X-RAY MONOBLOC WELDING SYSTEM PRODUCED BY ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, WITH A PARTIALLY CONDUCTIVE BODY AND INTEGRATED RADIATION SHIELDING / DIELECTRIC BARRIER.

Abstract

An X-ray monoblock source with a single-piece (monolithic) body (100) made of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic filament using additive manufacturing (3D printing) is described. The body (100) includes an integrated radiation shielding and dielectric barrier layer (102) containing bismuth oxide / barium sulfate, positioned between the partially conductive carbon fiber body and the high-voltage components, complementary oil-impregnated paper or equivalent solid dielectric high-voltage insulation (120), and aluminum end caps (112, 114) with internal cooling channels; in a preferred arrangement, each cap also includes an elastomer (NBR / HNBR / neoprene) bellows or bladder / bag type expansion element (150) independently attached to it. A separate 3D-printed exit window (116) made of polycarbonate, fixed to the body (100) with a circular flange, offers both X-ray permeability and ease of maintenance.