What is Industrial Computed Tomography?
Industrial computed tomography refers to a non-destructive 3D inspection method for internal component structures. The topic is a methodological foundation for reliable CT data, because it directly affects detection limits, measurement capability and reproducibility.
Scientific background
The scientific basis is rooted in the physical interaction of X-ray radiation with matter and in the mathematical data processing of projections. Key concepts include the Beer-Lambert law, projection geometry and volumetric reconstruction. For technical decisions, these relationships must be understood as a quantifiable measurement chain.
Relevant key metrics
- Spatial resolution, contrast-to-noise ratio and measurement uncertainty are the central parameters.
- Systematic effects are controlled via calibration, reference standards and repeat measurements.
- Parameter changes must be evaluated regarding robustness and transferability to series production conditions.
Standards and thresholds
- Standards: ISO 15708-1:2024, ISO 15708-2:2025, ISO 15708-3:2025, ISO 15708-4:2025 as well as VDI/VDE 2630 Part 1.2:2018-06 and Part 2.1:2015-06.
- Typical thresholds (in practice): Smallest feature for a robust evaluation usually at least 3 voxels; measurement uncertainty should be significantly smaller than the drawing tolerance (often no more than 10 % of the tolerance range).
- Validity: Method release must always be qualified per inspection task, material and geometry.
Application in industrial practice
- Design of valid scan parameters for defect and measurement tasks.
- Objective interpretation of CT findings in development and series production.
- Comparability of results across systems, batches and time points.
Sources and reference date
- ISO 15708-1:2024 (Vocabulary).
- ISO 15708-2:2025, ISO 15708-3:2025, ISO 15708-4:2025.
- VDI/VDE 2630 Part 1.2:2018-06 and Part 2.1:2015-06.
- Reference date: February 2026.