SPS Inspection Systems products have been
used for varied and diverse applications in the
fields of art and archaeology. Non Destructive
Testing and Examination (NDT&E) is
particularly important in these fields where the
objects being investigated are
irreplaceable.
Digital Radiography (DR) and Computed
Radiography (CR) are particularly important
techniques for the examination of artwork,
particularly paintings. Both can be used to
examine paintings for evidence of over painting,
often revealing changes made by the artist, or
earlier paintings which have been painted over.
Close examination can reveal much about the
artist's methods, and the materials used. Such
evidence can also be used to assist in the
detection of forgeries.
Three dimensional objects such as sculptures
and items of pottery can be investigated using
Computed Tomography (CT). 3D CT can reveal much
information about composition, and construction
techniques.
One extreme example of this has been the 3D
CT imagery of the Antikythera Mechanism, which
SPS Inspection Systems (then X-Tek Industrial,
part of the X-Tek group) undertook as a
technical member of the Antikythera Mechanism
Research Project. This 3D imagery has been
instrumental in realing a wealth of new
information concerning the purpose of this
remarkable mechanism. |