Case Study: Industrial CT Scanning of Organic Materials

At Nel PreTech Corporation, we love exploring the possibilities of industrial CT scanning, especially when it comes to materials science. Recently, we took a closer look at an oak apple—a naturally occurring gall formed by wasps on oak trees. This scan is just one example of how our advanced imaging technology can be applied to organic materials, helping researchers uncover intricate details crucial for furthering our understanding of natural structures.

What’s Inside the Oak Apple?

The oak apple might seem like just another quirky find from nature, but it’s actually a pretty fascinating structure with a lot going on inside. Using industrial CT scanning, we captured detailed 3D images of the oak apple’s interior without cutting it open or altering it in any way. This non-destructive technique is perfect for preserving the integrity of organic specimens while getting a clear view of what’s inside.

Scanning Envelope & Area of Interest Resolution

One of the questions we often get is about the scanning envelope—basically, how large or small an object can be for us to scan it effectively. In our Zeiss Metrotom 1500 (225kV) industrial CT scanner, the maximum part size is a cylindrical volume of up to 615mm and a max height of 800mm or up to 330mm diameter X 870mm tall. The area of interest resolution is 7 microns. This range covers a variety of organic materials, from small, organic samples like our oak apple to larger specimens used in various industries. The accuracy is +/-11 + 24.0*L microns.

In the case of the oak apple, the object was well within the typical scanning envelope. We captured high-resolution images revealing the most delicate features. This detailed imagery provided valuable insights into the oak apple’s internal structure, demonstrating the potential of CT scanning for various applications in materials science.

Applications in Materials Science

While the oak apple scan serves as a fascinating example, the implications of industrial CT scanning extend far beyond this single case. In materials science, understanding the internal composition of natural and synthetic materials is key to innovation. Whether it’s analyzing composite materials, studying biological specimens, or developing new materials with enhanced properties, industrial CT scanning offers the precision and clarity needed to drive advancements.

At Nel PreTech, our technology is designed to meet the diverse needs of materials science research. By providing high-resolution scans and the ability to customize scan parameters, we enable researchers to explore the minute details of complex materials, leading to new discoveries and improved material performance.

Why Nel PreTech is Your Partner in Materials Science

Nel PreTech Corporation is dedicated to supporting the materials science community with advanced industrial CT scanning services. Whether you're investigating the internal structure of an organic sample like the oak apple or working on cutting-edge materials research, our expertise and technology provide the detailed insights you need to succeed.

To learn more about how our industrial CT scanning services can benefit your project, visit our CT Scanning Services page or explore our full range of capabilities on the Dimensional Inspection and Metrology Services pages.

Ready to uncover the details that drive innovation?

Contact us today to discuss your project and get a free quote. Get in Touch.

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