The pre-requisite for this course is NSI New Operator Training and DR & CT (Level 1). We also encourage having taken our Advanced CT (CT Level 2) course or that you have experience in the items covered during this course.

This course is for experienced NSI System users who regularly perform CT scans but still struggle with how to get the best data for complex geometries and challenging combinations of material densities. In this class, you will learn best practices and troubleshooting for your specific applications.

Our Level 3 Expert will lead the class acting as an advisor while leading you through hands-on exercises for interactive learning, using the latest CT imaging technology and software. Through a combination of lectures, handout materials and laboratory sessions, we provide a training atmosphere that will be beneficial for all attendees.

Prior to attending class, we will ask you about the primary parts and materials you perform CT scans on so we can have similar in-class case studies and exercises relevant to your applications. Available case studies and data sets to be used in the class include complex geometries, low density inside high-density materials, high-density casted parts, additive materials, circuit boards, batteries, and very low-density materials.

The instructor will take you through hands-on technique development for provided samples, where you select the settings and learn as you go while considering imaging cycle time reductions.

The course will cover common problems and issues related to artifacts, noisy scans and blurry scans. You will learn how to address each one through interactive exercises with advanced techniques.  How to implement the latest industry standard requirements will also be addressed within the materials.

By the end of this class, your increased insight will allow you to handle the most challenging applications for CT scanning while obtaining the best data. The knowledge gained through this course will regularly save you hours of time by providing clarity for advanced imaging and technique development.

This course includes portions of recommended curriculum from ASNT CP-105 for Level 2 personnel, FWG-IDR (White paper 6) for Level 3 personnel, MAI, ASTM, and ASME in a format for compliance with NAS 410, EN 4179 and SNT-TC-1A type Qualification / Certification programs.

Advanced CT Scan Acquisition and Theory

• Optimizing technique development
• Fixturing for Image Quality and Repeatability
• Optimizing the DR Technique & Equipment for High Quality CT scans
• Critical Questions in CT Technique Development
• X-ray Imaging Techniques and Tools
• Use of Beam Hardening Filters and materials
• Scatter reduction Techniques
• Software Tools for Image Quality Measurements
• Optimizing Setup Geometry
• Optimizing Contrast and Latitude
• Optimizing Gain / Offset Corrections (DDA)
• Image Artifacts
• Factors of Detectability
• Image Quality (RQI, ASTM 3375, ASTM 1695)
• Spatial Resolution (SRb, SRi)

Advanced Imaging Reconstruction and Troubleshooting

• efX-CT Software (3D), Volumes and Visualization
• The Advanced CT reconstruction mode
• 5-steps CT Reconstruction Review
• Understand the CT Geometry
• Shift Correction
• Advanced Fine Adjustment – Reference X
• Beam Hardening Correction
• Advanced Surface extraction
• Measuring with CT and Calibration
• Basic troubleshooting
• Advanced troubleshooting case studies
• Noisy CT volumes troubleshooting
• Blurry CT volumes troubleshooting
• Advanced Scanning Modalities troubleshooting
• Log file interpretation

Lab Portion

• Theoretical Technique Development
• Perform advanced CT technique development
• CT Acquisitions
• Reconstructions using advanced software features
• Trouble shooting CT imaging issues

Acquisition and troubleshooting examples including but not limited to the following:

• Circuit Boards
• Casted HD (NI, IN, TI)
• High Density Complex Geometries
• Low density items inside high density materials
• Low density items outside high density materials
• Additive manufacturing components
• Battery cells
• Extremely low-density materials