UPV Expands Its Analysis Capabilities with X-Ray Computed Tomography

15 Jan 2026
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In 2021, the Molecules and Materials unit at the University of the Basque Country (UPV) took a major step forward by acquiring an X-ray CT system: the Nano EasyTom XL system from RX Solutions, installed in partnership with Sariki, the local distributor and technical expert. The project received European Next Generation funding through the Ministry of Science and Innovation, reflecting UPV’s commitment to scientific and technological innovation.

The Molecules and Materials unit is one of the university’s 35 general research service units. Its users are highly diverse: scientists, academics, technical experts, technology centres, and companies from many sectors – aerospace, pharmaceuticals, electronics, advanced manufacturing, archaeology, and forensic science – all part of the Basque science, technology, and innovation network.

This step up in 2021 has transformed the unit’s capabilities. With the RX Solutions CT system, it now covers a continuous analytical range, from the atomic and nanometre scales to micrometre-scale 3D imaging. This lets R&D, quality, and production teams generate accurate 3D images of complex components and validate parts without damaging them. They can also quantify defects precisely and non-destructively and make decisions faster.
UPV – nanoscale inspection using CT

The challenge: extending analytical capabilities

Until 2021, the unit operated within a well-defined but limited ‘viewing window’. Its existing instruments characterised materials in two complementary ways: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) gave compositional information at the atomic scale, while diffraction allowed observations at the nanometre scale. This coverage left a gap between a few hundred nanometres and several micrometres – precisely where visible defects and the mechanical behaviour of components lie.

Nanoscale CT at Pays Basco
Dr Aitor Larranaga, co-head of the unit
"Faced with a growing need to broaden our scope of analysis, we decided in 2021 to introduce X-ray CT"
– nanoscale inspection using CT - UPV

Scale continuity and non-destructive 3D imaging

Moving from atomic or nanometre-scale analysis to internal 3D visualisation of objects or assemblies at the micrometre scale was impossible without destructive methods. Traditional approaches forced a difficult choice: section the sample to examine it under a microscope, or settle for a partial understanding of its structure. The teams needed detailed volumetric images to correlate defects, structure and mechanical performance while keeping parts intact.

 

Operational transferability and reproducibility

For manufacturers and users working in technical environments, robust and reproducible workflows were essential for material analysis: measuring porosity and fibre orientation, checking nominal-to-actual deviations, or running virtual mechanical studies, without multiplying destructive tests or complicating the measurement chain.

 

These challenges were compounded by regulatory and practical constraints: integrating an X-ray system had to simplify compliance and enable in-situ testing (tension, compression, temperature) in the same acquisition environment without requiring external test benches. Finally, the diversity of users demanded a versatile solution capable of transitioning from laboratory samples to industrial parts, thereby strengthening the unit’s competitiveness against other research infrastructures.

The Solution Integrating an industrial X-ray CT system

To meet this challenge, UPV secured European Next Generation funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, earmarked for modernising scientific infrastructure. This funding paid for the purchase and installation of an X-ray CT system from the Nano range, EasyTom XL 160 kV ultra, built by RX Solutions, an innovative French company specialising in 3D CT.

 

The Nano Line - EasyTom XL 160 kV 

The EasyTom XL platform was installed with the technical support from Sariki Metrologia, RX Solutions’ Spanish distributor and a specialist in scientific instrumentation. The system combines two X-ray tubes: a nano tube for very high-resolution imaging (down to 0.4 µm) and a micro tube for a wider field of view (resolution down to 4 µm).

 

This versatility suits a wide range of samples and applications, from fine microstructures to larger parts, with optimal image quality throughout.

 
For detection, the system includes two complementary detectors:
  • a flat panel with a 124 µm pixel size, suited to wide fields of view and imaging larger components
  • a high-resolution CCD camera with a 9 µm pixel size, ideal for capturing fine details or regions of interest.



For in situ characterisation, two cells allow tensile/compression tests up to ~5,000 N, as well as thermal cycling from −20 °C to +60 °C.

 

For post-processing software, UPV has adopted Volume Graphics. Its modules cover, for example, porosity, fibre orientation, nominal-to-actual comparison (3D dimensional inspection against the CAD model), structural mechanics and reverse engineering.

 
 
UPV – nanoscale inspection using CT
UPV – nanoscale inspection using CT
UPV – nanoscale inspection using CT

The results : a broader offering thanks to CT

"Adding the RX Solutions EasyTom XL system has allowed us to widen our scale of study, from hundreds of nanometres to microns and hundreds of microns. We can now produce detailed three-dimensional images of complex systems without destroying or altering them"
— Dr Leire San Felices, co-head of the unit

 
 

The arrival of the EasyTom Nano XL CT platform has transformed UPV’s Molecules and Materials unit, opening up new horizons for research and industry. The benefits are many:

UPV – nanoscale inspection using CT
  • Wider observation range: a unique analytical continuity from the atomic and nanometre scales to micrometre-scale 3D imaging, with resolutions down to 0.4 µm (nano) and 4 µm (micro).
  • Non-destructive 3D imaging: a better understanding of internal defects and mechanisms, without altering samples. Particularly valuable in fields such as aerospace, medical and archaeology.
  • Greater versatility: the dual nano/micro configuration gives the CT system broader scanning possibilities, and advanced software modules meet varied needs, from industrial quality control to scientific research.
  • In situ testing: tensile, compression and temperature tests in the same environment, which speed up part inspection and improve understanding of mechanical phenomena.
  • Productivity and appeal: standardised workflows, support from Sariki and UPV’s repositioning as a reference centre for multi-scale characterisation in Spain. Demand for 3D CT far exceeds initial expectations, confirming that the investment was worthwhile.
 

‘The CT system, how we use it and the analysis of results we offer today would not have been possible without the active involvement of Sariki and RX Solutions.’

Computed Tomography: complementary asset 

Installing the Nano Line EasyTom XL CT system at the University of the Basque Country, with European funding, is a significant technical advance for UPV’s Molecules and Materials unit. The new equipment lets the unit tackle complex materials characterisation challenges while meeting the demands of both industry and academia.


The ability to produce detailed, non-destructive 3D images, run advanced analyses (porosity, fibre orientation, structural mechanics, reverse engineering) and offer in situ testing makes UPV a leading player in Spain for materials research and development.


Watch the video filmed at UPV: 
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