The complexity of certain mechanical components is sometimes such that an X-ray inspection is too complicated, or even impossible. The young SME from Herstal, X-RIS, wanted to overcome this technical limit: to position automatically the X-ray tube and the detector around the object to be inspected, which rests on a radiolucent table.

X-RIS specializes in the non-destructive testing of industrial parts by X-rays. The aeronautics sector regularly uses this technique to detect foundry defects such as porosities or shrink marks. Complex parts require many shooting angles to inspect each area of ​​interest. Whereas before the operator had to continually reposition the part between each shot, he can now rely on a new industrial radiology technology that fully automates this task.
The basic concept: "The Dxbox-320-C5 is an armored cabin (radiation protection) equipped with a radio-transparent turntable and an automated C-arm capable of placing the RX tube and detector in all positions around the room. Complex mechanical parts can now be easily inspected from any firing angle, even through the support tray. »
Able to support parts of up to 50 kg, the radio-transparent plate turns on itself and moves in the three directions X, Y and Z. This is made possible thanks to a set of linear guides forming 4 axes of movement . The latter are equipped with as many SINAMICS S210 drive systems combined with 4 SIMOTICS S-1FK2 servomotors, synchronized two by two.
All around the plate, the “C-arm”, an imposing C-shaped mechanical arm supports the X-ray tube and the detector. The C-arm allows a complete revolution around the platter and perform lateral movements in the axis perpendicular to its plane, thanks to three other SINAMICS S210 drive systems and SIMOTICS S-1FK2 servo motors. This last functionality thus makes possible any X-ray image, without any manual intervention. It is still necessary that a "conductor" coordinates all these movements in an optimal way...
This is the role fulfilled by the Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 F PLC: once the operator indicates the planes requested in the Maestro control software developed by X-RIS, the data is translated into a series of movements positioning the chainring and C-arm optimally. The automaton also ensures that the armored door of the cabin (also motorized) is properly closed in order to carry out the X-ray shots in complete safety.

Ensival, Belgium - Vermeire and X-RIS innovate in X-ray control