06/30/2006 • Image processing / Optical metrology

METROTOM, a Powerful Computer Tomograph for Industrial Quality Assurance

Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology introduces METROTOM, a powerful computer tomograph for industrial quality assurance. The system makes visible the interior of a workpiece normally in- accessible to probing or optical sensors. It is used to inspect the structure of material and also measures external features. METROTOM permits the generation of CAD models.

The principle behind metrotomography®
With this symbiotic combination of computed tomography and traditional metrology, Carl Zeiss begins a new chapter in metrology - metrotomo- graphy. During this process, a computer tomo- graph uses x-rays to non-destructively measure the interior and exterior of complex and small workpieces and then very accurately display the results as a 3D image. The procedure is similar to the x-ray technology used in medicine. X-rays penetrate an object and display it on a suitable detector. The details of the object appear as a 2D image in varying intensity depending on the geo- metry and absorption properties. The 3D image is created by rotating the object 360 degrees along its axis on a rotary table and then converting this data to a 3D volume model.

Carl Zeiss 3D Metrology Services GmbH in Aalen, Germany, has offered computer tomographic measurements and workpiece inspection for three years. The extensive experience gained during this time was integrated into the new METROTOM computer tomographs from Carl Zeiss.

Metrotomography – computer tomographic workpiece inspection

Metrotomography can be used for assembly checks and damage analyses, material in- spections, and porosity and defect analyses. Parts up to 350 mm can be inspected depending on the material – steel, alloys, ceramic and plastic, for example.

The computer tomographic inspection of work- pieces is very fast. Completely new advantages of the technology are now available with the measuring software – Calypso, for example. Calypso supports comparisons to nominal geometries where only visual inspections were possible in the past. Continuous monitoring of development up to the prototype is possible using the measuring results from Calypso. Workpieces, casting and assembly procedures can be modi- fied during the development phase. The process start-up time is reduced and development costs lowered. Metrologists directly benefit as they can operate in a familiar evaluation environment when they use METROTOM and Calypso. Automatic, objective evaluation methods are now available in areas where previously only manual, subjective evaluations were possible.

Metrotomographic generation of CAD models
CAD models have become an absolutely indis- pensable tool in metrology today. Using HOLOS, for example, the METROTOM computer tomograph can generate a complete CAD data set of each “metrotomographed” workpiece. This can then be displayed in all standard formats, thus enabling generation of fast, highly accurate data during the development of the design. The ability to create entire CAD data sets of complex interior structures that cannot be digitized or measured using traditional methods is essential.

Precise linear axes with CAA (Computer Aided Accuracy) correction of guideway error, as well as a rotary table with air bearings and direct drive, provide the foundation for accurate capture of the workpiece. This rotary table has a resolution of 0.036 arc seconds and can accept workpieces up to a weight of 800 Newtons. Optimally adjusted CT components supplement the mechanical mo- dules, thus contributing ideally to the entire METROTOM system.

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Carl Zeiss GmbH

73446 Oberkochen

Phone: +49 (0)7364/204326
Fax: +49 (0)7364/202101