Com3d-XCT - Competence Center for High-Resolution 3D X-ray Imaging

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of components by means of microcomputed tomography (XCT) is an important task in many fields, e.g. in the automotive and aerospace sector. However, the demands towards NDT methods are continuously increasing due to the development of advanced, complex material systems. Accordingly, new multi-disciplinary NDT approaches have to be developed to approach the challenges in the in-depth 3D characterization of advanced materials.

The XCT systems in the project “Com3d-XCT”, which was approved within the call “Interreg Austria-Czech Republic 2014-2020”, that are housed at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (Campus Wels, Austria) and at the Laboratory of X-ray and Neutron Computed Tomography in Telč (Centrum excelence Telč, Czech Republic) are unique X-ray imaging systems that deliver additional X-ray imaging modalities. The primary goal of "Com3d-XCT" is the establishment of a cross-border research network for the combined investigation of advanced material systems with several XCT systems. The combined approach provides besides the strengthening of the regional R&D capacities a significant increase of three-dimensional information compared to standard XCT methods.

The Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH (Wood K Plus) is the Upper Austrian strategic partner in the area of advanced wood-based materials in the "Com3d-XCT" project. The Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH provides samples of newly developed material systems for research purposes and advises the consortium on scientific issues. A further partner in the field of advanced materials is the Fachhochschule Salzburg.

The combined, multimodal evaluation of samples using the modern XCT systems in Wels and Telč provides a detailed three-dimensional characterization of various material systems including wood-polymer composites, additively manufactured natural fiber-reinforced polymers and tannin foams.