Micro-CT, or micro-computed tomography, is an advanced X-ray imaging technology that creates exceptionally high-resolution 3D models of an object's internal structure, with details on the order of micrometers (µm).
The fundamental principle involves rotating an object 360 degrees while irradiating it with X-rays. A detector collects data on the X-rays that pass through the object, capturing thousands of 2D transmission images (radiographs) from every angle. High-performance computers then use a process called reconstruction to mathematically assemble these 2D images into a complete 3D model. This allows you to generate clear, digital cross-sections and 3D renderings of the object's interior, as if it had been physically sliced open.
Micro-CT is also known as a 3D X-ray microscope or industrial CT. However, the term "industrial CT" can sometimes refer to larger-scale systems not capable of micrometer-level resolution.
The primary differences between Micro-CT and the medical CT scanners you find in hospitals lie in their resolution and purpose.
Medical CT is designed to scan the human body, providing diagnostic images with a resolution in the millimeter (mm) range to visualize organs and bones.
Industrial CT (Micro-CT), on the other hand, is used for the non-destructive inspection, measurement, and analysis of industrial products and R&D samples--such as electronic components, advanced materials, plastic moldings, and pharmaceuticals. It reveals µm-scale internal structures, defects, and dimensions that are invisible to the naked eye.
At Matsusada Precision, we leverage decades of expertise in advanced X-ray generator and power supply technology. The heart of our Micro-CT system is our proprietary, in-house developed microfocus X-ray source. This source produces an exceptionally small focal spot, enabling us to deliver unparalleled sharpness and detail in 3D imaging. We make it possible to non-destructively visualize the micro-world with a clarity that medical CT scanners simply cannot achieve.
Rerated Article
- Computed Tomography (CT) Basic and Principle
- How to take a Computed Tomography? - X-Ray NDT series (1) -
- How to View X-ray CT Images - X-ray Non-Destructive Inspection series (2) -
- Micro-CT Scanners All Guide: Types, Sample Images & More
- What are X-rays? (Basic Knowledge)
- How to use X-ray Inspection System safely
- Radiation Effects on the Human body and the safety of X-ray equipment
- What is the difference between Radioactivity, Radiation, and Radioactive Materials?