Nikon Metrology MCT225 HA measures external and internal geometry

The Nikon MCT225 HA uses both Metrology CT and X-ray Computed Tomography technologies. With X-ray CT a number of 2D X-ray images are taken at different angles around the sample. All the external and internal geometry is captured as the X-rays pass through the sample. CT software constructs a 3D model using these 2D images. Dimensional characteristics such as size, position and form can be measured directly using the model as well as full part-to-CAD comparison, section reporting and GD&T analysis. The MCT225 HA is set up in the factory using accuracy standards traceable to the UK's national measurement institute, the NPL, and verified using VDI/VDE 2630 guidelines for Computed Tomography in Dimensional Measurement. 'Absolute Accuracy' ensures measurement accuracy without time consuming comparative scans or reference measurements. Samples are simply placed on a rotary table inside the enclosure and measured. The key component of the MCT225 HA system is the Nikon developed 225 kV micro-focus X-ray source that is actively cooled for thermal stability. The X-ray CoolGun, in combination with the high resolution panel detector, produces sharp images with low noise levels, enabling magnification up to 200x. The unit's high precision, large capacity manipulator, which is suspended on anti-vibration mounts, has guideways equipped with high resolution optical encoders and are error corrected using the laser interferometer mapping techniques employed for CMMs. The interior of the MCT225 HA's enclosure is temperature controlled to 20ºC ±0.1ºC to minimise thermal effects. The MCT225 HA has a wide variety of applications including in the production of plastic injection moulds, metal die-casting and additive manufacturing.