A UK-wide network of lab X-ray CT scanners is now in its second phase, giving researchers access to machines that see inside objects without cutting them open. This matters because X-ray computed tomography (CT) is not just for hospitals. In engineering and physical sciences, it reveals hidden cracks in turbine blades, checks the internal structure of 3D-printed parts, and tracks how materials deform under stress in real time. The NXCT facility provides the scanners, the expert support for experiment design and data analysis, and the specialised rigs needed for *in situ* and time-lapse experiments. It serves over 1000 users, has trained more than 500 people, and works with over 100 companies, from small firms to multinationals. If the facility continues to succeed, UK manufacturing and infrastructure will benefit directly. Better imaging means safer aircraft components, more reliable batteries, and stronger building materials. The research also pushes the boundaries of lab-based X-ray techniques themselves, developing new methods that other researchers can adopt. This is applied science with a clear pipeline to industry, but it also trains the next generation of imaging scientists, ensuring the UK remains competitive in a technique that quietly underpins quality control across modern engineering.
View original technical description
The NXCT is a centre of excellence delivering a service for UK users allowing them to exploit lab X-ray computed tomography for their research. We provide access to scanners and support the design of experiments, data acquisition and data analysis through our expert technical team. We also enable in situ and time-lapse experiment through our rigs and sample environments. We work across almost every sector from arts and humanities to medicine and life science but our main focus is on engineering and physical sciences where we work over all technology readiness levels (TRL’s). The NXCT is made up of a Hub at Manchester and lab facilities at Manchester, Southampton, UCL and Warwick universities with partnerships with Diamond Light source and Strathclyde and Swansea universities. In addition, we are providing training to develop the next generation of researchers who can exploit the power of X-ray imaging. Our outreach events and involvement in documentaries and public science is helping build the wider community. We are pushing the latest techniques in lab-based X-ray imaging to support cutting-edge experiments. Our aim is to support and develop the whole community where X-ray imaging can provide a distinct advantage providing a tangible economic, environmental and societal benefit. We work extensively with industry providing a bespoke service for SME’s through to large multinational companies. In our first 5 years of operation we have already supported over 1000 unique users with over 3500 days of beamtime and trained over 500 people. We have worked with over 100 companies and published over 180 papers. We will continue to build on our success and established processes to bring the NXCT and the UK to the forefront of lab X-ray CT research Worldwide. It is our vision to: Help users exploit the power of X-ray CT for their research Provide access to X-ray CT scanners, support experiment design and provide resources to analyse the data Develop new cutting-edge techniques in X-ray Imaging and analysis Promote X-ray CT and advocate the benefits of this technique to the UK research community Enable in situ experiments through support and provision of rigs available for lab and synchrotron experiments
Plain English summaries and category classifications on this site are generated by AI and may not perfectly reflect the original research.
Is something wrong? Let us know