The conversion of film based x-ray inspections to Digital Radiography or Computed Radiography has many benefits including higher productivity, simplified operation and digital data archiving, communication & sharing. For turbine blade and other aviation engine component manufacturing, digital solutions must be economically feasible for the supply chain, as well as technically acceptable to the engine OEM.
This presentation will review the basic technology of direct digital radiography and computed radiography, including equipment that is appropriate for inspection high density, complex parts such as cast airfoils. Advantages and limitations of different methods and technology will be reviewed, as well as possible configurations and systems for automated testing. Results from Probability of Detection testing for digital radiography and film will be discussed, as well as current examples of engine components inspected using these techniques.
The current status of industry standards and reference radiological images, along with OEM standards and approval processes for digital radiographic inspection in lieu of traditional film will be presented and discussed.
An example of how converting from film to digital radiography can benefit existing inspections by increase productivity will be presented including inspection throughput, elimination of chemicals and improved data management and inspection reviews.
Archiving and software systems are another area that must be addressed when converting from film x-ray to digital techniques. Image archiving and a software tool to enable productive inspection management will also be introduced. Lastly, a summary of where the industry is and what other foundries can expect in the future for digital radiography will be summarized.