inspection efficiency, productivity and profit margins. A variety of product forms can benefit from digital radiography and related analog methods, including radiographic evaluation of metallic, composite and electronic components and structures. Sources of radiation involve X-ray (stan- dard, fractional and micro-focus tubes), gamma and neutron sources. Some inspection applications are not possible using radiographic film, such as real-time and 3-D computed tomography—making digital radiog- raphy an ideal choice. For example, one company converted to a non-film- based system, which required design specification and implementation of a real-time radiography micro-focus sys- tem using an image intensifier and an analog cassette tape recorder. The sys- tem was approved by Morton Thiokol and the U.S. Navv for evaluation of 4 This six-axis robotic digital radiography system consists 0 on the C-arm fixture and the precision motorized turntabl ity images on aerospace investment castings up to 60 inc Using di the image radiograpl ography in source pov substantia! to 50%) ar radiograpt of electron times faste cessing. Us els, the pre eliminated time is onl WHAT PRO With a few tions can h to, digital 1 cesses can questions < posed radi Digital rGCUCUICTOLIR I CISCELOE DeGI WeICiis, of standard missile cases in 1987. Regardless of the application, when imnlementine a digital radinoranhy | QUALITY TEST & INSPECTION | ography process. Cost associated with film chemical processing and the radiographic film produced to evaluate the component or assem- bly creates a substantial amount of liquid and solid hazardous waste, Associated cost for silver recovery equipment and required proper waste disposal management must be considered. No chemicals are needed with digital radiography— Cay att Ce plimentary ations of tl Re nrenare whether indirect rect sigr puted re of a scat Film re Design : radiogr ing med design | which ithroughput. Due to easy coupling and the new advantages that equal and exceed film sensitivity and resolution using digital radiogra- phy, semiautomatic and automatic inspection technology is available or can often be custom-designed for specific applications. Digital Radiography and Computed Radiography Imaging Plates. Digital radiography panels are avail- able up to 17 inches by 17 inches, but as the size increases there is a substantial increase in the panel cost. These panels can often be custom made for specific applica- tions. Digital radiography panels and imaging plates can potentially provide thousands of exposures. Accidental damage may render either irreparable. The cost for replacement can exceed $70,000 for a large high-end digital radiography panel. Computed radiography imag- ing plate manufacturers often make imaging plates similar to standard film sizes and roll film leneths up to remember approval f media oth it is impor approval t any projec Lenny Liese | service for XI MI) and hold radiographic