DIGITAL X-RAY INSPECTION

GE is a major manufacturer of Digital X-ray Scanning Equipment for the medical profession. The medical systems perform in both computed tomography (CT) and digital radiography (DR) modes. The ability of x-ray inspection to expose the Interior of objectives is a very desirable feature for manufactured components especially on critical components such as aircraft engine turbine blades and vanes. The high density material of the aircraft engine blade and vanes requires higher x-ray energy sources and detectors systems than the medical systems which are limited to the source energies to which a human can be exposed. GE has been actively involved in the Implementation of digital x-ray to industrial application including development of x-ray systems with higher energy sources above the medical systems. Two filmless production X-ray Inspection Modules (XIM's) are reliably and automatically performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) and digital radiography (DR) inspections of new gas turbine engine blades and vanes at GE's Madisonville Plant. The establishment of the XIM’s was funded jointly by the Air Force, Army, Navy and GE Aircraft Engines as part of the Integrated Blade Inspection System Manufacturing Technology Programs directed by the Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories Material Laboratory (AFWAL/MLTM).