The global contribution of the automotive industry to the world economy is approximately $3.4 trillion (2021 – Mc Kinsey). Yet very little is communicated about the nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques used for industrial inspection to meet those often mutually opposed pressures of productivity and quality.

In the past, simple X-ray radiography was sufficient in providing an image needed for this inspection. However, because it views structures in 2D, simple radiography is limited in engineering applications as the objects become more complex. This is where computed tomography (CT) becomes valuable.

The  future of the automotive industry depends on sustainability and rapidly changing innovation. The availability and adoption of advanced technology solutions is driving the majority of the underlying trends in the marketplace.

Aloisi completed her PhD program in mechanical engineering from the University of Padova, Italy.

Busy engineers who are either experienced or novices at imaging will find simple methods and approaches for applying CT scanning technology their industrial parts and sub-components.

What started as a project to investigate the accuracy and reproducibility of reverse engineering a product using computed tomography (CT) and additive manufacturing with 3D printing technology has helped to establish some guidelines and processes for the future of high-quality “3D copying.”

The use of computed tomography (CT scanning) for dimensional inspection is rapidly expanding as companies discover how this technology is the best solution for a wide range of dimensional inspection, flaw detection, and assembly verification applications. 

Precisely measuring and validating parts made from low-density materials such as plastic can be tricky and time-consuming. For example, silicone parts readily bend and flex, leading to inaccuracies. Fixturing, the traditional solution to immobilize and align parts for measurement, is a lengthy process involving engineering, construction and validation of the custom fixture.