Four-dimensional computed tomography, or 4-D CT, is the latest development in the realm of industrial X-ray inspection for the nondestructive testing industry. In the simplest of terms, 4-D CT is a 3-D X-ray computed tomography process that captures movement over a period of time.

Like most other nondestructive imaging modalities, 3-D CT has traditionally been used to study static objects. Historically, motion has been the enemy of sharp image quality because the movement would result in the images appearing blurred. The question asked at North Star Imaging Inc. is “How can we overcome this limitation to study objects that have moving internal parts?” This simple question led to the development of 4-D CT.

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