{"id":4212,"date":"2026-06-08T07:24:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T07:24:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tetravision.be\/case\/koolstofvezels-in-beeld-ct-scan-van-een-3d-geprint-composietonderdeel\/"},"modified":"2026-06-08T07:44:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T07:44:11","slug":"carbon-fibers-in-focus-ct-scan-of-a-3d-printed-composite-part","status":"publish","type":"case","link":"https:\/\/tetravision.be\/en\/case\/carbon-fibers-in-focus-ct-scan-of-a-3d-printed-composite-part\/","title":{"rendered":"Carbon Fibers in Focus: CT Scan of a 3D-Printed Composite Part"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Seeing what the eye cannot see<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

MPP approached us with a question arising from an ongoing R&D project. The goal was clear: to visualize the continuous carbon fibers inside a 3D-printed part as clearly as possible, and to verify whether the fiber bundles remained neatly aligned in different areas. That sounds simple, but it\u2019s all hidden within a polyamide matrix. It is precisely this behavior of the fibers that has a major impact on the final strength of these types of parts, and you can\u2019t see it from the outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using X-ray CT scanning, we were able to fully and non-destructively map the component, down to the individual fibers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The original test sample: a 3D-printed part made of polyamide (PA), reinforced with continuous carbon fiber.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About MPP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

MPP positions itself as a Digital Laboratory for Composites and is active in demanding industrial and aerospace projects. The company holds ISO 9001 and EN 9100 certifications, among others, and works for major players in the sector. For this project, MPP engaged TetraVision as an extension of its own services: MPP conducts the research for one of its own clients, and we provide the CT data they use to proceed. More about MPP: mpp.be<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why use X-ray CT for fiber-reinforced 3D-printed parts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In continuous-fiber 3D printing, the orientation and alignment of the fibers largely determine the mechanical performance of the part. Do the bundles run smoothly, or do they fan out in places? Are there any gaps or breaks? You can\u2019t answer those questions by measuring the exterior. X-ray CT scanning captures the entire internal structure and provides 100% data on the part, both externally and internally, without damaging it. This makes visible what would otherwise remain invisible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The approach: maximum detail with the Comet Yxlon FF35<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For this scan, we used our Comet Yxlon FF35<\/strong>, equipped with the transmission tube, to achieve maximum resolution and detail. That is exactly what this project required: to clearly capture the individual fibers within the polyamide matrix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We deliberately chose a helical scanning trajectory<\/strong>. This scanning strategy reduces so-called Feldkamp artifacts and allows us to image a somewhat longer sample completely and accurately in a highly efficient manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the scan, approximately 5,000 X-ray images were captured. Before the scan, the sample was secured with a carbon rod and some paper tape. After the scan, we cropped the images to retain only the sample itself, ensuring that the mounting fixtures did not appear in the final data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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