X-Ray Machine_ Knuckle Scanning by using Robot

Описание: This robotic X-ray inspection system, specifically the VC x ray XR Robot Star or ECO R series, represents the pinnacle of modern Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for the automotive industry. Designed for high-volume production, this machine is specifically configured to inspect safety-critical components like the steering knuckle shown on the conveyor. Because these parts connect the wheel to the suspension and steering, any internal structural failure could be catastrophic; therefore, the machine uses high-energy X-rays (typically 160 kV or 225 kV) to peer through the dense aluminum or cast iron to find hidden defects such as gas porosities, shrinkage, slag inclusions, or microscopic cracks that are invisible to the naked eye.The core innovation of this system is the integration of a six-axis industrial robot (often from ABB or Fanuc) that carries the X-ray source and a high-resolution digital flat-panel detector. Unlike traditional static X-ray booths where a part is placed on a simple rotating table, this robotic arm moves in a complex "C-arm" motion around the part. This allows for multi-view scanning, which is essential for steering knuckles because their complex 3D geometry—full of bolt holes, spindles, and varying thickness—creates "blind spots" in a standard 2D image. The robot can tilt and pivot to capture every angle, ensuring 100% coverage of the part’s internal structure. In some advanced configurations, the system can even perform Computed Tomography (CT), rotating around the knuckle to create a full 3D reconstruction for precise volumetric measurement of defects. The operation of the machine is fully automated to match the fast cycle times of a manufacturing line. As knuckles arrive on the conveyor belt, they are identified by an optical stereo system or RFID tag, and the robot immediately begins its pre-programmed inspection sequence. A major feature of this VC x ray system is the Automatic Defect Recognition (ADR) software. Instead of a human operator having to stare at thousands of grey-scale images, AI-driven algorithms analyze the density of the material in real-time. If the software detects a bubble or a crack that exceeds the safety tolerances (often measured against standards like ASTM E155), it flags the part. The system then automatically triggers a "Reject" gate on the conveyor, ensuring that only 100% "clean" knuckles move forward to the assembly stage .Safety and durability are also central to the machine's design. The scanning occurs inside a massive, lead-shielded cabinet that blocks all harmful radiation from the factory floor, allowing the machine to sit directly in the middle of a production line. To maintain 24/7 operation, the X-ray tube is water-cooled, preventing the system from overheating during continuous firing. This setup not only increases safety but also provides massive cost savings by reducing the need for manual labor, eliminating human error in defect detection, and providing a digital "birth certificate" for every part produced—data that can be stored on a DICONDE server for long-term traceability.