Photo credit: LK Metrology
LK Metrology has introduced the innovative COREX 250 from Ready Metrology, the holding group’s brand that develops easy-to-use X-ray computed tomography (CT) as well as coordinate measuring machine (CMM) solutions for shop floor applications. The new industrial CT system is designed for the production environment and features a 230mm cube working volume. It brings non-contact inspection and metrology into the factory to enable non-destructive internal inspection of complex parts in seconds.
Unlike traditional industrial CT systems, which are often prohibitively expensive, bulky, and designed as all-purpose laboratory tools, the COREX 250 is purpose-built for the production line. While standard systems require complex setups to handle any possible part, COREX 250 focuses on specific production needs. Instead of one oversized machine, the COREX series is available in three optimized sizes. This specialization allows for pre-defined configurations and enhanced X-ray sources tailored to the customer’s specific materials.
The COREX 250 is engineered for the shop floor, not just the laboratory. Designed for speed of operation, it can inspect rubber, plastic, or carbon fibre components in 20 to 30 seconds. For denser materials such as aluminum, magnesium, and titanium, inspection times remain exceptionally fast at 40 to 50 seconds.
A key innovation of the COREX 250 is its on-board integrated software. Unlike traditional systems that require complex external software, the CT system handles everything internally, giving immediate results. This simplicity removes the barrier of specialized metrology training. Shop floor operators don’t need to be metrologists; they simply press a button to receive accurate, easy-to-interpret results through a simplified software interface.
First, COREX 250 makes inspection of small batches profitable by slashing setup times. During a batch change, operators can inspect the first, second, and third parts produced in just minutes. There is no longer a need to wait for a lab technician, as the shop floor operator is completely autonomous. This returns the line to production faster, potentially saving an hour of downtime at every format change.
The second advantage is the speed of inspection allows high-frequency testing. The interface features an intuitive, color-coded histogram, allowing operators to see at a glance if parameters are centered within the tolerance band. This enables real-time process correction before scrap is even produced, guaranteeing that only good parts are delivered to the customer.
Finally, in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and medical, where reputation is everything, COREX 250 allows companies to document and certify the quality of their components through rapidly generated reports. The professional documentation provides a high level of credibility, without the significant costs typically associated with laboratory CT scanning.
By removing the need for specialized metrology training and eliminating complex software interfaces, the COREX 250 speaks the same language as the production floor. It allows companies to increase their competitive advantage and handle high staff turnover easily, as the machine's one-touch intelligence replaces the need for deep technical expertise.