Eye opener

an X-ray camera using special optics and claimed to last longer than conventional equipment, could provide manufacturers with improved reliability when monitoring components on the production line.

The developers of the camera at

(IIS) in Erlangen claim the XEye can survive 10 years of X-ray bombardment. In addition, they said, the device, which is available in a range of sizes, is more robust and has a higher resolution than conventional cameras.

While no human could withstand the bombardment of X-rays 24 hours a day, seven days a week, industrial X-ray cameras have to endure those conditions to detect faulty components. The cameras must constantly scrutinise thousands of parts that glide past on the conveyor belt every day and search for dangerous faults, such as fine cracks in car wheels and air bubbles in metal castings.

Most of these special cameras, which cost tens of thousands of pounds, are not capable of tolerating this constant bombardment with damaging radiation for more than a few months before having to be replaced.