When does a tower system make more sense than a gantry?

When the part is oriented vertically or runs longer in height than in length. Forgings and extrusions are common examples where a tower's scan path fits the part better.

What's the benefit of dual independent towers?

Scanning from both sides simultaneously on the SDI-5750 cuts inspection time on large parts and improves through-transmission signal consistency.

What size components are tower systems built for?

SDI's tower line is engineered for large, heavy components common in power generation and aerospace forgings.

SYSTEMS → TOWER

Vertical Frame & Tower Systems

Full-feature, high-performance 3D curve-scanning tower systems designed for shop floors with limited ceiling height — from simple through-transmission frames to independent dual-tower configurations for the largest parts.

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SDI-5730 vertical frame through-transmission 3D scanning ultrasonic system

FOUR CONFIGURATIONS, ONE PLATFORM

When a part runs taller than it runs wide — forgings, cone-shaped composites, large turbine components — a vertical scan path fits the part better than a horizontal one. SDI's tower line runs from a compact entry-level frame up to independent dual-tower rigs built for the heaviest components in the shop.

Every configuration below shares the same underlying motion control and acquisition platform — the difference is scale, axis count, and how many scan heads work the part at once.

SDI-5720

Vertical Frame Through-Transmission System

The entry point into SDI's tower line — a straightforward vertical frame built for locations with limited ceiling height, where a full 3D scanning tower isn't needed.

Configuration	Vertical frame, through-transmission
Typical use	Limited-ceiling installations, straightforward part geometry

SDI-5720 vertical frame through-transmission ultrasonic system

SDI-5730

Vertical Frame 3D Scanning System

Adds full 3D curve-following to the vertical frame platform — built for tall parts with contour that a straightforward through-transmission frame can't follow.

Configuration	Vertical frame, 3D scanning
Scanning	3D curve-following
Typical use	Tall contoured parts

SDI-5740

Vertical Frame 3D Scanning System — Contoured Composites

Tuned specifically for cone-shaped and contoured composite parts — nacelles, engine cowlings, and similar radially-tapered structures where the scan head needs to follow a changing profile from top to bottom.

Configuration	Vertical frame, 3D scanning
Scanning	3D curve-following, tapered profiles
Typical use	Nacelles, cowlings, cone-shaped composites

SDI-5740 vertical frame through-transmission 3D scanning ultrasonic system inspecting a cone-shaped composite part

SDI-5750

Independent Tower 3D Scanning System

Dual independent towers scan simultaneously from opposite sides of the part — the largest-capacity configuration in SDI's tower line, built for the heaviest forgings and turbine components.

Configuration	Dual independent towers
Scanning	Simultaneous, opposing sides
Typical use	Heavy forgings, large turbine components

COMMON QUESTIONS

How do I know which tower configuration fits my part?

It comes down to part geometry and weight. Straightforward shapes suit the SDI-5720; contoured or tapered parts need 3D curve-following (5730/5740); the heaviest components benefit from the dual-tower SDI-5750.

Why choose a vertical tower over a horizontal gantry?

When a part is taller than it is wide — forgings, cones, turbine rotors — a vertical scan path follows the part's natural orientation better than a horizontal bridge would.

Can these systems be installed in a building with low ceilings?

Yes — the tower platform was specifically designed as an alternative for shops where ceiling height limits gantry or full-height tower installations.

Working with a tall or heavy component?

SDI's engineers can match a tower configuration to your part.

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