Check out three simple (and fast!) methods for evaluating porosity using CT with Dragonfly. Each method can be automated using macros, and you can download an application note detailing the methods and the required analysis time. X-ray computed tomography (CT), often conducted as a spot check in foundries, enables a detailed quality assessment of castings, including the distribution and extent of porosity of particular interest. High throughput is required, making simple and fast 3D image processing methods essential. This Dragonfly application note presents three simple (and fast!) methods for representative castings with varying porosity levels. Each method can be automated using macros, and the application note includes details on the required analysis time.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) have become indispensable in modern life. They are used in various applications, but their importance is rapidly increasing in the fields of electric vehicles (EV) and aerospace. The most effective method for battery inspection is non-destructive testing using X-rays. It is the only way to view the internal structure through the casing, allowing for safe and accurate inspection without the need to remove or open the battery, even if it is already installed in equipment. By using 3D CT, it is possible to perform accurate and reliable analysis of the inspection target by enlarging, rotating, and slicing the three-dimensional volume in any desired area. By bringing the device close to the X-ray tube in this way, it is possible to capture details at the micrometer level with the highest resolution. For more details, please visit "https://www.yxlon.co.jp/ja/blog/october-2021-(1)/450-kv-mesofocus-ct" or check the related link below: "▶ Exlon Batteries - New Challenges in Quality Control."

Are you not feeling limited by the resolution achievable with mini-focus X-ray devices, particularly at 450kV? In the spring of 2021, the long-awaited 450kV mesofocus tube was born, and the previous blurriness in images has disappeared all at once. The CT (computed tomography) system equipped with the reliable 450kV mesofocus can achieve a level of resolution that was previously only possible with micro-focus systems, reaching a maximum resolution of 35μm. In this article, we will present very compelling experimental results and discuss the future possibilities with the 450kV sealed tube. For more details, please visit this URL: "https://www.yxlon.co.jp/ja/blog/october-2021-(1)/450-kv-mesofocus-ct" or check the related link below: "▶ Exelon 450 kV MesoFocus CT."

YXLON will release a new CT system with a maximum output of 450KV for the casting and automotive industries. In this seminar, we will not only introduce the features of the new UX50 and showcase shooting examples, but also present analysis cases utilizing various optional modules of the 3D analysis software VG Studio MAX. Additionally, we will introduce AI technologies aimed at improving the prediction accuracy of casting defects by linking CT data with casting simulation software (flow analysis and solidification analysis). We invite you to participate in this opportunity. ■ Registration URL March 17, 2022, 16:00～ https://comet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FbKRtJBeQI656gi-nNCofw March 25, 2022, 16:00～ https://comet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oWns1HYMQK-CsDkwC1RoOg

YouTube's YXLON channel has released a video on the theme "Can a power module be penetrated through a 10mm copper plate?" as part of the application series. We are conducting filming experiments using the YXLON micro-focus Cougar EVO. Please take a look! ▶https://youtu.be/gBjIa3H9mTg

The technical seminar on "Quality Control of 3D Printed Parts," hosted by Exelon International Corporation (hereinafter YXLON) and Fraunhofer IWS, was held in Dresden, Germany, from May 15 to 16, 2019, with approximately 50 participants, filling the venue to capacity. Fourteen speakers, including the organizers, were selected from top industry professionals in the automotive and aerospace sectors, as well as various scientific research institutions. The seminar focused on quality assurance for 3D printed parts, discussing the additive manufacturing process, raw materials, and applications. Among the speakers were representatives from major companies such as Siemens, Volkswagen (the first in the automotive industry to begin mass production of parts using 3D printing), Trumpf, and BAM (the first in the world to manufacture a bridge for bicycles using 3D printing). The presentation by Dr. Thomas Bielefeld (Premium Aerotec) on "The Challenging Certification Process for 3D Printed Metal Parts for Aircraft" garnered the most attention. The Additive Manufacturing Center Dresden (AMCD) conducted demonstrations of YXLON's MU2000 and FF35 CT, showcasing defects within 3D printed parts.

On January 23, 2019, Hamburg: Barbara Nichtern has been appointed Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing at Exelon International (hereinafter YXLON), responsible for the worldwide product portfolio of YXLON, a part of the Swiss COMET Group. The internationally experienced former marketing manager feels challenged by this new role and believes that "mid-sized publicly listed companies are ideal for achieving visible results when taking on new challenges." Barbara is considering new initiatives that differentiate from competitors and break free from existing frameworks. "What I am particularly focused on is the sales channels that take into account the global market and its dynamics. In today's international society, simply launching high-performance products is no longer sufficient to compete for the top position. To stand out in this fierce competitive environment and gain customer trust, effective processes and appropriate tools for closely collaborating with customers around the world are essential," Barbara says.

A new X-ray inspection device specialized for the semiconductor industry has been announced by Exelon International (hereafter YXLON) of the Swiss Comet Group. This device features the latest 2D/3D automatic inspection capabilities, allowing it to identify and measure defective areas, including adhesive failures and misalignments. It achieves the highest resolution in the world. The YXLON FF70CL was introduced at SEMICON China held in Shanghai from March 20 to 22, 2019. The FF70CL and FF65CL series are equipped with the ability to detect, magnify, and automatically analyze extremely small semiconductor defects with ultra-high resolution. These latest inspection devices can also perform automatic analysis of TSVs, C4 bumps, 3D packages, MEMS, and more. The FF65IL, a jointly developed product with Nagoya Electric Works, is designed to enable 100% inspection while maintaining high precision. "In the case of inspecting complex 3D packages, existing inspection methods have limitations," says Eike Frühbrodt, Vice President of YXLON Product and Project Management. "The FF70CL, with its oblique CT function, high-precision air-suspended manipulator, vibration-resistant structure, and a machine weight of 7 tons, optimizes defect inspection at the micron level."

The COMET Group's Board of Directors appointed Thomas Wenzel as the President of the X-ray Systems Division (hereinafter referred to as YXLON) and an Executive Officer of the COMET Group effective December 1, 2018. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, Wenzel, who has 25 years of experience in the X-ray systems business, was selected from internal candidates. Wenzel (53), an experienced leader and a proven expert in the X-ray industry, holds a degree in computer science and a doctorate in engineering, and has 15 years of management experience at the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits in Germany. Since 2015, he has served as the Vice President of Technology for YXLON and the COMET Group. Additionally, he has played a key role in driving the X-ray business as the interim head of the X-ray Systems Research and Development Department over the past few months. The Board of Directors is confident that under Wenzel's leadership, the X-ray business will continue to develop smoothly and create new value. Matthias Barz has been leading YXLON on an interim basis since July 2018, but Thomas Wenzel officially took over as President of YXLON on December 1, 2018.

Berlin/Hamburg: On Wednesday, October 4, 2018, the long-awaited moment arrived. The Humboldt Museum (Germany's largest natural history museum located in Berlin) opened the door to the microscopic world that can only be seen through a microscope. From 1 PM to 4 PM, thanks to YXLON's computer tomography technology, we had the opportunity to capture and analyze the collections stored in the museum in three dimensions. Additionally, by providing opportunities for dialogue with scientists, we attempted to bridge science and society. A collaboration between the Humboldt Museum and the X-ray manufacturer Exelon International (hereinafter YXLON) was realized. For at least the next nine months, YXLON decided to lend the high-resolution CT device: FF35 to the museum to contribute to various research projects. The FF35 is a computer tomography device that can capture even the smallest structures in detailed three-dimensional images without destroying or damaging the specimens. The FF35 is also capable of imaging large specimens, such as complete animal skulls.

On October 18, 2018, in Hamburg, Germany: Exelon International (hereinafter YXLON), a member of the Swiss publicly traded company Comet Group, announced that it received the prestigious Global Technology Award in the field of measurement inspection for its Cheetah EVO PLUS X-ray inspection system and FF35 CT measurement device. This award was presented during a ceremony held at SMTA International. The X-ray inspection solution of Cheetah EVO was developed based on the simple goal of "obtaining the best images in the shortest time." Cheetah EVO features YXLON's innovative capabilities, including a fine-focus X-ray tube, high-output target, long-life flat panel detector that enables precise calibration, user-friendly software, and a state-of-the-art operating system. This device generates images with very high resolution, making it easier to overcome the unique challenges of each laboratory.

In August 2018, Hamburg: Exelon recently announced the new YXLON CTScan 3, which is the successor to the Y.LineScan. Currently, the new YXLON CTScan 3 is standard equipment in the CT Compact inspection system, and it is expected to be incorporated into the YXLON FF85 CT and CT Modular systems in the future. By optimizing manufacturing methods using groundbreaking advanced technology, it has achieved an unprecedented level of image quality and significant noise reduction. In addition to excellent interference resistance and low noise, the product features extremely superior signal uniformity made possible by specially developed photodiodes. Previously, the cutting and separation of crystals was performed manually by experts, but it has now become common to use machines for manufacturing, resulting in a fivefold improvement in the uniformity of the crystals in CTScan 3. As a result, ring-shaped artifacts have been suppressed, and calibration has been optimized due to improved signal reproducibility. Furthermore, with an expanded dynamic range and enhanced signal stability, it is now possible to inspect thicker samples at the same X-ray levels.

As part of a newly concluded cooperation agreement, Exelon International (hereinafter YXLON) has decided to provide the Humboldt Museum (the largest natural history museum in Germany, located in Berlin) with a high-resolution X-ray CT device: the YXLON FF35 CT. To install this device, it was necessary to enlarge the windows of the historic building that houses the museum. The FF35 CT is scheduled to be operational by the end of July in the electron microscope hall adjacent to the room of the famous Tyrannosaurus specimen, Tristan. Tristan is the first of two authentic Tyrannosaurus skeletons in Europe. In the visitor gallery, guests will not only have the opportunity to see mammal skulls and skeletons, fossil specimens extracted from rock layers that are highly suitable for fossil preservation, excavated samples containing mineral particles, insect specimens, and comparisons of reptiles and amphibians, but they will also be able to observe how these specimens are analyzed using CT.

YXLON International (hereinafter referred to as YXLON) has established four new artificial climate chambers (temperature-controlled rooms) in Hamburg to meet the increasing demand for CT measurement applications. Two of these climate chambers are used for new development or ongoing technology development. The other two chambers are integrated into the production line, where the YXLON FF20/35 CT measurement devices achieve accurate measurements. CT (Computed Tomography) is the only technology that can accurately measure and analyze the internal structure of parts. It reconstructs a three-dimensional CT volume using hundreds of high-resolution X-ray images taken from various angles, which can then be visualized and edited with specialized software. With the latest X-ray technology and high-performance detectors, it is capable of scanning down to micro or nano scales. This makes it particularly suitable for new production technology fields such as electronics manufacturing and 3D printing, which require special precision.

On June 8, 2018, Hamburg: The German Society for Non-Destructive Testing (DGZfP) invited participants to the first meeting of this year's Computed Tomography and Digital Radiography Subcommittee, held at YXLON International (hereinafter referred to as Exelon) in Hamburg from June 5 to 6. Dr. Frank Herold, a CT expert at Exelon, serves as the vice-chairman of the Computed Tomography Subcommittee. Additionally, Dr. Klaus Bavendiek, the Director of Image Development at Exelon, is the vice-chairman of the Digital Radiography Committee. Both subcommittees belong to the Radiographic Testing Technical Committee, whose vice-chairman is also from Exelon, Dr. Thomas Wenzel, who also serves as a technical scout for the Swiss Comet Group.

On June 7, 2018, Berlin: The user interface of the next-generation industrial X-ray inspection system developed by macio for YXLON International (hereinafter referred to as Exlon) won the German Innovation Awards 2018. The German Innovation Awards introduced innovative products and projects, as well as their manufacturers and designers, in two categories: "Excellence in Business to Customer" and "Excellence in Business to Business." In the "Excellence in Business to Business" category, the joint project between macio and Exlon was recognized for its achievements. It was selected by top-level judges based on its groundbreaking nature, the benefits it provides to users, and its economic viability, ultimately winning against 450 competitors.

On May 23, 2018, Hamburg: YXLON International (hereinafter referred to as Exlon) held an International Customer Appreciation Day on May 18 (Friday) at the Technical Center in Enstone, titled "Overtaking Lane Driving! Progressive Manufacturing," as part of its partnership with the Renault Sport Formula One Team. More than 50 participants exchanged opinions with speakers from Ampower, DLR (German Aerospace Center), MTC (Manufacturing Technology Center), the University of Manchester, Exlon, and the Renault F1 Team about the advantages and challenges of new production methods in the automotive field, such as quality assurance and additive manufacturing.

In March 2018, Hamburg: YXLON International (hereinafter referred to as Exlon) announced its membership in the Additive Alliance, the industry's leading network for additive manufacturing research, in response to Industry 4.0. By regularly participating in meetings and workshops, it will facilitate the exchange of ideas and enable a comprehensive understanding of additive manufacturing across diverse fields. *Industry 4.0: A national strategic project aimed at the digitalization and computerization of the manufacturing industry, promoted by the German government. Founded in 2014, the Light Alliance has over 30 members from various fields. From engineers developing and producing lightweight and complex products to companies in the automotive and aerospace industries that use those products, the Additive Alliance focuses on exchanging experiences and collaborative research across different industries. Its ultimate goal is to develop new solutions throughout the entire value chain.

May 2017: YXLON was thrilled to launch the 600th MU2000 X-ray system. Since entering the market in 1997, the radiographic systems have remained cutting-edge for 20 years, thanks to their robustness and flexibility, as well as continuous improvements, making them one of the most successful inspection devices in the world.

In February 2018, in Hamburg, Germany: Exelon International, a member of the Swiss-listed company Comet Group, received the 2018 NPI Award in the initial product inspection category for its expandable X-ray inspection system Cheetah EVO PLUS for research facilities. This award was presented at a ceremony held on February 27, 2018, at the San Diego Convention Center during the IPC APEX EXPO. The Cheetah EVO was designed to achieve the goal of "providing the best images in the shortest time across all market segments." The Cheetah EVO can be used in conjunction with other YXLON features, such as fine focus X-ray tube technology, high-power targets, finely adjustable long-life flat panel detectors, and state-of-the-art manipulation systems. This device is capable of generating images of very high quality and can also accommodate the unique requirements of each research facility.

On November 15, 2017, in Hamburg, Germany: Exelon International, a member of the Swiss-listed company Comet Group, received the "Global Technology Award" for its multi-application high-resolution CT inspection device YXLON FF35CT, which inspects fine parts in the inspection department. This award was presented at Productronica, held in Munich, Germany, on November 14, 2017 (Tuesday). The German-made YXLON FF35 CT specializes in non-destructive testing of ultra-small electronic components. This device enables CT inspection of a wide range of components, allowing everything from wafer-level parts to finished products to be captured in a single image, and operators can easily zoom in to sub-micron levels of three-dimensional reconstruction. The three-dimensional reconstruction is performed instantly, and digital visualization is also carried out quickly. This device is equipped with industry-leading software that enables visualization and measurement of sub-micron parts.

In November 2017, at this year's Exelon (YXLON) User Conference, Exelon International was able to meet the expectations of its users. This event, held in September, focused entirely on computed tomography for two full days. For the first time since the conference began, it was held not at Exelon but at the invitation of the Aria Group in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, France. Eleven speakers from ten international companies and facilities provided very unique perspectives on CT, and over 85 participants exchanged opinions about their own CT experiences.

September 2017: Exelon International, a member of the Swiss-listed company Comet Group, has embarked on a joint research project with the California Academy of Sciences. In late July, YXLON lent its latest CT equipment to the California Academy of Sciences. The YXLON FF20 will be used at the Academy until January 31, 2018, to support interesting discoveries hidden within various microorganisms and biological specimens.