Welcome to the KU Leuven XCT Core Facility!
The KU Leuven XCT Core Facility offers X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) infrastructure and services to study the internal structure and behavior of materials and biological tissues at different length scales.
Our Infrastructure
At KU Leuven XCT Core Facility we have an extensive infrastructure of XCT scanners, in-situ stages & software.
TeScan Unitom HR
The Unitom HR is a modular and flexible sub-micron resolution XCT system. The system aims at making high resolution and high contrast images.
TeScan Unitom XL
The Unitom XL is a multi-resolution micro-CT, optimized for high throughput and contrast, diverse sample types, and flexibility for your research.
Bruker SkyScan 1272
The Skyscan 1272 is a high-resolution desktop X-ray microtomograph, optimized for small samples.
Bruker SkyScan 1172
The Skyscan 1172 is a microfocus desktop X-ray microtomograph, optimized for small samples and a plug-and-play scanning experience.
GE Nanotom M
The Nanotom M with its high-power nanofocus tube and stabilised ultra-precision mechanics invades the sub-micron range in voxel size.
GE Nanotom S
The Nanotom S with its high-power nanofocus tube and stabilised ultra-precision mechanics invades the sub-micron range in voxel size.
Nikon XT H 225 ST
The 225 kV system offers high power combined with high measurement accuracy suitable to a vast range of materials and sample sizes.
Nikon XT H 450
The 450 kV device offers precise dimensional metrology and quality control for very large and dense components.
KU Leuven XCT Core Facility Research lines
Nondestructive testing (NDT), quality control, and the study of material behaviour and its functional properties under specified environmental conditions, aiming for production process and material optimization. Covering a resolution range of 400 nm up to several hundred micrometers to unravel the internal structure, morphology, microstructural changes or damage development in materials based on high quality 3D and 4D (time-resolved) XCT images.
Application fields: complex materials, composites, geopolymers, agricultural products and food, dental materials, building materials and biological tissues. Scientists using the equipment and software of the KU Leuven XCT Core Facility profit from the synergy that the collaboration with experienced users in the field provides.
Featured image
Visiting researcher!
Exciting visit from Thomas Davies (Unit for Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna) at our facilities!
Using our TESCAN UniTOM XL on chimpanzee and gorilla mandibles, researchers are unlocking new insights into anthropology, dental evolution and mechanics. These scans allow to study internal structures without damaging precious specimens—bridging cutting-edge imaging technology with evolutionary science.
From fossil mandibles to advanced XCT systems, this shows how interdisciplinary research can illuminate the story of our closest relatives.
News
Design and Implementation of a Novel Fiber Deposition System to Enable Laser Sintering of Chopped Fiber Reinforced Polymers
Abstract In this research, the design and implementation of a novel chopped fiber deposition system for the laser sintering (LS) process is discussed. The system
Impact of Disinfection and Sterilization on 3D-Printing Resin Performance for Surgical Guides in Cardiac Ablation Surgery
Abstract Patient-tailored, 3D-printed surgical guides offer significant potential to improve precision and therapeutic efficacy in cardiac ablation surgery. However, reliable post-sterilization material performance presents a critical
Multiscale image-based modelling of composite materials
Abstract By control of their constituents, interfaces and architectures, composite materials can display a much broader suite of beneficial material properties than is possible for
A time-resolved X-ray microcomputed tomography study of fermenting gluten-starch model doughs containing wheat and oat flour water extracts enriched in proteins
A B S T R A C T Water-extractable (WE) cereal flour constituents significantly influence bread loaf volume. However, the underlying mechanisms and the contribution
In situ biaxial tensile testing of composites: coupling X-ray computed tomography and digital volume correlation with finite element simulations
Abstract The mechanical behaviour of fibre-reinforced composites under multiaxial loading is critical for their structural performance but remains challenging to characterise at the microscale. This
Panoptic segmentation for complete labeling of fruit microstructure in 3D micro-CT images with deep learning
Abstract Metabolic processes in plant organs involving transport of water, metabolic gasses, and nutrients depend on the three-dimensional (3D) microscopic tissue morphology. However, imaging and
Why Choose Us
Infrastructure
We offer an extensive infrastructure of XCT scanners, in-situ stages & software.
Team
We have a team of experts ready to help you. We are located just outside Leuven, easily accessible by car, or public transport. Our specialists aim to provide a seamless service.