Volume Graphics Enhances Industrial CT Software Version 3.5

The latest version of Volume Graphics’ high-end computed tomography data analysis software suite, version 3.5, brings enhanced capabilities to manufacturers looking for better ways to inspect parts and improve designs. 

Particularly in the automotive, aerospace and defense industries, engineers exploring novel materials and manufacturing methods are increasingly turning to CT scanning to achieve a more accurate, non-destructive evaluation of product robustness and performance. Volume Graphics is a developer of software technology that interprets CT data from scans of almost any material to detect, analyze and visualize minute structural deviations that might affect part quality. 

Version 3.5 now provides automated design-geometry adjustment and repair tools that can be used to correct and/or offset issues that stem from the manufacturing process itself. Moldmakers, casting shops and additive manufacturing (AM or 3D printing) providers can employ the software to detect and visualize material and/or design defects or distortions—and then employ capabilities to correct their CAD designs, compare values against nominal limits and ensure that final part quality meets applicable industry standards. 

Here are some of the highlights in version 3.5 of Volume Graphics’ CT data analysis software suite (which includes VGSTUDIO MAX, VGSTUDIO, VGMETROLOGY, VGinLINE and myVGL):

• Reworked Manufacturing Geometry Correction Module. This software module benefits all those who work with some kind of mold, i.e., injection molders or casters. Enhancements in usability, with continuous updating and feedback on quality, give the CAD designer valuable information that can be used to improve manufacturability. 
• Enhanced Mesh Compensation. This module now provides easier navigation and understanding of the relationships between elements for better interpretation of part warpage, deformation and displacement—and automatically compensates designs to correct for such deviations from manufacturing intent. In the case of lattice structures and other complex geometries, a uniform control-point placement function ensures full analysis of a design. 
• New Porosity and Inclusion Analysis of Castings. CT scans of cast parts can now be inspected for porosity and compliance with Reference Sheet P 203 of the Federation of German Foundry Industry (BDG). Users can perform a 3D evaluation of detected volume deficits both in the complete casting and in freely defined sub-areas, such as functional areas with special attributes.  

Capability Enhancements 

Other enhancements in version 3.5 strengthen existing functionalities that support science, R&D, medical device development and other industries in addition to automotive and aerospace & defense. Advanced reporting is now more user-friendly and fully integrated with viewing. The nominal/actual comparison module has also been made more user-friendly with visualization of deviations of scanned objects from their reference data sets. For a full list and explanation of all the new developments, see dedicated web pages for VGSTUDIO MAX 3.5, VGSTUDIO 3.5, VGMETROLOGY 3.5, and VGinLINE 3.5.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.