MesoFocus applications

September 12, 2022

Sharpen your performance with MesoFocus: Flexibility, stability high-throughput and ease of use are the key advantages the MesoFocus brings to your application. With three perfectly circular focal spot sizes you can analyse, detect, and measure a range of material densities from small to large features. The combination of sophisticated internal geometry and a stable generator give tube stability that provides consistent CNR, SNR, image quality and repeatability for longer scans, as well as metrology measurements.

“The MesoFocus Module is cutting edge technology that enables our customers to provide higher stability systems to their users whether for inline, at-line or in a lab environment where feature detection and or metrology between 150µ to 25µ is required. It also enables “Testability” of additively produced parts below 300µ.”

Stephan Haferl, CEO Comet

Delivered as a complete, perfectly matched generator and tube system, the module is fast and straightforward to use. The operator no longer has to adjust the current to fine-tune the image; the module pre-settings automatically do this: select a focal spot, punch in the variables, and the module automatically optimizes power and output. Increase your throughput, boost production rates and reduce integration complexity with the MesoFocus – and take your performance to the next level of flexibility, speed and reliability.

"The MesoFocus’ high throughput and 24/7 operating stamina can reduce your inspection times by up to 60% compared with standard open microfocus technology."

Marcel Odermatt, Product Manager

The iXRS modules bridge the gap between open microfocus and minifocus X-ray technology. 

The MesoFocus Module allows users to detect features and conduct dimensional analysis down to 25µ. It provides similar quality images as an open microfocus tube but with higher stability, no breakdowns, and no defocusing of the focal spot due to thermal changes. Additionally, it does this while providing the same field of view (FOV) as a 0.4mm minifocus focal spot tube/module.


The MesoFocus modules

The iXRS 225MF Module revolutionizes the non-destructive testing (NDT) market with its stability, power, spatial resolution, ease of use, and cost-savings benefits. The unit comes standard with 3-user selectable focal spots (50µ, 130µ, and 200µ) along with an integrated custom high-tension generator explicitly designed for its X-ray tube. 

We expect strong positive reactions to this technology, especially in the Aerospace, Transportation, Additive Manufacturing, and Metrology market sectors. 

It delivers the performance many customers have been requesting and enables high throughput without sacrificing spatial resolution or field of view. Other segments have shown interest and security and food as it offers a high degree of flexibility for the user and ease of integration for the X-ray supplier/OEM. Power, performance, speed, 6-sigma uptime, and predictive maintenance are just some of the benefits a user will experience.

The MesoFocus Module, unlike open microfocus tubes, requires zero maintenance, has no breakdowns, no greasing of O-rings, screws, etc., and no filament or target exchanges.

It also provides other cost savings benefits as it may eliminate the need for dual tube systems or two distinct cabinets with different tube technologies and the need to have engineers trained on two other tube technologies, not to mention the added cost savings of spare parts reduction and maintenance. Typical applications include but are not limited to aerospace and automotive parts and castings, carbon fiber material, AM (3d printed) parts, plastics, plastic over metal, aluminum, metals, geological, and petrochemical. 

It is ideal for parts with significant differences in material strength and characteristics in a single component; all the user does is change the focal spot and complete analysis on a complex part like a turbine blade - analysis of both the root and foil. 

Its design is ideal for 2D and CT analysis due to its consistent dose rate, stability, and cyclability. Additionally, the unit is integrated and controlled via the supplier’s software enabling the programming and management of workflows.

Applications

Aerospace - increase throughput, reduce inspection cost 

The MesoFocus quickly and easily detects and measures features from 25µm to 300µm at high magnification and in many cases eliminates the need for a dual tube inspection. Not only does this reduce the complexity of your inspection system, but it reduces costs per inspection part. With 3-focal spot sizes (50µm, 130µm, 200µm) it delivers the ability to analyse, detect, and measure a variety of different material densities from small to large features.

High detail recognition and high penetration power are required to inspect turbine blades. MesoFocus eliminates the need for a dual-tube setup because the modules’ pre-settings provide optimized resolution and power for different inspection needs.

Welding - ideal for harsh environments

The MesoFocus Module has a robust, ergonomic and sealed design, which permits operation in oily and dirty environments - without a loss in performance. Dependent on usage parameters, any failure can be predicted in advance of operation. With its sealed tube, you can forget about the difficult and delicate maintenance of open microfocus tubes on the production floor, with the accompanying risk of dust and humidity. 

The MesoFocus Module is perfect for welding inspection and complies with the rigorous standards required for detecting cracks and welding flaws, inclusions, or corrosion. They can also be applied to measure wall thickness and cavities. 

Automotive

Maintenance-free tube gives high uptime
When you need a tube that can operate 24/7 with minimal maintenance and less downtime, the MesoFocus delivers. Predictive maintenance allows you to plan your service to fit your production schedule and maintain continuous operation when its most needed.

The combination of high uptime and reduced maintenance costs reduce your total cost of ownership (TCO). The automotive industry strives to optimize fuel efficiency by reducing weight. These lightweight structures generate the need for high-resolution inspection, and the sealed MesoFocus module is ideal, providing stability, penetration power, speed, and resolution in both 2D and 3D CT.

Additive manufacturing - inspect 3D printed parts and components

High-speed testing of complex additively manufactured parts on the production floor is now feasible with the MesoFocus. The combination of small focal spots with sealed tube design allows for accurate feature detection and measurements to down to 25µm. 

With additive manufacturing, parts can be produced more cost-efficiently. MesoFocus enables this industry to reach its full potential by providing industrial-grade sealed X-ray tube technology, enabling high-resolution inspection in an industrial environment. 

Additive manufacturing opens new possibilities across a host of industries, but critical to additive manufacturing is testability. MesoFocus enables the detection of small manufacturing defects down to 25µm in an industrial environment.

Battery - create workflows easily and swiftly

A MesoFocus system is designed to be easy to operate. With easy access to all tube functions via WebUI, Ethernet and T3 protocols, it’s simple to adjust your workflow and create automated inspection routines for unattended image analysis. Unlike open microfocus tubes, which need several special functions for conditioning and adjustment, the MesoFocus module is as simple to integrate as a sealed minifocus tube.

Portable devices and e-mobility demand increasing energy storage, leading to always smaller structures. Ensuring safe battery packs, inspection with failure detection down to 25µm is required, and the MesoFocus is a perfect fit. 

Electronics

Consistent image quality and repeatability
By providing a stable dose rate over a 24-hour period, image stability remains consistent over long scanning times. Unlike open microfocus tubes, the MesoFocus module can be used for long term CT scans. Processes are highly repeatable and accuracy of measurements remains consistent.

MesoFocus is ideal for electronics and electromechanical assembly inspection, where penetration power in combination with high resolution down to 25µm is a requirement. 

Cost reduction

The MesoFocus bridges the gap between the open microfocus tubes made for the lab environment and the robust sealed minifocus tubes and reaps both advantages. It brings lab resolution performance to a production environment. The three focal spot sizes pre-settings reduce the need for complex multiple tube setups, enabling feature detection from 25µm to 300µm

The simplicity and versatility of the MesoFocus systems not only bridge the gap between micro and minifocus. It also dramatically reduces the overall cost per inspection job with throughput, reproducibility, stability, and excellent uptime.

The high throughput equals increased productivity, and the system pre-settings ensure great results immediately, and the calibration- and maintenance-free modules ensure continuous production up-time.

High power and system availability

Combining the module’s excellent performance and high throughput makes the MesoFocus modules ideal for inline inspection and 24/7 operation. 

The MesoFocus modules reduce inspection times up to 60%, compared to standard open-microfocus modules, because of the higher penetration power and highest system availability for the 25 – 300 micrometers inspection application range. 

Low maintenance, high uptime

The robust and sealed design of the MesoFocus tube allows for 24/7 operation in harsh environments. The sealed tube design does not need frequent maintenance and is not sensitive to dust and humidity.

The modules’ predictive maintenance capabilities enable scheduled maintenance making production planning easy and ensures maximum production uptime.

Easy to integrate, easy to operate 

The Ethernet and T3 protocol enables seamless integration into customer systems. The user-friendly configuration interface makes it easy to configure the module and provides easy access for service purposes.

The fact that the MesoFocus module is sealed and not open eliminates the need for frequent conditioning and adjustments. The system presetting’s ensures optimized performance for different resolution and power needs. 

The multiple focal spots of the MesoFocus are perfect for inspection of objects composed of different types of material thickness and resolution needs. Just select one of the “focal-spot-presetting” for either the 50µm, 130µm or 200µm to get optimal power, required resolution - at optimized inspection times.

Stability, repeatability, and accuracy

The MesoFocus technology enables a stable dose rate without the need for recalibration during the scan. The results are consistent image quality and reproducibility, which is vital for long-term CT scans where stability is crucial. 

The MesoFocus module ensures repeatable and accurate inspection results and measurements vital in metrology and mass production inspection.

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