“X-ray screening equipment” covers machines that differ by orders of magnitude in size, energy and purpose — from a parcel scanner in a mailroom to a megavolt container portal. This page is a map of the main equipment classes, with links to the detailed guides. It is not a product catalogue: we do not sell equipment or receive commissions, and specific models and specifications change frequently, so always rely on current manufacturer data and independent certification lists.
Equipment classes at a glance
| Class | Typical source | Imaging | Main use | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checkpoint / parcel X-ray | X-ray tube, roughly 100–160 kV | 2D, single- or dual-view, dual-energy colour | Cabin baggage, mail, building security | Checkpoint scanners |
| Checkpoint CT | Rotating X-ray tube | 3D volume, automated explosives detection | Cabin baggage at airports | CT scanners |
| Hold-baggage EDS | CT or multi-view X-ray | 3D / multi-view with automated detection | Checked baggage | Checked baggage EDS |
| Body scanners (AIT) | Millimetre-wave radio (non-ionising); formerly backscatter X-ray | Automated target recognition on a generic avatar | Passenger screening | Body scanners |
| Explosives trace detection | No X-ray: ion mobility or mass spectrometry | Chemical analysis of swabs | Alarm resolution, cargo, random checks | ETD |
| Backscatter systems | Pencil-beam X-ray | Single-sided scatter image | Vehicles, walls, some personnel screening | Backscatter |
| Air cargo pallet / ULD scanners | Higher-kV tubes or low-MeV sources | Large-tunnel 2D or CT | Air freight | Air cargo screening |
| Container and vehicle scanners | LINAC (several MeV), betatron, or Co-60 / Cs-137 | 2D radiograph, often dual-energy | Customs, ports, borders | Cargo scanners |
| Portable X-ray | Pulsed or compact X-ray generators | Digital flat panel | EOD, field searches | Portable X-ray |
| Industrial NDT | Tubes from tens of kV up to MeV accelerators; gamma sources | Film, CR, DR, CT | Welds, castings, electronics | NDT systems |
How to compare systems
Marketing sheets highlight different numbers, which makes comparison hard. The parameters that matter most are:
- Detection capability — for aviation security this is established by certification (for example TSA qualification or ECAC Common Evaluation Process approval), not by vendor claims.
- Image quality — steel penetration, wire resolution and contrast sensitivity, measured with standard test pieces (for example ASTM F792 for baggage systems, ANSI N42.46 for cargo systems).
- Tunnel size and throughput — must fit the items and the flow.
- Radiation safety — leakage and exclusion-zone requirements, and how they fit your site.
- Operator workload and software — image tools, networking, automated detection and training features such as Threat Image Projection.
- Lifecycle cost — maintenance, X-ray source replacement, power, training and software updates.
Where to find approved equipment
- US air cargo: TSA's Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL).
- US checkpoint and checked baggage: TSA qualifies and certifies equipment through its testing processes; procurement is done by TSA itself.
- Europe and many other states: the ECAC Common Evaluation Process (CEP) lists equipment that has passed evaluation for categories such as EDS, EDSCB (cabin baggage), LEDS (liquid explosives), ETD and security scanners.
- Radiation compliance in the US: cabinet X-ray systems must meet FDA's 21 CFR 1020.40 performance standard.
For definitions of the terms used here, see the glossary; for safety questions, see radiation safety.
Sources
- TSA — Cargo programs (ACSTL)
- ECAC — Common Evaluation Process for security equipment
- eCFR — 21 CFR 1020.40, Cabinet X-ray systems
Last reviewed on 2026-10-04.