UPV strengthens its materials characterization with advanced CT system

The Molecules and Materials Unit at the University of the Basque Country (UPV) achieved a major milestone in 2021 with the acquisition of an X-ray tomography system: the EasyTom XL from RX Solutions, deployed in partnership with Sariki, the local distributor and technical expert. This project benefited from European Next Generation funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation, demonstrating UPV’s commitment to scientific and technological innovation.

The Molecules and Materials Unit is one of 35 general research service units at the university and serves a highly diverse user base: scientists, academics, technical experts, technology centers, and companies from various sectors — aerospace, pharmaceuticals, electronics, advanced manufacturing, archaeology, forensic sciences — all part of the Basque network for science, technology, and innovation.

This significant upgrade in 2021 has fundamentally transformed the unit’s analytical capabilities. Thanks to the RX Solutions tomography system, the unit now covers a continuous analytical spectrum: from atomic and nanometric scales to 3D micrometric imaging, enabling R&D, quality, and production teams to generate precise 3D images of complex components, validate parts without damage, quantify defects with non-destructive accuracy, and accelerate their decision-making processes.

Université Pays Basque | tomographie pour l'analyse de matériaux

The Challenge: Extending analytical capabilities

Until 2021, the UPV’s Molecules and Materials Unit operated within a well-defined but limited “visualization window.” With its existing instruments, the unit could characterize materials in two complementary ways: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) provided compositional information at the atomic scale, while diffraction enabled observations at the nanometric scale. However, this analytical coverage left a gap between a few hundred nanometers and several micrometers — precisely where visible defects and the mechanical behavior of components reside.

As Dr. Aitor Larranaga, co-manager of the unit, explains: “Faced with the growing need to expand this scale range, in 2021 we chose to incorporate X-ray tomography.”

University of the Basque Country | materials analysis by Computed Tomography

Scale Continuity and Non-Destructive 3D Imaging

Transitioning from atomic or nanometric analyses to 3D internal visualization of objects or assemblies at the micrometric scale remained impossible without resorting to destructive methods. Traditional approaches imposed a difficult choice: section the sample for microscopic observation, or accept a partial understanding of the structure. Teams needed detailed volumetric images to correlate defects, structure, and mechanical performance while preserving the integrity of parts.

Transferability to Operations and Reproducibility

For industrialists and users operating in technical environments, it was essential to have robust and reproducible workflows for material analysis: measuring porosity, fiber orientation, nominal/actual deviations, or conducting virtual mechanical studies without multiplying destructive testing 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 Answer : Industrial CT System

To address this technological challenge, UPV obtained European funding from the Next Generation funds of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, dedicated to the modernization of scientific infrastructures. This financial support enabled the acquisition and installation of the X-ray CT system, the EasyTom XL Ultra 160 kV, manufactured by RX Solutions, an innovative French company specializing in 3D tomography. .

EasyTom XL 160 kV

Installation of the EasyTom system was carried out with technical support from Sariki Metrologia, the Spanish distributor and expert partner in scientific instrumentation and RX Solutions partner. The system integrates two X-ray tubes: a nano tube for ultra-high-resolution imaging (up to 0.4 microns) and a micro tube for an expanded field of view (resolution up to 4 microns).

This versatility allows analysis to be adapted to a wide variety of samples and applications, from fine microstructure to larger parts, while ensuring optimal image quality.

On the detection side, the machine integrates two complementary detectors: :

a flat panel with 124 µm pixel size, suitable for wide fields and imaging larger components
a high-resolution CCD camera with 9 µm pixel size, ideal for capturing fine details or regions of interest.

For in-situ characterization, two cells enable tension/compression testing up to ~5,000 N, as well as thermal cycles from −20 °C to +60 °C. On the post-traitment software side, UPV has integrated the Volume Graphics solution.

The modules cover, for example: porosity analysis, fiber orientation, nominal/actual comparison (3D dimensional control vs. CAD), structural mechanics, and reverse engineering..

University of the Basque Country | materials analysis by tomography

• Extended field of view:

A unique analytical continuity from the atomic and nanometric scale to micrometric 3D imaging, enabled by resolutions down to 0.4 µm (nano) and 4 µm (micro).

• Non‑destructive 3D imaging:
Improved understanding of internal defects and mechanisms without altering the samples. Particularly valuable in fields such as aerospace, medical applications, and archaeology.

• Increased versatility:
The tomography system offers dual nano/micro configurations for broader scanning capabilities, along with advanced software modules to address a wide range of needs—from industrial quality control to scientific research.

• In situ testing:
Tension, compression, and temperature experiments can be conducted within the same environment, accelerating inspection workflows and enhancing the understanding of mechanical phenomena.

• Productivity and attractiveness:
Standardized workflows, support through Sariki, and the repositioning of UPV as a reference center for multi‑scale characterization in Spain. Demand for 3D tomography far exceeds initial expectations, confirming the relevance of the investment.

“The tomograph, its use, and the analysis of the results we provide today would not have been possible without the active involvement of Sariki and RX Solutions.”

The Results : Better offer for material analysis

“The incorporation of the RX Solutions EasyTom XL system has enabled us to expand the study scale, transitioning from hundreds of nanometers to microns and hundreds of microns. We can now produce detailed three-dimensional images of complex systems without destroying or modifying them.”

— Dr. Leire San Felices, co-manager of the unit

CT System : Full range complementarity

The integration of the EasyTom XL tomograph within the University of the Basque Country, supported by European funding, marks a significant technical advance for UPV’s Molecules and Materials Unit. This new equipment now enables the unit to address complex material characterization challenges while meeting the requirements of industrial and academic sectors.

The ability to produce detailed and non-destructive 3D images, perform advanced analyses (porosity, fiber orientation, structural mechanics, reverse engineering), and conduct in-situ testing positions UPV as a reference player in Spain for materials research and development.

If you want to discover more about how UPV uses Computed Tomography, watch this video study case :