Bringing CT to shopfloor redefines speed and accessibility in industrial metrology

Inspection is no longer a downstream activity—it is increasingly embedded within the production process, enabling real-time quality control and faster decision-making. However, one technology has remained largely confined to laboratory environments: industrial computed tomography (CT).

With the launch of CoreX, Ready Metrology introduces a new approach to CT inspection—one designed specifically for the shopfloor. By combining high-speed scanning, simplified operation, and minimal infrastructure requirements, CoreX aims to make advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) accessible where it matters most: directly on the production line.

Rethinking Industrial CT for Production Environments

Industrial CT is widely regarded as one of the most powerful inspection methods available. Unlike conventional metrology tools, it enables manufacturers to see inside components, identifying voids, cracks, assembly errors, and dimensional deviations that are otherwise undetectable through surface measurement.

Despite these advantages, CT systems have traditionally been associated with high investment costs, complex operation, and long inspection cycles. Most systems rely on open-anode X-ray sources that require regular maintenance and operate with scan times measured in tens of minutes. As a result, CT inspection has typically been performed off-line, limiting its usefulness in fast-paced production environments.

CoreX addresses these challenges by fundamentally redesigning the CT system for in-line use. Rather than adapting laboratory-based equipment, the platform is purpose-built to deliver rapid, repeatable inspection directly within the manufacturing workflow.

High-Speed Inspection Without Compromise

A defining characteristic of CoreX is its ability to deliver inspection results within seconds rather than minutes. The system incorporates a rotating closed-anode X-ray source capable of delivering up to 2,400W, eliminating the need for routine maintenance while significantly improving throughput.

Scan times are reduced to 20–30 seconds for materials such as plastics, rubber, and carbon fibre, and 40–50 seconds for metals including aluminium, magnesium, and titanium. This level of speed enables CT inspection to be integrated into production cycles without creating bottlenecks.

To support fast scanning without compromising image quality, CoreX uses large-pixel detectors that optimise both acquisition speed and signal-to-noise ratio. This ensures consistent, high-quality results without requiring complex parameter adjustments or specialist knowledge.

Simplifying Operation on the Shopfloor

Ease of use is central to the CoreX concept. Traditional CT systems often require trained technicians and extensive setup procedures, which can limit their practicality in production environments. CoreX, by contrast, is designed for operation by shop-floor personnel.

The system features a top-loading design that simplifies part handling, allowing operators to quickly load and unload components with minimal effort. Inspection is initiated with a single command, and a complete measurement report is generated automatically within seconds.

In addition, the system is housed within a fully shielded enclosure, removing the need for dedicated bunkers or controlled environments. This not only reduces installation costs but also enables flexible deployment directly alongside production equipment.

Enabling Real-Time Quality Control

By bringing CT inspection onto the shopfloor, CoreX supports a more proactive approach to quality assurance. Manufacturers can inspect first-off parts immediately after batch changeovers, ensuring that production resumes only when specifications are met. This reduces downtime and minimises the risk of producing defective components.

The system also enables high-frequency or even full inspection of parts, supporting zero-defect manufacturing strategies. Real-time feedback, delivered through an intuitive, colour-coded interface, allows operators to detect deviations early and take corrective action before non-conforming parts accumulate.

For industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical manufacturing, where traceability and certification are critical, CoreX provides an additional advantage. The system generates professional inspection reports directly at the point of production, eliminating the need for outsourced CT services and reducing lead times.

Supporting the Evolution of Industrial Metrology

The introduction of shop-floor CT systems reflects a broader shift in metrology toward integrated, data-driven inspection. As manufacturing processes become more connected, the ability to capture and act on measurement data in real time is becoming essential for maintaining competitiveness.

CoreX aligns with this trend by combining speed, automation, and accessibility in a single platform. By removing traditional barriers to CT adoption—such as complexity, cost, and infrastructure requirements—the system enables a wider range of manufacturers to leverage advanced inspection capabilities.

Industry Debut and Market Reception

CoreX made its public debut at MACH 2026, where the system was demonstrated in an interactive environment replicating real shop-floor CT inspection workflows. The showcase highlighted how scanning, analysis, and reporting are seamlessly integrated, enabling operators to move from inspection to decision-making within seconds.

At the event, Ready Metrology exhibited in partnership with Measurement Solutions Limited (MSL), its UK distribution partner with more than two decades of experience supporting manufacturers across aerospace, automotive, and defence sectors. The collaboration underscored the system’s positioning for adoption in high-precision, regulated industries.

As manufacturing requirements continue to evolve, metrology is becoming an integral part of production strategy rather than a standalone function. Solutions such as CoreX demonstrate how industrial CT is transitioning from laboratory-based analysis to in-line application—enabling faster feedback, improved process control, and more informed decision-making on the shopfloor.