X-Scan's L-shaped linescan camera speeds automobile wheel inspection

PRESS RELEASE

High-speed x-ray sensitive camera captures a complete wheel image from a single rotation in less than 8 seconds

X-Scan Imaging Corporation (San Jose, CA, USA), the only domestic manufacturer of CMOS segmented x-ray sensitive line-scan detectors and cameras announces the XL8800 “L’ shaped x-ray line-scan camera designed for inspection of automotive cast aluminum wheels. Specifically configured to image a complete wheel in a single rotation, the XL8800 offers an ideal solution for 100% on-line inspection vs. current random or spot-check methods used in many less automated operations. Defects such as blowholes and porosities, which are common material defects found in many modern aluminum casting processes create stress points and eventual wheel failure modes. X-ray imaging and appropriate software analysis when paired-up can improve manufacturing throughput and easily detect and thereby eliminate a potential critical safety risk to the driving public.

According to Dr. Chinlee Wang, X-Scan Imaging’s President and CEO, “the unique [L] shape design and architecture of the XL8800 Line-Scan Camera represents a major breakthrough in high-speed, low-noise line-scan technology and radiographic imaging by improving wheel manufacturing throughput and enabling the 100% elimination of potentially dangerous products finding their way to our busy highways”.

The XL8800 Series Line-scan Camera family includes five standard models covering a broad range of active contiguous detector lengths ranging from 822 mm to 1234 mm, software selectable resolutions, speeds and sensitivities. The standard energy range is 40-160 KV with optional range to 225 KV. Other configurations can be made available as special orders. Each camera model incorporates X-Scan Imaging’s CMOS silicon imaging detector array chips with on-chip fully integrated signal processing circuits designed for visible wavelength and X-ray imaging applications. The close proximity of the analog-to-digital converters (ADC) to the detector chips and the use of low-voltage-differential-signal (LVDS) technology help to minimize noise and maximize bandwidth. Typical dynamic range is 4000 to 1.

Each camera includes a contiguous linear array of photodiodes, low-noise signal processing circuitry, 16-bit ADCs, digital control, and a choice of either Camera Link or Gigabit Ethernet interface to a remote (supplied separately or by user) PC-based frame-grabber and/or data acquisition system.

A Gd₂O₂S:Tb (Gadox) integrated direct-contact scintillator layer is attached to the surface of the detector array(s), which converts X-ray photons into visible light that is sensed by the linear array of CMOS photodiodes. A unique, compact metal enclosure protects the camera detector and electronics from the x-ray radiation. Various scintillation materials and a range of thicknesses can be provided for optimizing both detector sensitivity and image resolution.

The single quantity prices for the XL8800 X-ray cameras range from $ 18,000 to $ 30,000 including camera head, Camera Link or Gigabit Ethernet interface box, power adapter, cabling, and X-Scan’s proprietary software development kit, which includes software drivers, intuitive application programming interface (API) and example code software that enables rapid development of wheel inspection and other x-ray scanning applications. Current availability is stock to 16 weeks. Other scintillators and custom camera geometries are available as an option for special performance and energy range requirements. Contact the factory for pricing and availability.

Other applications for X-Scan imaging cameras include printed circuit board inspection, industrial non-destructive testing (NDT), food, pharmaceutical and package content inspection, and security and cargo screening. X-Scan Imaging Corporation is a foremost designer and leading domestic manufacturer of line-scan x-ray specific imagers and camera systems using proprietary CMOS technology. For further information, contact Dr. Lin-Bo Yang, Director, X-Scan Imaging Corp., 70 Bonaventura Dr., San Jose, CA 95054. Tel: 408-432-9888; Fax: 408-432-9889; E-mail: [email protected].

Source: X-Scan Imaging

-- Posted by Vision Systems Design