The new infrastructure, a Metrotom 1500G3 Computed Axial Tomography unit with scatterControl technology, will facilitate the development of technologies, manufacturing processes and strategic products of the Basque industrial sphere and their technological support network. This new asset is funded by the Basque Government, through the AZPITEK 2024 program, and by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, within the Technology Transfer 2024 program.
The evolution and convergence of manufacturing processes and new trends in the field of product design towards more sustainable, multi-functional and higher-performant (longer lasting and reliable) components (and materials) requires support structures for the analysis and validation of the different phases of the development process, as well as of the new optimized products. Computed axial tomography has been an industry ally for many years, making it possible to assess the soundness of parts and structures inspected and/or studied without destroying them. The improvements of equipment’s sensitivity and the evolution of visualization and analysis software have accelerated innovation and development processes, boosting the competitiveness of companies that can access this high-value analysis tool.
In order to support industrial companies in the development of new products and the optimization of their manufacturing processes, the AZTERLAN Metallurgy Research Centre has added new advanced Computed Axial Microtomography capabilities by incorporating a Metrotom 1500G3 tomograph with scatterControl technology (recently patented by Zeiss).
As explained by the General Manager of AZTERLAN, Dr. Garikoitz Artola, “this new asset makes it possible for our team to provide unique advanced tomographic means to the BRTA – Basque Research and Technology Alliance, to the BNSTI – Basque Network of Science, Technology and Innovation and, of course, to the industrial and innovation network of our environment. The metrological resolution and the high capacity of this new microtography equipment for detecting internal and surface defects will ease us to support industrial companies from various sectors to accelerate and ensure their innovation and optimization processes.”
The Metrotom 1500G3 equipment with scatterControl technology makes it possible certificate virtual metrological precisions of components of up to 4.5μm, achieving high resolution in the detection of internal defects (up to 25μm) even for large cast components and large welded parts (up to 1.5m high). “Thanks to these features, this new capacity will be mainly oriented towards responding to the needs arised around electric mobility, where the current trend is to develop large parts and structures made of light alloys (mostly aluminum). However, the possibilites offered by this technology to get high resolution also for hybrid components made of dissimilar materials will open significant research opportunities for us.”
Among the action fields that are expected to be addressed with the help of this new asset, the following can be highlighted: the development of GIGA/MEGA Casting technologies (manufacturing of large-sized aluminium components by HPDC foundry technologies), the development of reticular structures (aimed at reducing the weight of components) by sand molding manufacturing means, the manufacture of hybrid and welded components (by combining additive manufacturing and other technologies) and the optimisation of machining processes. “In short, this new microtomography capacities will strengthen our capacity to support companies through the optimization of their processes and the development of new applications in strategic and trending fields at a global level, to ensure their progress and competitiveness.”
The capabilities offered by this new computerized axial tomography infrastructure are complemented by AZTERLAN’s advanced capabilities in the field of materials development and manufacturing processes, rapid prototyping, materials characterization (through destructive and non-destructive testing) or simulation and prediction capabilities. AZTERLAN’s new Computed Axial Microtomography infrastructure has been funded by the Basque Government, through the AZPITEK 2024 programme, and by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, within the Technology Transfer 2024 programme.
Setting of component to be inspected by means of microtomography at AZTERLAN facilities.
