Real-Time X-Ray Testing

What can Real-Time Radiography do for you?

Radiography produces an image, a radiograph, using x-rays.  X-rays penetrate solid objects and provide a detailed view of the internal structure.  The image produced is a shadow image since the x-rays pass through some parts of the solid object easily and some parts less easily.  Differences in density, material thickness, attenuation characteristics, and material composition result in the shadow image. Flaws, voids, inclusions, cracks, etc., are variations that can be identified.  Constellation has the two methods of radiographic evaluation, film and real-time.

This radiograph shows proper connections and assembly in an optically isolated feedback device.

In real-time radiography, the x-ray radiation passes through the object under inspection and then interacts with a fluorescent screen.  The fluorescent screen, coupled to a device called an image intensifier, allows recording of the image in video or regular print film.  Micro-focusing of the x-ray beam allows particular areas of interest to be enlarged with an image intensifier field-of-view selection, geometric enlargement, or through the zoom lens capability of the CCD imaging camera.  Additional image evaluation through image enhancement software is available including electronic transfer of data to customers for their immediate evaluation.

This radiograph of an integrated circuit allows rapid inspection of connectors and assembly.

Real-time radiography is especially useful for a quick product inspection when there are many parts that have to be inspected.  Evaluation of a component can take just a few minutes.  Real-time radiography produces live shadow-images so video records can be made of moving parts.  In real-time, components within the object under inspection can be moved, and the result can be viewed on the system’s video monitor.  Such manipulations can point out problem areas in design, component flaws, and assembly errors.  

Constellation’s radiograph of a thermal battery shows the position of igniter, connections, alignment, pellets, and spacers.

Shadow-image records of components can be viewed in real-time.  Parts can be rotated or moved to optimal orientation to see internal features, flaws, or component assembly.  Real-time radiography can be used to record movement or events.

Image shows porosity (bright areas on ball images) in solder bonds.

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