RIGAKU X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY PRODUCTS

all Rigaku CT products

Research-grade CT scanners for resolution, versatility, and speed

Resolution, versatility, and measurement speed are all important elements. But for most measurement techniques, they are also in a tradeoff relationship. For X-ray CT (computed tomography) scanners or X-ray microscopes, the best combination of the X-ray source, geometry, and detector is different depending on the desired resolution, sample size, and measurement speed. Rigaku offers three types of X-ray CT scanners. Each one is optimized for resolution, versatility, or speed.

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Rigaku nano3DX submicron resolution CT-scanner X-ray microscope

nano3DX for resolution

Rigaku nano3DX is a true submicron resolution CT scanner. The parallel beam geometry combined with an ultra-bright 1200 W rotating anode X-ray source enhances the contrast of low-density materials, which are normally difficult to image using high-energy X-ray sources. The X-ray anode can be selected from Cr (5.4 keV), Cu (8 keV), or Mo (17 keV). These anode materials generate low-energy and pseudo-monochromatic radiation to maximize the X-ray CT image contrast. The anode material can be selected depending on the sample material and size. With the highest magnification lens, the nano3DX can achieve 325 nm voxel resolution and true submicron (700 nm) spatial resolution.

CT Lab HX for versatility

Rigaku CT Lab HX is a benchtop micro-CT scanner. The adjustable SOD (sample-to-object distance) and SDD (source-to-detector distance) make this benchtop micro-CT scanner flexible. It covers from 2.1 um voxel resolution in the high-resolution mode to 200 mm FOV (field of view) in the large FOV mode. The CT Lab HX is equipped with a 130 kV - 39 W high power X-ray source. The FOV, resolution, X-ray source settings, and X-ray filters are adjustable to optimize the X-ray energy to various sample materials and sizes.

Rigaku CT Lab HX versatile benchtop micro-CT scanner
Rigaku CT Lab GX high-speed CT scanner

CT Lab GX for speed

Rigaku CT Lab GX is a micro-CT scanner. The sample stays stationary as on a medical CT scanner, making it easy to mount samples with a complex shape or ones connected to in-situ devices. The combination of a high-power (90 kV - 8 W or 130 kV - 39 W) X-ray source and the compact gantry geometry achieves ultra-fast scans. A CT scan can be completed in 3.9 seconds at the top speed. The high-speed feature opens up the possibility of time-resolved (4D) CT, in-situ CT, and CT quality inspection.

Analysis software

Rigaku CT (computed tomography) scanners work with various visualization and analysis software packages, including Dragonfly, VG STUDIO, digiM I2S, and AVIZO.

Compare software and find the best fit for your analysis needs.

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  nano3DX CT Lab HX CT Lab GX
Voxel resolution 325 nm — 10 um 2.1 — 100 um 4.5 — 144 um
Field of view (FOV) 0.66 — 20 mm 5 — 200 mm 5 — 72 mm
Maximum sample size 20 mm diameter x 40 mm height 200 mm diameter x 270 mm height 163 mm diameter x 398 mm length
Speed (shortest scan time) 30 sec 18 sec 3.9 sec
Geometry Parallel beam geometry Cone beam geometry Cone beam gantry geometry
X-ray source 1200 W rotating anode micro source 39 W traditional micro source 8 or 39 W traditional micro source
X-ray detector High-resolution sCMOS Flatpanel Flatpanel
Price $$$$ $$ $$$
Dimensions

1300 (W) x 1880 (H) x 655(D) mm
(PC, chiller, vacuum pump not included)

980 (W) x 580 (H) x 700 (D) mm
(PC not included)

1550 (W) x 1535 (H) x 963 (D) mm
(PC included)

Weight Approx. 600 kg Approx. 380 kg Approx. 450 kg

How do I choose the right CT scanner?

There are four factors to consider:

  • Geometry - It affects the resolution, FOV, and measurement speed.
  • X-ray energy - It affects the density and thickness of the samples you can image.
  • Instrument size - It matters if your lab space is limited.
  • Price - It always matters.

Let's take a look at geometry first. Think about what matters the most to your work. If you need submicron resolution, you will need a CT scanner with a lens for optical magnification. When images are magnified solely by a lens, it is called parallel beam geometry. (The scanners with a lens are also called X-ray microscopes.) If a resolution of a few microns will do the job, a cone beam geometry might suffice. These are often less expensive than X-ray microscopes with a lens. If you are looking for an ultimate speed, then a cone beam gantry geometry works the best.

The next thing to consider is X-ray energy. The optimum X-ray energy depends on the sample density and thickness X-rays need to get through. Because X-ray CT is an absorption contrast imaging technique, if no X-rays are absorbed (X-ray energy is too high) or all X-rays are absorbed (X-ray energy is too low), you can not get good contrast. Generally speaking, for relatively small (1~10 mm) organic materials, foams, etc., low-energy X-rays (5 - 20 keV) work best. Small to medium-sized (5~200 mm) plastics, polymers, composites, wood, etc., or small (a few mm) and light metals (aluminum for example), medium-energy X-rays (20 - 100 keV) work well. For larger or heavier samples, you will need higher energy (100 - 400 keV). (CSRRI (Center for synchrotron radiation research and instrumentation) at the Illinois Institute of Technology has a convenient calculator to find a good combination of X-ray energy, material, and thickness: Mucal Periodic Table.)

If your lab space is limited, the instrument size can be a critical factor, too. A benchtop system can save a lot of space. Always check the dimensions and weight of the system. CT scanners can be heavier than they look because of the thick metal radiation shield stopping the high-energy X-rays. It also means that benchtop systems are less expensive for the smaller enclosure. High-energy X-ray-based CT scanners tend to be more expensive for both the enclosure and the X-ray source.

Lastly, we recommend you have a couple of your representative samples scanned on the system you are considering to make sure that you are satisfied with the results. If you would like to try one of Rigaku CT scanners, talk to one of our CT experts.

 Watch an On-Demand webinar and learn more about the basics of X-ray CT.

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If you are looking for more information about the nano3DX submicron CT scanner, such as a quotation, installation requirements, etc., please fill out the form and we will get that for you.

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