--- type: "WebPage" title: "X-ray tomography for foundry applications" description: "As a metallurgist, you would like to carry out an X-ray tomography assessment for a foundry X-ray tomography for foundries First of all, X-ray tomography is a technique for analysing and checking materials by means of radiation/matter interaction. It is..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tomography-analysis-laboratory/x-ray-tomography-foundry/" tags: ["EN", "pll_67efad0fc273a", "Thomas GAUTIER"] timestamp: "2025-12-31T08:32:30Z" published: "2025-04-04T12:17:46Z" language: "en" author: "Laure Durieux" --- # X-ray tomography for foundry applications ## As a metallurgist, you would like to carry out an X-ray tomography assessment for a foundry ## X-ray tomography for foundries First of all, [X-ray tomography](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tomography-analysis-laboratory.md) is a technique for analysing and checking materials by means of radiation/matter interaction. It is used to **construct 3D images of the foundry object** analysed by X-ray tomography. Carrying out an X-ray tomography test in the laboratory does not therefore involve destroying the sample used. ### X-ray tomography: a high-precision 3D scanner for foundries X-ray tomography is a non-destructive imaging technique that allows you to view the inside of a casting in 3 dimensions with very high resolution. It gives you a **complete map of your parts**, without having to section them. This analysis technique, applied to [Metallurgy and Foundry](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-metallurgy-steelmaking-analysis.md), enables you to : Accurately detect and locate internal defects ([porosities](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/porosity-analysis-by-mercury-porosimetry-poro-hg.md), [cracks](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/fissure-analysis-laboratory.md), [inclusions](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/inclusion-analysis-on-laboratory-materials.md), etc.) Checking material homogeneity Measuring the 3 dimensions of a part Measure volumes of defects or areas of interest (porosity volume, fill rate, etc.) Compare a real part with its theoretical model ### X-ray tomography: your challenges as a foundry Internal defects, porosity, non-metallic inclusions, deformation, filling problems, etc. [Castings](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/failure-analysis-metallic-parts.md) must meet strict quality requirements, particularly in critical sectors such as [aerospace](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-aeronautics-aerospace.md), [automobile](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-automobile.md), [energy](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-nuclear-energy.md) and [defence](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-microelectronics-defence-security/). These defects are often invisible to the naked eye and inaccessible to conventional analysis techniques. X-ray tomography provides a solution to this problem. ### Common applications of X-ray tomography in foundries : applications ## X-ray tomography Qualification of batches or new suppliers [Non-conformity](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/rd-support/filab-helps-you-solve-your-product-non-conformity-problems-in-relation-to-a-specification/) analysis (customer feedback, complaints) Appraisal following a [breakage](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/failure-analysis-metallic-parts/laboratory-for-the-analysis-of-breakage-and-fracture-on-materials.md) or performance defect R&D or process optimisation ## The FILAB laboratory can help you with X-ray tomography expertise for foundries ### Why choose FILAB for X-ray tomography expertise for foundries? The [FILAB](https://filab.fr/en/) laboratory is equipped with high-resolution X-ray tomography systems, able to analyse [metal](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/failure-analysis-metallic-parts.md) or composite parts of various sizes with great precision. Our materials engineers are experts in metallurgy and foundry processes, and are able to communicate effectively with your teams. As well as simply acquiring images, we provide a tailor-made interpretation of the results: a clear, usable report that is contextualised to your industrial challenges. Finally, we are highly responsive. Aware that your needs can be critical, we adapt our deadlines to your production or qualification constraints. ## Our other surface analysis methods Using X-ray tomography techniques as well as cutting-edge tools such as microtomography, [SEM](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md) FEG-EDX, [XRD](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/x-ray-crystallography-laboratory-xrd.md) and [BET](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-bet.md) measurements, the FILAB laboratory offers various types of surface analysis services for foundries: [Characterization of materials](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/): metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, composites, etc. [Surface analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization.md) and coating characterization [Analysis of deposits or particles](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination.md) Surface analysis by X-ray microtomography [Failure analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures.md): crack, [rupture](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/laboratory-analysis-ruptures.md), [corrosion](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/laboratory-expertise-and-analysis-of-corrosion.md), weld quality studies, etc. [Metallographic examinations](https://filab.fr/en/examination-metallographic-section-laboratory/) [Ageing or compatibility studies](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/filab-accelerated-ageing-test-laboratory/)