OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 26.04.2016. These days, the focus is on speed and flexibility when it comes to using computer tomographs (CTs) in industry. Thats why ZEISS will soon present two computer tomographs which fulfill these requirements exactly at the Control trade fair in Stuttgart, 26-29 April: the ZEISS METROTOM 800 with an extended performance spectrum and the new ZEISS METROTOM 1500.
In light of the ongoing development of new materials and the growth in the manufacture of hybrid workpieces made from very different materials, it has become increasingly difficult to clearly separate the application fields of computer tomographs. "Thus companies need machines which can be used in as flexible a manner as possible including larger and larger measuring ranges," explains Ralf Benninger, Head of Technical Sales and Product Management for Computer Tomography at the ZEISS Industrial Metrology business group.
And there is another trend that is driving the evolution of computer tomographs forward: the production processes are speeding up and inspection technology needs to keep pace. Consequently, industry requires increasingly fast and flexible machines. This is exactly where the ZEISS METROTOM 800 with its extended performance spectrum and the new ZEISS METROTOM 1500 come into play.
Faster and more flexible
Effective immediately, companies can choose between a ZEISS METROTOM 800 with a tube voltage of 225 kV and a version with a tube voltage of 130 kV. The significant increase in power from 39 to 500 watts on the ZEISS METROTOM 800 with 225kV offers several advantages. Metal components along with mixed materials, e.g. hybrid workpieces, can be scanned without any difficulty thanks to the enhanced performance. "This significantly expands the machines area of application and ensures that the investment is future-proof," says Benninger. And there is another facet that makes this machine attractive: the optimized performance means that components are scanned significantly faster than with the ZEISS METROTOM 800/130 kV. For Benninger, this capability further strengthens companies competitiveness.
Diverse applications
Operators will also receive information about the entire component with the recently developed ZEISS METROTOM 1500/225 kV, which completely replaces the predecessor model from this line. "The innovation behind this machine will be of particular interest to manufacturers of die cast components," says Benninger. Unlike the predecessor model, significantly larger components can be scanned using this machine thanks to the new measuring Z axis. The maximum height of the components used to be 300 mm. Now it is 700 mm. The larger operating volume is the result of two innovations. First, the workpiece can now be raised and lowered by 400 mm instead of 150 mm. Second, multiple scans can be merged into one volume model. Workpieces, such as steering columns and other larger castings, can now be tested noninvasively by using the CT. This is an important requirement for shortening the time needed for initial sampling and accelerating process optimization during production ramp-ups.
The corresponding visualization and evaluation software delivers informative 3D visualizations and section views based on the voxel data generated by ZEISS METROTOM OS. In addition to visualizations, the program also provides information on the shape, size and position of characteristics such as discontinuities and inclusions. Metrological evaluations can also be performed effectively.
The interior is always in view
Even though both new machines are in the measuring lab and have a complete enclosure because of the X-rays, operators can look into the interior by standing in front of the computer tomograph or at a different workstation. For this purpose, ZEISS has installed a camera and a monitor in every machine. The image from the camera can be displayed on the reconstruction computer to set up the measurement. When preparing the measurement at the workstation, the operator can make sure that there will not be a collision between the component and the detector or tube. The camera image can be viewed on different computers outside of the measuring lab, which is both more convenient and saves time. "By being able to check available machine capacity, operators can report and implement their measuring needs more quickly," says Benninger.
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The ZEISS METROTOM 800 and 1500 computer tomographs give you a quick look inside
Press contact:
Dr. Benjamin Viering
Carl Zeiss IMT GmbH
Phone: +49 7364 20-2144
Fax: +49 7364 20-4657
benjamin.viering@zeiss.com
About ZEISS
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries. The ZEISS Group develops and distributes semiconductor manufacturing equipment, measuring technology, microscopes, medical technology, eyeglass lenses, camera and cine lenses, binoculars and planetarium technology. With its solutions, the company constantly advances the world of optics and helps shape technological progress. ZEISS is divided up into the four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Research & Quality Technology, Medical Technology, and Vision Care/Consumer Optics. ZEISS is represented in over 40 countries and operates more than 30 production sites, over 50 sales and service locations and about 25 research and development facilities. In fiscal year 2014/15 the company generated revenue approximating 4.5 billion with around 25,000 employees. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. Carl Zeiss AG is the strategic management holding company that manages the ZEISS Group. The company is wholly owned by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung (Carl Zeiss Foundation).
Further information at www.zeiss.com
Industrial Metrology
The Industrial Metrology business group is a leadi
