A computerized tomography or CT takes data from multiple x-ray images and uses a computer to create an image. Tomography is defined as the process of creating a two-dimensional image from a section of a three-dimensional object.

The CT was invented by Godfrey Hounsfield, a British engineer, and Allan Cormack, a physicist from South Africa. Their combined efforts resulted in the production of the first CT scanner and the computer program needed to take the raw data and create the images. Together, Hounsfield and Cormack received the Nobel Peace Prize for their work and contributions to science and medicine.

The first CT used in a clinical setting was installed between 1974 and 1976. It was originally used for only images of the head, however, it developed into systems that could be used for the whole body. By 1980, they were widely used throughout medicine. There are roughly 6,000 CT scanners installed throughout the United States.

The original CT created by Hounsfield took several hours to create just one slice and several days to recreate a complete image. Despite the long wait, this technology was revolutionary and further development happened quickly. Today’s CT systems can create up to 4 slices from the raw data in less than a second. This provides doctors with almost immediate results, which aids them in the fast and effective diagnosis of medical issues.

Industrial CT technology has allowed for the possibility to recreate complete 3D models in a matter of seconds. This has opened the door for 3D reverse engineering as well as rapid prototyping and 3D metrology. The production of this has aided in massive developments within the field of manufacturing.

Reverse engineering is the process of recreating a product by following a detailed map of the original products construction and composition. 3D scanning companies can essentially recreate anything through reverse engineering. Further, CT scanning services can give a company the ability to learn the construction of a product in order to recreate it with enough variations to avoid patent issues.

Tomography equipment is a significant investment, so many individual companies, and manufacturers do have purchase their own equipment. In addition to the equipment and installation, they would also need to invest in technicians trained to use the equipment. That is way industrial 3D scanning services have become popular. It is most cost effective to pay for CT scanning services than invest in owning it.

Reverse engineering can also be applicable to the medical field. When working with a patient that has significant damage to their bodies, reverse engineering can be used to aid in the medical reconstruction. 3D images and diagrams are used to show patients what the results will be following their reconstruction surgery.