Fujifilm Introduces Digital X-Ray Imaging System ‘FCR DYNAMIX SYSTEM’

BY Editor

Jan 17, 2013– Tokyo, Japan  (Techreleased) – FUJIFILM Corporation has launched ‘FCR DYNAMIX SYSTEM’ as the highest resolution and best image quality digital X-ray imaging system for non-destructive testing. This new ‘FUJIFILM COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY (FCR)’ is capable of detecting and precisely imaging microstructural defects in materials which are used across a wide range of industries and applications such as aerospace, oil/gas and automotive. ‘DYNAMIX SYSTEM’ can deliver premium image quality with the industry’s highest level* of ‘spatial resolution’, ‘density resolution’ and ‘signal-to-noise ratio’　by using double pitch 25μm reading technology and the company’s advanced proprietary image processing technology.

Fujifilm’s FCR systems for non-destructive testing generate high resolution images by recording image data on the high-sensitivity radiation sensor called an Imaging Plate (IP). The IP is then processed using IP reader which contains an X-ray image scanning device which reads the IP and then creates a digital image showing the structure of the tested material.

The urgent need for higher resolution digital imaging is driven by the rapid expansion of new materials for critical applications, by more exact monitoring of decay and corrosion for existing materials and infrastructure applications. Demand for this new technology is also driven by the transition to digital imaging from film based NDT techniques, resulting in significantly improved cost of ownership for the more traditional NDT applications fields such as aerospace structures/airfoils, petroleum/chemical/power generation facilities, and automotive parts.
Accompanying this high market demand is the shift toward international welding test specification standards which is resulting in the demand for best available technology across global markets requiring ever increased performance standards for material joining applications and higher material safety levels against corrosion wear degradation.

The new DYNAMIX SYSTEM consists of the IP image scanner ‘DYNAMIX HR²‘, the DICONDE*** compliant image display and measurement software ‘DYNAMIX VU’.*4

The DYNAMIX SYSTEM delivers best-in-class image quality using the Fujifilm’s high-definition 25μm scanning technology, advanced proprietary image processing technology which exceeds the current inspection industry’s highest level of spatial resolution, density resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. The system’s wide dynamic range provide clear images with no highlight and shadow clipping or uneven resolution regardless of material thickness, allowing users to precisely examine the internal structure of and cast materials and parts with a variable wall thickness.

The DYNAMIX SYSTEM uses Fujifilm’s novel ‘IP Direct Read’ function, in which the IP is placed on a specially engineered tray and inserted into DYNAMIX HR²*5 just prior to image reading. This new reader accepts the IP from both a cassette and as a direct feed*6 after displacement in a protective envelope. The direct feed mechanism is especially beneficial for testing non-standard IP sizes. IPs as long as 152cm can be readily accepted using the direct feed functionality. This function is particularly suited when using imaging plates for pipes and other rounded surface components inspection. The accompanying software features an ‘Automatic Pipe Wall Thickness Measurement’ tool*7 which automatically measures the external and internal wall surfaces of pipes to calculate the degree wall thinning**. This allows for easy and accurate wall thickness measurement regardless of operator skill level.

Fujifilm continues to be the imaging technology leader through the application of enabling and proprietary technologies. The DYNAMIX CR system is a generation ahead of the competing systems and technologies offering our customers superior imaging performance and lowest cost of ownership.

• * According to Fujifilm’s measurement figures, the system meets the highest class specifications for spatial resolution (DD13+) and signal-to-noise ratio (130 or above) according to the evaluation standards set by Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM), a public evaluation institute for instrumentation and testing technologies under Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. As for density resolution, it clears the industry’s highest level in accordance with the industrial standard ‘ASTM E-746-07’, set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International).
  • · Spatial resolution: Represents how finely an image is resolved, and indicated by the distance of two identifiable points in space.
  • · Density resolution: Relates to gradation and represents the ability to reproduce fine shades of grey.
  • · Signal-to-noise ratio: Indicates the amount of noise against image signals. A larger value represents a better image quality.
• ** Gradual wear and corrosion of pipe’s internal and/or outside walls
• *** Standard specifications for sharing image data among parties involved in non-destructive tests
• *4 ‘IP’ and ‘cassette’ are also required for use.
• *5 IP must be inserted in a semi-darkroom, as recorded image signals attenuate in visible light.
• *6 Commercially available rubber cassette, etc., to be prepared by each customer
• *7 Optional