We think we know, on a basic level at least, what x-rays and CT scans are for. X-ray scanning is used to look for things like fractures. It’s been a part of the medical field for a longer time than CT scanning, and is our main way of diagnosing breaks — that’s what we think, at least. As for CT scanning — well, that’s newer and more in depth. It tends to diagnose things on a more serious, detailed level. It also goes far beyond diagnosing problems with bones. A CT machine can take a look at a person’s brain, diagnosing everything from tumors to organ abnormalities. But then there’s the other aspect to this technology — the part that is more centered on an industrial focus. Industrial xray and CT scanning can do a lot to protect our security and ensue quality control. This kind of technology falls under the label of non destructive testing, or NDT testing. By using NDT services like industrial xray scanning, we can look at products — and within them — and find flaws and security breaches without tearing the products apart. Let’s look into a few things you might not know about industrial xray and CT services.
1. X-ray And CT Scanning Have Long Histories
Many are under the misconception that x-ray and CT technology were developed at the same time. Actually, x-rays are based off of electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, they are naturally occurring, having been discovered by 1895. It would take some time to harness this technology for medical and industrial purposes, but it nonetheless was simpler to accomplish than the creation of CT technology. That did not happen until much later, when CT was invented in 1972. The people responsible were Godfrey Hounsfield of EMI Laboratories in England, and Allan Cormack of Tufts University in Massachusetts. Their contributions to medicine and science led to them receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. However, their great strides did not mean that CT scanning was widespread. Between 1974 and 1976, the first CT scanners were installed. Originally, CT scanners were used to take images of the head only. Whole body scans happened later, officially becoming available in 1976. Only by 1980 did CT become available on a wider scale, with 6,000 being available in the U.S. now, and 30,000 available worldwide.
2. Industrial Xray And CT Services Have A Variety Of Applications
We mentioned above that CT scans and x-rays have been used on an industrial level for a while now. But why do we use them for industrial purposes? Well, for one thing, the industrial purpose behind x-ray inspections and CT scanning are fairly widespread. One of the most basic and obvious uses can be found at the typical airport. An industrial x-ray machine is used to inspect your luggage, keeping everyone as safe as possible. You’ll also find industrial x-ray and CT scanners at many different companies, as they are able to look at products in depth, ensuring that products are perfect before they’re used or sold. The great thing about x-rays is that part size is not a problem, as anything from five mm in length to 660 mm in diameter by one mm in length can be scanned. They can also take up to 30 frames per second. Of course, what may seem clear after looking at the capabilities of these scanning services is that they’ve made a lot of progress in a short amount of time.
3. The Capabilities Of Industrial Scanners Are Only Growing
When Hounsfield and Cormack first created the CT scanner, they couldn’t have predicted how quickly its abilities would progress. Years ago, a few “slices” — or scans — would have taken a CT hours to generate. Now, 3D models with billions of voxels can be reconstructed in a few seconds. That’s why they can be used for 3D reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, 3D metrology, and much more. As long as these machines progress, so they’ll be useful in the future.