ray scatter artifacts, the software provides manufacturers with better image quality and measurement accuracy in their CT scans, ultimately enhancing quality control, product development and research capabilities,” says says Nikon’s X-ray and CT Global Product Manager, Dr. Andrew Mathers.