Choosing the X-ray tube is one of the most important decisions in an industrial radiography project. An undersized source limits penetration; an oversized source can increase cost, footprint and safety requirements without improving the inspection.
1. Start from material and thickness
The first parameter is energy, expressed in kV. Denser materials and higher thickness generally require higher energy. However, kV should not be selected alone: contrast, sensitivity and inspection geometry depend on the entire radiographic setup.
2. Evaluate power and duty cycle
Available power influences exposure time and operational continuity. For production or repeatable inspection, duty cycle, cooling, stability and the ability to work across batches or shifts become important.
3. Focal spot size: resolution versus power
A smaller focal spot can improve geometric sharpness, but it is often associated with lower power. For small components, fine details or subtle defects it can be decisive; for higher thickness, a compromise with power may be required.
| Parameter | Practical question | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| kV | Which material and thickness must be penetrated? | Penetration, contrast, safety |
| mA / power | Which cycle time is acceptable? | Productivity and exposure stability |
| Focal spot | How much detail must be resolved? | Sharpness and geometric resolution |
| Cooling | Occasional use or continuous production? | Reliability and duty cycle |
| Format | Portable, cabinet, manipulator or line? | Layout, shielding and automation |
4. Portable, stationary or integrated
A portable tube is useful for service, field work and variable inspections. A stationary or cabinet system is better suited to repeatability, safety, productivity and software integration. In automation, interfaces, triggers, remote control and compatibility with detectors or manipulators also matter.
5. Do not forget safety and regulation
The X-ray source affects shielding, controlled areas, procedures, training, authorizations and maintenance. The assessment should always involve qualified personnel and local applicable requirements.
Initial checklist for a technical request
- material and maximum/minimum thickness;
- defect or feature to detect;
- component size and geometry;
- daily volume or target cycle time;
- work environment: laboratory, production, field, shielded cell;
- imaging technology: film, CR, DR or CT;
- space, safety and integration constraints.
PITECH can help turn this information into a clear technical-commercial specification for comparing sources, detectors, accessories and overall configuration.