North Star Imaging (NSI), an Illinois Tool Works company and a recognized provider of industrial X-ray and computed tomography (CT) inspection solutions, has announced the release of its latest software upgrade, efX 3.0, aimed at enhancing data analysis, visualization, and workflow efficiency in non-destructive testing (NDT) environments.
The new software version represents a significant update to NSI’s efX suite, introducing a redesigned CT inspection experience tailored for quality engineers, inspection professionals, and research teams operating across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and additive manufacturing.
At the core of efX 3.0 is a next-generation efX-CT module built on a project-based architecture, enabling users to save complete inspection sessions—including datasets, annotations, and analysis states—into a single file. This approach supports improved traceability, collaboration, and continuity across inspection workflows.
“efX 3.0 represents a major step forward in how teams manage and analyze CT data across the inspection lifecycle,” said Camaran Lemmer, Product Manager and ASNT Level III at North Star Imaging. “By introducing a project-based workflow and advanced visualization tools, we're helping customers reduce analysis time, improve collaboration, and make faster, more confident decisions.”
From an NDT perspective, the release focuses on enabling faster and more accurate interpretation of complex CT datasets. The software introduces multi-volume comparison capabilities, allowing inspectors to analyze multiple parts or scans within a single session—an important advancement for defect characterization, validation, and comparative inspection processes.
The platform also enhances visualization through high-resolution animation tools, enabling the generation of detailed inspection reports and visual documentation without manual manipulation. These capabilities are particularly relevant for industries requiring detailed defect communication and compliance reporting.
Additional improvements include advanced 2D and 3D annotation tools, customizable user interfaces, and preview surface features that allow faster estimation of inspection results before full computation—reducing processing time and improving operational efficiency.
Importantly, efX 3.0 supports ASTM E1695 standards, reinforcing its applicability in regulated industries where standardized CT inspection procedures are critical for certification, compliance, and quality assurance.
The launch of efX 3.0 reflects a broader shift within the NDT industry toward data-driven inspection workflows, where software plays a central role in enabling faster decision-making, improved defect detection, and enhanced collaboration across inspection teams.
Reference: https://4nsi.com/software/efx-3-0/
