Since more than 25 years microfocus X-ray technology is playing an important role in industrial quality control and research and development. The relevance of high resolution and high magnification X-ray testing is still increasing due to the development of micro-components and new production processes that are adapted accordingly.
To master the challenges of different fields of application X-RAY WorX GmbH has developed flexible microfocus X-ray tubes of high power and precision. The typical fields of application are divided into microfocus X-ray tubes for two-dimensional radiographic analyses, special tubes for computed tomography and rod anode tubes for X-ray testing at positions that are difficult to reach.
X-RAY WorX GmbH offers microfocus X-ray tubes of different power with transmission and reflection targets (or both). Detailed datasheets can be obtained from our sales@lind.cn
Fields of Application of Microfocus X-RAY
Tubes Tubes
Electronic Industry
systems became standard.
Aerospace
The
role of microfocus X-ray tubes in the inspection of mechanical
components like castings, aircraft turbines or actuators was
increasing in recent years. The trend towards miniaturization produces
smaller and lighter parts to save weight and material. At each stage of the
production the quality requirements are increasing. The tolerances for defects
are going down to only a few microns (1µm = 1/1000 mm).
Material Research, Universities, Scientific Institutes
Scientific
institutes and universities discovered the advantages of high resolution
microfocus X-ray tubes in the field of material research and material
testing. Efficient research in compound materials and ceramics materials is
empowered by microfocus technology.
Computed
Tomography (CT)
Since 5
years industrial and scientific computed tomography (CT) became
the most important drivers for microfocus X-ray technology. The analysis of
micron-sized defects in three-dimensional data sets demand X-ray systems with
highest precision and stability.
To cover
different applications we distinguish three types of microfocus X-ray tubes. In
the area of high resolution analysis with very high magnification tubes with
transmission tube head are used. If higher power is needed, e.g. when analyzing
dense, mostly metallic materials, tubes with reflection or directional tube
heads are applied. Rod anode tubes serve for the positioning of the X-ray
source at places that are not easily accessible, e.g. inside mechanical
components or tubes. The three types of X-ray tubes described in detail on the
following pages.
The head of
an X-ray transmission tube contains a slide-like "target", which is
covered with a very thin layer of tungsten. This layer has a thickness of 1 -
10 microns, depending on the application of the X-ray tube. For special tasks
different materials can be used for this layer. Which type of transmission
target and which materials are best suited for your application? Have a look at
the section Transmission Targets.
Cross section of microfocus
transmission x-ray tube
The
transmission target is hit by a focused electron beam in the so-called focal
spot. See the graphics for reference. The size of this focal spot defines the
sharpness of the resulting X-ray image. The bigger the focal spot the higher
the geometric unsharpness. For high resolution X-ray analysis a small focal
spot is inevitable.
Magnification and unsharpness
The
electron beam generates X-ray radiation in the tungsten layer. As useful
radiation we use a cone beam that is emitted through the transmission target.
The opening angle of the cone beam is approximately 170°. It can be limited to
arbitrary angles by apertures.
The
thickness of the transmission target has a significant impact on the maximum
magnification in X-ray microscopy, which is high magnification two-dimensional
radiography or radioscopy. The closer the part under inspection is positioned
at the source of radiation the higher the geometric magnification. The thinner
the target the higher the geometric magnification that can be achieved for a
given, fixed focus-detector distance.
Effective focal spot size
The maximum
power of a transmission X-ray tube is defined by the heat conductivity of the
transmission target. If the electron beam inside the tube is focused on a very
small area of the transmission target, the heat may exceed the melting point of
the material. Basically in this case the X-ray tube works like an electron beam
welding system. The transmission target will be punched. The material having
the maximum heat conductivity is carbon in its three-dimensional crystalline
form (diamond). Thus a backing layer of diamond in the transmission target
defines the maximum capacity of the transmission tube and the limits of the
focal spot size at given target power.
The
reflection tube or directional tube includes a massive metal target. The
integrated cooling of the target allows much higher electron consumption than a
transmission target. The useful radiation is reflected in 60° with respect to
the direction of the electron beam. The reflected cone beam is limited to
approx. 30° by the tube window.
Cross section of a microfocus
reflection or directional x-ray tube
The
distance between the focal spot and the outer side of the tube window is higher
with the reflection tube than with the transmission tube. Thus the geometric
magnification that can be achieved is higher with a transmission tube.
Rod anode
tubes play a key role for non-destructive testing in many
industries. Their small focal spot allows high resolution results.
Cross section of a rod anode
x-ray tube
Technical Details Microfocus X-ray Tubes
Overview
Copyright:
X-RAY WorX
Copyright:
X-RAY WorX
Copyright:
X-RAY WorX
