How long does it take to scan a typical part and deliver an analysis report?

A properly operated enclosed industrial CT system can be used with radiation-safety controls, but safety is a site and jurisdiction responsibility. Shielding, interlocks, access control, training, monitoring, and inspection records remain required.

The RFQ should identify the equipment scope, part, material, scan plan, facility requirements, and report needs. Stop the work on an alarm or interlock fault, record the safety checks, and keep operator safety evidence separate from the part-acceptance report.

CT Scanning Process Duration

The time required to scan a typical additive manufacturing component using industrial computed tomography varies significantly based on part size, complexity, and resolution requirements. For a medium-sized component approximately 150mm in diameter, the scanning process typically requires 2-4 hours. This duration encompasses sample mounting, system calibration, parameter optimization, and the actual data acquisition. Larger components approaching the maximum capacity of our 450 kV systems may require 6-8 hours for complete data acquisition, particularly when high resolution is necessary for detecting fine features in materials produced via Powder Bed Fusion.

Scanning parameters are carefully optimized based on material density and inspection objectives. For high-density materials, such as Titanium Alloy or Stainless Steel components, longer exposure times may be necessary to ensure sufficient penetration and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Complex internal geometries, such as those found in components with conformal cooling channels, often require additional scan angles or specialized reconstruction techniques, potentially extending the acquisition time by 25-50%.

Analysis and Reporting Phase

Data Reconstruction and Processing

Following scan completion, the raw projection data must be reconstructed into a 3D volume, which typically takes 30-90 minutes, depending on the dataset size. This computational process transforms hundreds or thousands of 2D projections into a volumetric representation suitable for analysis. For components manufactured using Directed Energy Deposition with complex material transitions, additional reconstruction refinement may be necessary to minimize artifacts.

Comprehensive Analysis Workflow

The actual analysis phase represents the most variable portion of the timeline, typically requiring 4-8 hours for a comprehensive evaluation. This includes:

• Defect detection and characterization (porosity, inclusions, cracks)

• Dimensional analysis and geometric dimensioning & tolerancing verification

• Wall thickness analysis and nominal/actual comparisons

• Assembly analysis for multi-component systems

For components that have undergone specialized processes, such as Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), additional analysis is required to verify the effectiveness of pore closure. Similarly, parts with critical Surface Treatment applications may require specialized edge detection algorithms.

Total Project Timeline

Standard Reporting Turnaround

For most commercial applications, we provide a complete scanning and analysis report within 2-3 business days from receipt of components. This timeline includes:

• Day 1: Component reception, project planning, and scan setup

• Day 2: CT scanning and data reconstruction

• Day 3: Analysis, report generation, and quality review

Expedited Service Options

We offer expedited services for urgent projects, potentially reducing turnaround to 24 hours for standard components. This accelerated service is particularly valuable for Automotive and Aerospace and Aviation applications where production line decisions depend on rapid quality verification.

Complex Analysis Extensions

Projects requiring advanced analysis, such as fatigue-critical assessment of Superalloy components or porosity quantification in Medical and Healthcare implants, may require an additional 1-2 days for comprehensive evaluation and correlation with material properties.

The complete schedule may include application review, fixturing, calibration, scan planning, multiple projections, reconstruction, segmentation, defect analysis, dimensional comparison, technical review, and report approval. Dense nickel alloys, complex channels, and quantitative porosity or metrology usually require more work than a simple screening scan.

For an RFQ, state part material, envelope, wall-thickness range, scan orientation, critical regions, required detectability, quantity, data format, and whether a signed report is needed. Confirm whether the quoted time is instrument time or receipt-to-approved-report time, and define the action if the requested threshold cannot be validated.

For a production lot, confirm whether every part is scanned, whether a sampling plan is used, and how a failed or uninspectable scan is handled. The report date should include data transfer, segmentation, technical review, and customer questions when those are part of the agreed service. A preliminary image should be labeled as such.

Turnaround includes fixturing, calibration, scan acquisition, reconstruction, segmentation, dimensional analysis, defect review, report preparation, and approval. Dense or large parts may need multiple setups or lower magnification, while complex channels can require extra reconstruction work. State the desired report fields, coverage, detectability, quantity, and delivery milestone. Ask the supplier to identify the point at which a re-scan or correlation test would change the schedule.

A signed report may require more time than acquisition because reconstruction, segmentation, dimensional alignment, defect classification, and review must be completed. State whether the deliverable is screening, a quantitative defect report, a metrology report, or a combined package. Ask how a re-scan, changed threshold, or customer review hold affects the schedule before the part is shipped.