https://www.engineeringnews.co.za

Scanner for university a first in Africa

SENSING AND INSPECTING
The Nanotom S is the inspection solution for a wide range of computerised tomography applications

SENSING AND INSPECTING The Nanotom S is the inspection solution for a wide range of computerised tomography applications

31st October 2014

By: Bruce Montiea

Creamer Media Reporter

  

Font size: - +

Electronics industry equipment, software and technical support supplier Zetech last month supplied the first nano-computerised tomography X-ray scanner in Africa to Stellenbosch University, in the Western Cape, to assist the university in scanning objects during lab analyses for disciplines such as material science.

The General Electric (GE) Phoenix Nanotom S scanner, which has been installed in the university’s central analytical facility, “uses a 180 kV/15 W ultrahigh-performance nanofocus X-ray tube, precision mechanics and advanced software modules to provide an effective inspection solution”, says Zetech’s Zalman Orlianski.

He adds that the Nanotom S is the inspection solution for a wide range of computerised tomography (CT) applications. “Once scanned, the fully three-dimensional (3D) CT information allows for many possible analyses, such as nondestructive visualisation of slice images, arbitrary sectional views or automatic pore analysis.”

He says, since the entire geometry of the object is scanned, precise 3D measurements of complex objects and “the automatic generation of first-article inspection reports within an hour” are possible.

“The instrument extends the resolution capability of the facility to 500 nm. The facility is now equipped with state-of-the-art microscale and nanoscale two-dimensional and 3D industrial X-ray imaging instruments, making it one of only a few such facilities worldwide,” explains Dr Anton Du Plessis from the central analytical facility.

He says this type of testing, which is also termed X-ray microscopy, is becoming more popular and is standard practice for high-value manufacturing factories to check parts of manufactured goods and validate new production processes.

“Within a short time, it gives a full porosity-size distribution, visual or other data from a sample.”

Besides applications in research, electronics inspections and manufactured plastic- or metal-part inspections, Du Plessis says, some mining companies are starting to adopt the technology to investigate orebodies in 3D “to better analyse and understand their deposits, combining it with traditional analysis for an improved total analysis solution”.

Orlianski says Zetech is the exclusive GE Phoenix X-ray dealer in South Africa. The company’s technical personnel are GE-Level-2- trained and -certified to provide technical support for users of GE equipment.

Edited by Megan van Wyngaardt
Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

Comments

Showroom

SMS group
SMS group

At SMS group, we have made it our mission to create a carbon-neutral and sustainable metals industry.

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Weir Minerals Africa and Middle East
Weir Minerals Africa and Middle East

Weir Minerals Europe, Middle East and Africa is a global supplier of excellent minerals solutions, including pumps, valves, hydrocyclones,...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Photo of Martin Creamer
On-The-Air (15/03/2024)
15th March 2024 By: Martin Creamer
Magazine round up | 15 March 2024
Magazine round up | 15 March 2024
15th March 2024

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.203 0.256s - 161pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now