Industrial Radiographic Testing Equipment

Radiographic Testing (RT) falls under the umbrella of non-destructive testing (NDT) and is a method that examines a target sample by penetrating it with X-rays or gamma rays, highlighting deviations in material density that can signal an imperfection. It allows technicians to observe changes in material thickness, internal and surface defects, and assembly details such as welds, joints, and connectors — ensuring the highest levels of quality and safety in production.

Radiography works on the principle that X-rays or gamma rays are differentially absorbed as they pass through a material. X-rays are a highly energetic form of electromagnetic radiation — roughly 1,000 to 1,000,000 times smaller in wavelength than visible light — which enables them to pass through materials that absorb ordinary light. Gamma rays are produced by radioactive isotopes and work similarly.

Denser or thicker areas absorb more radiation; defects, voids, or thinner sections absorb less. This variation is captured on film, an image plate, or a digital detector as a radiographic image. X-rays from an X-ray tube can be safely switched off; isotopes cannot — they emit radiation continuously and must be properly shielded when not in use.

In stationary systems, the sample is placed inside a radiation-safe cabinet, aligned between the X-ray tube and detector, and manipulated remotely. The X-ray image is displayed on a monitor for computerized image processing and can be fully automated with NDT Software.

In field applications, there is no protective cabinet. The X-ray source and detector/film/image plate are positioned close to the sample, and the operator controls the source remotely from a safe distance of more than 20 meters.

As X-rays pass through the object, thicker or denser areas absorb more radiation and appear darker on a detector (or lighter on film). Imperfections such as porosity, cracks, or misalignment appear as contrasting lines or spots, making them easier for a skilled technician to identify

Radiographic testing (RT) in welding is a non-destructive testing method used to inspect the quality and integrity of welds. X-rays or gamma rays penetrate the weld and surrounding material, producing a radiograph that reveals the internal structure. It can detect porosity (trapped gas pockets), cracks, inclusions (foreign material), incomplete fusion, and underfill — without damaging the welded structure. This is critical in industries like aerospace, construction, and manufacturing where weld strength is essential for safety and performance.

Radiographic testing detects internal, hidden defects — including cracks, voids, inclusions, and weld flaws — with high accuracy, improving safety and reliability. It produces permanent inspection records (film or digital) that can be stored, audited, and used to demonstrate compliance. It requires minimal surface preparation, works across a wide range of materials and thicknesses, and suits welds, castings, and complex assemblies.

Modern Digital Radiography (CR & DR) Solutions improve speed, simplify image sharing and archiving, and reduce radiation exposure and chemical use compared with traditional film — lowering overall inspection and rework costs. Explore our Radiography and CT Services for support across the full inspection lifecycle.

With 2D radiography, a single image is taken from one direction, giving an overall gray value across the sample thickness. It can indicate a possible defect but not its depth or whether multiple defects are stacked. It is faster and well-suited to routine production inspection using 2D X-ray Inspection Systems.

3D Precision Metrology with CT irradiates the part from all directions (360°) and reconstructs hundreds of 2D images into a full volumetric model, enabling precise defect assessment, dimensional measurement, and internal structure analysis. It takes more time and data but is far more informative.

In practice, CT is valuable during part development and initial production trials to uncover design or process vulnerabilities. Once those are resolved, faster 2D radiography can handle series production, with CT reserved for parts that exceed limit values or require deeper investigation. Browse our X-ray CT Inspection Systems to find the right fit.

Film radiography remains widely used, especially in mobile field applications such as pipelines, shipbuilding, and refineries. Exposed film is developed with chemical baths and evaluated visually or scanned digitally. X-Ray Film Systems are flexible and easy to use in the field but can only be used once and require silver-based chemistry.

Computed Radiography (CR) uses reusable Phosphor Imaging Plates that are read by a laser scanner after exposure, producing a digital image. Like film, CR plates can be attached to curved surfaces and reused many times. Both film and CR are limited to 2D analysis.

Digital Radiography (DR) uses flat-panel Portable X-Ray Detectors or Stationary Digital X-Ray Detectors that convert radiation directly into electronic signals, enabling real-time, high-resolution 2D viewing with no development time. DR detectors also support 3D/CT scanning.

Computed Tomography (CT) reconstructs hundreds of 2D projections taken around a 360° rotation into a full 3D volumetric image, enabling analysis of internal structures, complex geometries, and dimensional measurement. Explore our range of Industrial CT Scanners to find the right solution for your application.