X-ray computed tomography for applications in industry and materials science

Over the past years, many novel X-ray imaging techniques, scanning protocols, data processing and visualization methods have been developed. Industrial X-ray computed tomography (XCT) has been continuously advanced to achieve higher resolutions, higher accuracies, better image quality and faster scanning times. The application areas of XCT are highly diverse and extensive, since any material or component may be examined using XCT, which renders the techniques as highly interesting for science and industry. The major application areas of XCT in science and industry are currently found in non-destructive testing, 3D materials characterization and dimensional measurements (metrology). This paper gives an overview of selected X-ray computed tomography developments, of visual computing in X-ray computed tomography and microcomputed tomography for materials in biomedical applications.