International Network for the Training of Early stage Researchers on Advanced Quality control by Computed Tomography

The non-destructive quality control of a wide variety of high-added value products, produced by innovative manufacturing techniques, remains a challenge. Examples include additive manufacturing parts, micro parts, and fibre reinforced composite parts. Common to these workpieces is the dependency of their performance on internal and inaccessible elements. Nevertheless, customers in multiple sectors are requesting certified quality and reliability. For the last few years industrial Computed Tomography (CT) has been regarded as a promising technology, which can evolve towards integrated quality control of complex workpieces combining dimensional metrology and material defect analysis. However, major challenges remain in order to exploit its full potential. Meeting these requires a broad range of expertise, including physics, dimensional metrology, non-destructive testing, material sciences, precision engineering, and manufacturing engineering. Due to the distinct interdisciplinary character, there is a strong need for young researchers with a broad range of competences to achieve the envisaged innovation breakthrough in the EU industry. The INTERAQCT project has been conceived as a pan-European industrial-academic initiative that will provide the unique and encompassing training environment required, by bringing together expertise from industry and academia in each of these domains (CT-equipment, CT-software, NDT, dimensional metrology, additive manufacturing, micro-manufacturing, composite manufacturing). The research will develop procedures for fast and accurate CT model acquisition, with special emphasis on multi-material parts. Furthermore, INTERAQCT targets quantification and improvement of the reliability of CT measurement results, by determining the probability of detection of material defects as well as by achieving metrological traceability. In addition, CT based quality improvement loops will be targeted for key emerging manufacturing technologies.

Keywords:Interaqct, Computed Tomography, Quality Control, Dimensional Metrology

Disciplines:Astronomy and space sciences, Condensed matter physics and nanophysics, Manufacturing engineering, Other mechanical and manufacturing engineering, Product development, Ceramic and glass materials, Materials science and engineering, Semiconductor materials, Other materials engineering