X-ray computed tomography for additive manufacturing: a review

Thompson, Adam; Maskery, Ian; Leach, Richard K.

Abstract

In this review, the use of x-ray computed tomography (XCT) is examined, identifying the requirement for volumetric dimensional measurements in industrial verification of additively manufactured (AM) parts. The XCT technology and AM processes are summarised, and their historical use is documented. The use of XCT and AM as tools for medical reverse engineering is discussed, and the transition of XCT from a tool used solely for imaging to a vital metrological instrument is documented. The current states of the combined technologies are then examined in detail, separated into porosity measurements and general dimensional measurements. In the conclusions of this review, the limitation of resolution on improvement of porosity measurements and the lack of research regarding the measurement of surface texture are identified as the primary barriers to ongoing adoption of XCT in AM. The limitations of both AM and XCT regarding slow speeds and high costs, when compared to other manufacturing and measurement techniques, are also noted as general barriers to continued adoption of XCT and AM.

Citation

Thompson, A., Maskery, I., & Leach, R. K. (2016). X-ray computed tomography for additive manufacturing: a review. Measurement Science and Technology, 27(7), Article 072001. https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-0233/27/7/072001

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 10, 2016
• Publication Date: Jun 8, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jun 8, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 8, 2016
• Journal: Measurement Science and Technology
• Print ISSN: 0957-0233
• Electronic ISSN: 1361-6501
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 7
• Article Number: 072001
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-0233/27/7/072001
• Keywords: x-ray computed tomography, Additive manufacture, Metrology
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/796131
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0957-0233/27/7/072001
• Additional Information: This is an author-created, un-copyedited version of an article accepted for publication in Measurement Science and Technology. The publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or any version derived from it. The Version of Record is available online at 10.1088/0957-0233/27/7/072001