Two-dimensional and 3D X-ray technologies are among the most useful nondestructive testing methods. They enable the inspection of an object’s internal features without having to disassemble the sample or destroy the part in the process. Several X-ray based technologies began in medicine and then found use in industrial applications. Today, X-ray technologies are increasingly being used in the quality control industry for nondestructive analysis and 3D imaging in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical devices, plastic components, and 3D printing (additive manufacturing). Some of the X-ray based techniques that can be used for NDT include radiography, laminography, computed tomography, limited angle tomography, and computed laminography; they can be of assistance with the determination of voids/porosity, flaws, cracks, inclusions, and the performance of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing of manufactured parts. Recently, there has been an increase of surveys in the field of X-ray based technologies for NDT. According to a recent report produced by Research and Markets, the global market for industrial X-ray inspection technologies (X-ray computed tomography, radiography, and film-based systems) is estimated to exceed $722.4 million by 2024.
X-ray based technologies are used for inspection across various applications and industries. Source: Nikon Metrology