Herminso Villarraga-Gomez

The push for smaller, more complex device components has spiked the need for precise, non-damaging metrology, with 3D X-ray microscopy (XRM) leading the way. This technology offers high-resolution measurements critical for quality control in the electronics and manufacturing industries.

Two-dimensional and 3D X-ray technologies are among the most useful nondestructive testing methods. They enable the inspection of an object’s internal features without having to disassemble the sample or destroy the part in the process. 

Interest is growing across many industries in the use of X-ray computed tomography (CT) for dimensional metrology in the pursuit of improved quality control. 

Interest in 3D printing is remaking the manufacturing landscape. Consulting firm IDC says global spending on 3D printers, both desktop and industrial, hit about $11 billion in 2015 and is forecast to reach $27 billion by 2019.

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is an important industrial tool that enables us to see not only external surfaces but also internal features of an object without cutting or disassembling the sample.