Compelling images of on a regular basis objects and complex organic buildings have revealed the capabilities of The University of Queensland’s industrial micro-CT scanner.
Associate Professor Gary Cowin, National Imaging Facility Fellow at UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) mentioned the 7-tonne scanner affords enormous scope to be used in analysis throughout each academia and business.
“The level of detail that can be achieved is incredible, from visualising the internal structure of a toothpick to mapping the tiny brains of insects,” Dr Cowin mentioned.
“These images demonstrate the scientific and commercial potential of this technology.”
The Yxlon FF35 micro-CT scanner can deal with tiny samples, right down to 1mm, or as massive as 400mm.
Dr Cowin mentioned the expertise helps disciplines as numerous as engineering, biology, archaeology and supplies science.
“Agricultural researchers have used the micro-CT scanner to study root growth under different soil conditions,” he mentioned.
“Materials scientists and engineers have used it to evaluate porosity and cracks in carbon fibre for superior manufacturing and confirm the accuracy of 3D-printed elements.
“We’ve scanned everything from mining ore samples to praying mantis brains.” (pictured beneath)
Dr Cowin mentioned among the many extra putting outputs are color-enhanced scans of native flowers and the timber of a matchstick, revealing hidden mobile buildings in vivid element.
“Being able to zoom in at the micron level allows you to see patterns and textures that are both scientifically valuable and visually interesting,” he mentioned.
The scanner is out there to be used by researchers at UQ and elsewhere, in addition to being accessible to industrial companions via the nationwide facility.
“We can provide scanning services or train users to operate the system themselves, whether they’re developing new materials, investigating biological systems or need high-resolution imaging for quality control,” Dr Cowin mentioned.
“The idea is for the technology to be as accessible as possible.”
The functionality is predicated at UQ’s AIBN and supplies a spread of analysis capabilities together with human imaging, pre-medical MRI and molecular imaging, excessive decision MRI microscopy, industrial micro-CT imaging, NMR spectroscopy, EPR Spectroscopy, radio chemistry and a cyclotron for radioisotope manufacturing.
The micro-CT scanner was funded via contributions from the National Imaging Facility (NIF) which is a part of the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), the Queensland State Government and The University of Queensland.
Researchers and firms occupied with utilizing the micro-CT scanner are invited to contact the National Imaging Facility-Qld at AIBN.