Combining the RoboCT Technology with ISAR using ADR for In- and At-Line Inspection of Cast Parts

The still young RoboCT technology is based on two cooperating robots, each carrying one of the imaging X-ray components, the radiation source and detector. Their freedom of movement and flexibility make it possible to examine large and complex-shaped objects even in otherwise hard-to-reach areas using 2D radioscopic imaging and even 3D computed tomography (CT). Over the past few years, RoboCT has been developed as a laboratory testing system to product maturity. However, production integrated inspection poses further requirements for a testing system. In addition to robust and secure teach-in of the components to be tested, a high degree of automation is generally necessary for conducting test procedures, especially for the evaluation and assessment of image data, due to cycle time requirements. One of the most advanced software systems for automated defect detection (ADR) is ISAR, which has been used for over 20 years for 2D testing of wheels and structural cast components. A further development of RoboCT for integrated production quality testing is the seamless integration of ISAR into the RoboCT system solution, which even allows the execution of escalating test procedures, i.e., an automated execution of 3D CT scans when there is an unclear result at the corresponding position in the 2D transmission image that needs to be verified.