Researchers from the Technology Center AIMEN and the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) have invented an innovative scanner that enables the detection of possible defects in the interior of any component. As such, it could be used in sectors such as automobiles, naval construction, and even art restoration.
The device utilizes computerized axial tomography (CAT), which allows finding the exact location of possible problems within an object. It also enables establishing the metrology and dimensioning of components, especially in those that have complex geometries and in cases where other types of testing are not sufficient.
Several years ago the Technology Center AIMEN detected the need for increasing the capacity to perform non-destructive radiographic inspections. It therefore contacted USC and, from that beginning, the idea was developed.
A tomographic image offers various advantages, such as showing the internal structure of a component, differentiating among different types of materials and assessing them geometrically. The implementation of this new system opens a new field within non-destructive inspection testing. The developers point out the possibilities it offers for automobile component companies (for testing new products), naval construction and even for restoring works of art.
The Spanish technology center is also participating in a European Union project aimed at repairing cracks in ships, platforms, cranes and bridges. Together with other European companies, it is working on the development of a new technology utilized in the aerospace industry, that is based on the use of composite patches (such as carbon fiber). It will serve to fix steel marine structures and other infrastructure, thus lowering the cost of repair and increasing their useful lives.