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Since its inception in the early 20th century, X-ray inspection technology has become one of the core technologies in the field of non-destructive testing. Its basic principle is to use the high penetrating power of X-rays and the differences in their absorption by different materials to generate two-dimensional images of the internal structure of objects. In this chapter, we will discuss whether X-ray inspection machines can achieve non-destructive testing, compare them with industrial CT technology, and showcase Nectec’s experience in this field. We will give a total of five sections of presentation regarding Nectec‘s X-ray inspection technology in this passage.
Firstly, we want to discuss some fundamentals and applications of X-ray inspection machines in general. X-ray inspection technology originated in the early 20th century and has now developed into one of the core technologies in the field of non-destructive testing. Its basic principle is to use the high penetrating power of X-rays and the differences in the absorption capacity of different materials to generate two-dimensional images of the internal structure of objects. However, it is precisely this technology that is not only widely used in the medical field for diagnosis and treatment, but also plays an important role in industrial production. The basic logic behind X-ray inspection technology is absolutely intriguing. X-rays are electromagnetic waves with extremely short wavelengths that can penetrate most materials. Their penetrating power is inversely proportional to the density and thickness of the material. It is precisely this characteristic that allows X-ray inspection machines to reveal invisible defects in materials such as metal, plastic, and ceramics, such as cracks, bubbles, or foreign objects.
According to a research institute, X-ray inspection technology can identify defects as small as 0.1 mm in diameter, demonstrating its high precision and reliability. Not only this, X-ray inspection technology has also shown its diversity trait in many applicable industry areas. Common X-ray inspection applications include: First, electronic component inspection: During the manufacturing process of circuit boards, X-ray inspection is used to check solder joint quality and component assembly, ensuring product performance stability; Second: Automotive manufacturing, where X-ray inspection is used to detect the integrity of engine components and body structures, preventing mechanical failures caused by internal defects; Third: Aerospace, where X-ray inspection is used in the manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft to identify material fatigue and structural defects, ensuring flight safety. Nectec’s NX series of X-ray inspection equipment has become the preferred choice for many industries due to its accuracy and efficiency. Next, we would like to highlight some of the technological advantages of Nectec. Nectec’s leadership in the X-ray inspection field is attributed to its continuous technological innovation and customer-centric service philosophy. Our R&D team collaborates with several renowned universities in China to conduct cutting-edge research and application development. In a study on X-ray inspection automation, the automatic defect recognition system developed by the Nectec team increased inspection efficiency by 40%, significantly reducing manual intervention and misjudgment rates. Additionally, Nectec emphasizes modular design in its equipment to meet the customized needs of different customers. By offering flexible solutions, the company maintains its leading position in the highly competitive market.
Then, we would like to give some market feedback and user reviews of Nectec‘s X-ray inspection machines. Nectec’s customers are spread across the globe, spanning industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and aerospace. Based on customer feedback, Nectec’s X-ray inspection equipment has garnered widespread praise for its exceptional image quality and reliable performance. In a recent customer satisfaction survey, over 85% of customers indicated they would recommend Nectec’s products to other clients. Through the above analysis, we can see the importance of X-ray inspection technology in modern industry and Nectec’s outstanding contributions to advancing its application. In the future, as technology continues to advance and application areas expand, Nectec’s X-ray inspection machines will provide efficient and reliable non-destructive testing solutions for an even broader range of industries.
Secondly, we want to divert our attentions to get to know some advantages and challenges of industrial CT. Industrial CT, also known as computed tomography technology, represents a huge leap forward in the field of non-destructive testing. Unlike traditional X-ray testing, industrial CT can provide three-dimensional images of the object being tested, revealing complex details of its internal structure. This capability makes industrial CT an indispensable tool in a wide range of industries, and Nectec’s NX-CT160 industrial CT testing machine is also a leader in the industry. Before we mention its challenges in today‘s fast developing world of X-ray inspection, we want to first give some insights about the advantages.
First is high resolution and accuracy: Industrial CT can achieve micron-level resolution, making it excellent at detecting small defects and complex geometries. According to a study in a scientific journal, industrial CT can identify defects as small as 1 micron, which is particularly important in aerospace and medical device manufacturing; Then there is comprehensive 3D imaging: by rotating the X-ray source and detector, industrial CT can collect data from multiple angles and reconstruct a complete 3D model. This not only detects surface defects but also provides an in-depth analysis of the structural integrity of the material’s interior. Nectec has pioneered the development of its own high-precision industrial CT inspection equipment, ensuring that the industrial CT services it provides meet this demand; Finally, there is material diversity testing: industrial CT can detect a wide range of material combinations, from metals to composite materials to biomaterials, making it extremely versatile. This plays a key role in the manufacturing and quality control of multi-material components. As we are moving onto the challenges, there are also about three of them. First and foremost are the high equipment and operating costs: industrial CT equipment is expensive, and its operation requires specialized skills, which may pose a barrier for some small and medium-sized enterprise customers. Nectec helps our enterprise customers optimize their inspection processes and reduce overall costs by providing comprehensive inline retrofit integration services;
Then there is the complexity of data processing: industrial CT generates huge amounts of data, and processing and analyzing this data requires powerful computing power and specialized software. Research by authoritative academic institutions has shown that with the support of high-performance computing and advanced algorithms, data processing time and accuracy can be significantly improved. Nectec also provides customized software solutions in this area to improve data analysis efficiency, but we still recommend using more affordable and more efficient X-ray inspection machines; Finally, there is the issue of operational complexity and staff training: due to the complexity of industrial CT technology, operators need to undergo professional training in order to effectively perform inspections and data analysis. Nectec has a team of approximately 20 technical R&D engineers who have made significant efforts in terms of technical training to ensure that our team has the most advanced technical knowledge and operational skills.
Thirdly, we want to discuss the technology comparison and selection strategy. In the field of lossless testing, choosing the right technology is crucial. By comprehensively analyzing testing accuracy, applicability, cost, and efficiency, our customers can make the best decisions. There are approximately four key points to this knowledge. First and foremost is detection accuracy and imaging quality: X-ray inspection machines can quickly generate two-dimensional images, making them ideal for applications requiring efficient screening. According to a study published in a leading scientific journal, the resolution of X-ray inspection machines typically ranges from 50 to 100 microns, making them suitable for detecting larger defects and simple structures.
Another key advantage is that industrial CT is renowned for its high-precision three-dimensional imaging capabilities. Recent research also indicates that industrial CT can achieve resolution at the micrometer level, and even the nanometer level (less than 1 micrometer), giving it unparalleled advantages in detecting complex internal structures. Nectec’s self-developed state-of-the-art equipment, such as the NX-CT160, enables precise three-dimensional reconstruction, making it suitable for analyzing small defects and complex geometric structures; Next is the scope of application and industry applications: X-ray inspection machines are widely used in the production and inspection of consumer electronics and medical devices, and are particularly effective in the rapid inspection of PCB boards and solder joints. According to data from a market research company, X-ray inspection accounts for more than 40% of the global electronic component inspection market. In contrast, industrial CT is suitable for inspecting high-value, high-complexity components, such as critical parts in aerospace and automotive manufacturing; The third point is cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency: From a cost-effectiveness perspective, X-ray inspection machines have low equipment and operational costs, making them suitable for large-scale, routine inspection tasks. They are easy to operate and integrate, significantly reducing inspection costs. While industrial CT requires higher initial equipment investment, its advantages in precision inspection and high-value-added product inspection make it highly cost-effective in the long term. Nectec reduces the operational costs of industrial CT through innovative equipment design and optimized operational processes, enabling our customers to achieve efficient inspection while controlling budgets;
Lastly, high-sensitivity customer solutions and technical support: Nectec offers a variety of testing solutions to help customers make the best choices for different application scenarios. The company provides customized technical support and after-sales service tailored to the specific needs of different industries. This flexible service model ensures that customers can maintain high testing standards while maximizing their return on investment. Based on the above comparison, when selecting non-destructive testing technology, businesses should fully consider their testing requirements, budget, and future development direction. With its extensive product portfolio and extensive industry experience, Nectec can provide customers with optimal testing solutions, helping businesses achieve high-quality development.
Fourthly, we want to discuss some practical application cases and industry impact. In the field of lossless testing, there are countless examples of the application of X-ray inspection machines and industrial CT technology. The successful application of these two technologies in different fields has not only improved product quality, but also promoted the overall advancement of industry technology. Nectec’s contributions in this area are particularly noteworthy. The following cases demonstrate our successful practices in various fields. First, Nectec’s case study on quality control in consumer electronics: In the consumer electronics industry, the lightweight and complex nature of products has placed higher demands on inspection technology. Nectec provided a well-known domestic mobile phone manufacturer with high-precision NX-EF X-ray inspection machine to inspect the quality of solder joints on internal circuit boards. Through high-resolution two-dimensional images, the equipment can quickly identify solder joint defects on the production line.
According to a report from a well-known research institution, the adoption of this inspection method has reduced product rework rates by over 30%; The second is safety assurance in the automotive industry: Industrial CT technology is widely used in the automotive manufacturing process to detect internal defects in engine components and structural welds. The industrial CT equipment provided by Nectec helped a well-known domestic automobile manufacturer discover microcracks in engine cylinder blocks; Third is reliability testing for medical devices: For medical devices, the integrity and accuracy of internal structures are of paramount importance. Nectec provided an X-ray inspection solution for a well-known domestic medical device manufacturer, enabling comprehensive non-destructive testing of complex implantable devices during the production stage. According to statistics from authoritative institutions, this solution helped the customer reduce product failure rates by 40% and improve market satisfaction; Fourth is battery testing in the new energy industry: With the development of new energy vehicles, battery safety has become a focus of attention. Nectec’s industrial CT equipment plays an important role in testing the internal structural integrity of power batteries. Through precise 3D imaging, the equipment can effectively detect micro-cracks and defects inside the battery, ensuring its safety and performance stability. Our customers have reported that battery life has been significantly improved after applying Nectec’s testing technology.
Fifth and last, we want to give some knowledge on future trends and innovation at Nectec. First is high precision and micron-level detection: Future non-destructive testing technology will increasingly focus on high precision and micron-level detection requirements. According to research by an authoritative journal, with the popularization of nanomaterials and microelectronics technology, detection equipment needs to have higher precision and resolution. Nectec is developing a new generation of X-ray equipment that can achieve sub-micron-level detection precision. This equipment has been initially applied in the consumer electronics and high-end manufacturing fields, providing important support for our customers’ quality control; Second is intelligence and automation: Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are penetrating the field of non-destructive testing. Automated testing systems can identify defects through algorithms, improving testing efficiency and accuracy. According to an article by an international engineering organization, automated testing can reduce human error and improve the overall efficiency of production lines. Nectec is developing AI-based testing software that can automatically analyze testing data, report potential problems in real time, and integrate seamlessly with other equipment on the production line; Third is faster inspection speed and real-time feedback: In the context of Industry 4.0, production lines require faster inspection and real-time data feedback. Nectec’s Inline retrofit project integrates efficient X-ray and CT inspection equipment into production lines, enabling real-time inspection and data feedback, thereby streamlining production processes. Feedback from our customers shows that production efficiency has increased by approximately 18% and inspection accuracy has improved by 16%;
Fourth is environmental protection and low cost: With increasingly stringent environmental regulations and companies placing greater emphasis on cost control, environmental protection and reducing testing costs have become important trends. Nectec is committed to developing low-energy testing equipment and using recyclable materials to manufacture equipment housings, thereby reducing environmental impact. In addition, our equipment design takes into account modularity and ease of maintenance to reduce operating costs; Fifth and most importantly, Nectec has achieved globalization and localization services: With the expansion of the global market, Nectec has established multiple service centers around the world and actively cooperates with local companies to ensure that our customers can obtain fast technical support and maintenance services, further consolidating Nectec’s competitiveness in the international market.
To conclude, Nectec is leading the industry with its innovation and forward-thinking strategies in the field of lossless testing. Through continuous technological research and development and market expansion, we are providing the global manufacturing industry with more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly testing solutions.