Meaning
Computed tomography creates three dimensional internal views of solid bodies by rotating an object through a beam of X rays to capture attenuation data. This method of micro-CT fiber scanning identifies the spatial arrangement, length, and orientation of internal reinforcement materials within a composite part. It functions by measuring the absorption differences between the polymer matrix and the embedded glass or carbon filaments.
Because different materials block X rays at varying intensities, the system maps the density of internal geometries to reveal structural voids or misalignment.
Processing Metrics
Quality control teams apply this diagnostic procedure after moulding to verify whether fiber distribution matches the intended simulation model. The scan governs the internal filler alignment that dictates mechanical strength under load. If the injection pressure forces the fibres into a non-uniform orientation, the resulting part loses stiffness in one direction while accumulating unnecessary mass in another.
A datasheet value for tensile strength assumes a specific fiber dispersion, so any deviation found during this analysis signals a failure to meet the part specification. Engineers use the captured density maps to distinguish between virgin resin performance and the degradation of regrind material that often causes fiber breakage during repeated thermal cycles.
Tooling Feedback
Machine settings during injection moulding dictate the cooling rate and shear stress that shift fiber positions before solidification. A technician monitors these variables to prevent resin turbulence that pulls reinforcing filaments away from designated stress paths. High shear rates near the gate often crush fibers, which forces the scanner to document shorter average lengths than the original raw material grade contained.
This imaging data provides evidence for adjusting nozzle diameters or gate geometry to preserve filament integrity throughout the melt flow. Corrective actions reduce the cost of waste by identifying the exact moment in the production run where misalignment initiates.
Resolution Limits
Smaller pixels allow for higher contrast between individual filaments and the surrounding plastic, although scanning time increases as the voxel size decreases. Each acquisition session requires a tradeoff between the capture of fine filaments and the speed of the output for large components. Large parts force a wider field of view that lowers the resolution of individual fiber features.
High fidelity imaging remains constrained by the intensity of the X ray source and the sensitivity of the detector array. Sophisticated detection algorithms reconstruct the final image from projection sets to establish a verifiable baseline for part acceptance.
