WZL-XCore as an Open-Source Versatile Platform for Industrial xCT Data Visualization and Analysis

e-Journal of Nondestructive Testing, vol. 31

Abstract

In industrial X-ray Computed Tomography (xCT), a wide range of data types, such as projection images, three-dimensional (3D) voxel volumes, sectional images, surface meshes, and parameter logs, are typically generated and used for various analytical tasks. Navigating between these data types often requires multiple software tools that are often closed source and thus limited in flexibility, extensibility, and reproducibility. This work presents WZL-XCore, an open-source, unified software platform, designed to streamline the visualization, analysis, and conversion of diverse xCT data types within a single environment. XCore supports the display of full or downsampled projection images, 3D voxel volumes, 2D sectional images in multiple orientations, and surface meshes. Core features include 3D reconstruction from projection images, histogram-based brightness correction, material segmentation, coordinate system definition, 2D slice extraction, and surface mesh generation from 3D volumes. Additionally, it enables intuitive access to metadata, including system conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure) and acquisition parameters. While XCore uses established algorithms, its strength lies in its data versatility, and extensibility, as new features can be easily integrated into the modular framework. The software has been successfully tested with data from two different xCT systems and demonstrates promising results in terms of speed, compatibility, and usability. WZL-XCore fills a practical gap for researchers and engineers seeking an adaptable and open-source tool for xCT data exploration.

Authors 3

1. Ahmed Baraka Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   WZL | RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany,

2. Dominik Wolfschläger Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   WZL | RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany,

3. Robert H. Schmitt