ZEISS creates the most accurate CT option in the world

ZEISS introduced an entirely new realm of non-destructive insights into submicron details with ZEISS Xradia Versa X-ray microscopes. Now with the new ZEISS offering of Metrology Extension (MTX) for ZEISS Xradia 620/520 Versa, dimensional measurements can be made with an accuracy that far exceeds the limits of conventional X-ray computed tomography (CT) technology. With a simple calibration to a Maximum Permissible Error (MPE) value of (1.9 + L/100) μm, ZEISS is opening up completely new fields of application for X-ray microscopes in industrial manufacturing and fundamental research. Continuing with Protect Your Investment strategy for customers, ZEISS extends the capabilities of the existing install base by making MTX available as a field upgrade option — in addition to offering it with new instruments.

The industry’s highest resolution and sharpest contrast, achieved through ZEISS X-ray technologies, has already enabled the inspection of intact samples on a sub-micron scale, including in-situ imaging for the non-destructive characterization of microstructures in controlled environments and over time. “The miniaturization and integration of components in smaller devices is creating an increasing demand for high-resolution metrology in industrial manufacturing,” says Herminso Gomez, X-ray Quality Solutions Manager at ZEISS Industrial Metrology. “With adding the Metrology Extension for ZEISS Xradia Versa X-ray microscopes, users now have the most accurate CT metrology package in the world for this purpose.”

The MTX option now adds the ability to make measurements in small volumes (in a cube of five millimetres per side, for instance) with high dimensional accuracy. For this purpose, ZEISS has developed XRM Check, a new length measurement standard, in accordance with the relevant VDI/VDE 2630-1.3 guidelines. Thanks to the integrated, user-guided calibration workflow, users can calibrate their ZEISS Xradia Versa X-ray microscopes to a verified market-leading measurement accuracy of MPESD = (1.9 + L/100) μm, where L is the measured dimension in millimetres. This allows for the most accurate measurements to be made and the collected data to be accessible for further dimensional analyses with standard metrology software.

The non-destructive insights provided by X-ray microscopes have always offered tangible advantages for research, development, and quality assurance. Now, the combination of high-resolution X-ray microscopy and high-precision metrology reveals entirely new applications of the technology. Its strengths shine in the assessment of internal and external structures, particularly for components that are not accessible to traditional tactile or optical CMMs (e.g., internal cavities, difficult-to-reach or ‘hidden’ features, and flexible or easily deformable materials).

With the Metrology Extension for ZEISS Xradia Versa users can determine dimensional deviations from the nominal geometries defined in computer-aided design (CAD) for functional features in small components such as injection-molded plastic connectors or fuel injector nozzles. Even complex parts, such as a smartphone camera lens assembly, can be measured using a variety of criteria. Compared to destructive methods, the X-ray measurement inspection technique not only saves time and money but also allows manufacturing designs and processes as well as product quality to be improved and taken to a whole new level thanks to highly precise and accurate measurement results.

”With the Metrology Extension, our users receive traceable results in the smallest of volumes,“ says Herminso Gomez,”ZEISS is continuing its culture of innovation to drive progress, efficiency and the success of its customers, and, once again, is pushing the limits of what 3D X-ray based technologies can do. "

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling more than 6.4 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2019).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world’s leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company’s significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS’ technology and market leadership.

With over 31,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 60 sales and service companies, 30 production sites and 25 development sites. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions is a leading manufacturer of multidimensional metrology solutions. These include coordinate measuring machines, optical and multisensor systems, microscopy systems for industrial quality assurance as well as metrology software for the automotive, aircraft, mechanical engineering, plastics and medical technology industries. Innovative technologies such as 3D X-ray metrology for quality inspection round off the portfolio. In addition, ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions offers a broad global spectrum of customer services with ZEISS Quality Excellence Centers close to its customers. The company is headquartered in Oberkochen. Production and development sites outside Germany are located in Minneapolis in the USA, Shanghai (China) and Bangalore (India). ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions is part of the Industrial Quality & Research segment.