X-Ray Inspection System Market Size, Share, COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Technique (Film Based & Digital Imaging), By Digital Imaging (Computed Tomography, Computed & Direct Radiography), By Scanning Technology (HD & Ultra-HD), By Dimension (2D & 3D), By Application (PCB & Passive Electronics Inspection, Non-Destructive Testing, Foreign Contaminants Inspection, Agricultural, Bird & Animal Imaging & Inspection, Flaw Detection & Dimensional Inspection), By End-user (Oil & Gas, Energy & Utilities, Food Processing, Healthcare, Agricultural, Aerospace & Defense), & Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global x-ray inspection system market size was valued at USD 2.27 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 2.37 billion in 2023 to USD 3.44 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. North America dominated the x-ray inspection system market with a market share of 37.44% in 2022.

X-ray inspection is a method of non-destructive testing that utilizes radiography. It is mainly used to detect Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI). X-ray inspection techniques are used in various applications, such as inspecting cracks or detecting external matter in the material. These techniques find wide usage in the automotive, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.

The growing use of minute goods in the electronics industry necessitates quality inspection. With the help of an x-ray inspection system, hidden defects can be identified. The scan can detect density variations due to corrosion, weld, wet insulations, blockages, and other density changes without requiring the removal of expensive insulation.

COVID-19 IMPACT

COVID-19 Impeded Market Due to Decreased Demand for X-Ray Inspection Systems from End-user Industries

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected supply chains across the world, thereby impacting the supply and availability of x-ray inspection equipment and services. Production plants and distribution channels were subjected to temporary restrictions and closures and compelled to reduce their production capacity. As a result, the manufacturing, shipment, and procurement of X-ray inspection equipment faced delays. For example, companies such as General Electric (GE), Olympus Corporation (Olympus), and others reported that their supply chain issues and other challenges caused by the pandemic significantly impacted their business.

The impact of COVID-19 also led to a decrease in product demand from industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, and oil & gas. In addition, travel restrictions and production halts, as well as financial uncertainties caused by reduced maintenance, repair, and new project activities, resulted in an increased demand for virtual training and certification courses. This scenario also boosted the adoption of remote inspection technologies, such as drones, Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) tools, and robotic systems.

• For instance, in July 2023, Baker Hughes and Waygate Technologies, two of the biggest names in the industry when it comes to NDT solutions for industrial inspections, announced the release of their new Everest camera system, the CPZ (Pan, Tilt, and Zoom) camera. The new camera system is equipped with a transport box and designed to provide accurate, efficient, and safe confined space inspections for a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, power, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverages.

X-RAY INSPECTION SYSTEM MARKET TRENDS

The development of Digital Radiography Technology for X-ray inspection is the Latest Market Trend

Digital radiography is a form of radiography that uses digital detector systems to display an X-ray image on a computer screen without the need for chemical processing or intermediate scanning. X-ray radiation from the system is converted into an electric charge, which is then transformed into a digital image by a detector sensor. Compared to other imaging devices, a flat panel detector produces high-quality digital images with a better signal-to-noise ratio and increased dynamic range, resulting in higher sensitivity for radiographic applications.

• For instance, in October 2021, Agfa US Corp. received a Vizient contract for Digital Radiography (DR) solutions and joined DR's pediatric program for mobile x-ray equipment.

There are two types of flat panel detectors: indirect and direct conversion. An indirect conversion flat panel detector uses an amorphous silicon photodiode matrix. A direct conversion flat panel detector uses a photoconductor, such as amorphous selenium (a-Se) or cadmium telluride (CdTe), on a multilayer electrode plate. This provides the highest resolution and sharpness. A thin film transistor reads the information on the detector. In a direct conversion process, photons, such as those from a-Se or cadmium, impact over a photoconductor such as a-Se, cadmium, or amorphous tellurium (a-Te) and are directly converted into electronic signals.

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DRIVING FACTORS

Market Growth to be Driven by Increasing Need for Quality Assurance Checks from Different Sectors

X-ray inspection equipment and services are essential for verifying material quality and integrity, defect detection, and prevention of accidents. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, power generation, and oil & gas place great importance on quality assurance. They have placed great emphasis on the safety, reliability, and performance of their product range and infrastructures. Furthermore, advances in X-ray technologies and equipment have broadened the scope of X-ray inspection systems. Effectiveness, precision, and ability to detect hidden flaws have increased with the advancement of X-ray inspection techniques.

• For example, in September 2022, Waygate Technologies, Germany’s leading provider of NDT testing services and machines, announced the launch of its new phased array ultrasound solution called Krautkramer SpotVision. Designed to meet the automotive industry’s needs, this inspection solution allowed car companies to reduce downtime and comply with stringent quality and product safety standards. The product integrated the latest futuristic phased array probe with cutting-edge software and the award-winning urine device, the Krautkramer Mentor UT flaw detector.

Industrial non-destructive testing is commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries to determine the quality and safety of products. X-ray inspection is an essential part of NDT due to its ability to detect defects and contaminants in a way that does not compromise the integrity and safety of a product. Modern non-destructive tests are used in manufacturing, fabrication, and in-service inspections to determine the integrity and reliability of a product, control the manufacturing process, reduce the cost of production, and ensure a consistent quality level.

Stringent Safety Regulations to Augment Market Development

Governments and regulators around the globe are introducing stringent safety norms to safeguard the environment and public health. Industries have to adhere to safety and quality requirements to comply with stringent regulations. X-ray inspection techniques play a vital role in helping industries comply with regulatory requirements. This type of inspection can detect flaws in pipelines and structures as well as other equipment.

• For instance, in December 2022, the Japanese Government decided to provide financial aid to Palau. The government said that it would support Palau with grants amounting to USD 1.85 million. It will also provide nine kinds of inspection equipment to Palau, such as deployable mobile x-ray trucks, screening inspection machines for baggage, cargo, and parcels, handheld scanners for narcotic & explosive products, and non-invasive inspection systems and devices. These non-invasive inspection systems will be used at airports, seaports, and post offices to improve the ability of authorities to identify illegal products and properly collect customs.

In addition, x-ray inspection helps in detecting risks related to product failure, structural flaws, and safety. This information helps in the early detection of potential problems, which allows for corrective measures to be taken in a timely manner. X-ray inspection helps in decreasing the likelihood of failure of expensive products, accidents, and inactivity periods, thus saving industries money on repairs and maintenance. As a result, the market is projected to expand in the coming years.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Costs of Machines and Lack of Skilled Workforce to Hamper Market Growth

X-ray inspection has become increasingly popular over the past few years. The costs of these systems increased due to the advanced features and specifications offered. Nowadays, x-ray systems vary in price depending on their technology, complexity, and application. For instance, some top-of-the-line semiconductor and electronic inspection systems can cost businesses hundreds or even thousands of dollars. These high prices can be prohibitive for SMEs, who may not be able to afford them.

The z-ray inspection system market is struggling with the lack of skilled personnel who possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to perform effective inspections. X-ray inspection techniques need skilled personnel who possess excellent technical know-how as well as practical experience in operating and evaluating equipment. However, the lack of skilled personnel in the industry is expected to impede the growth of the X-ray inspection system market.

SEGMENTATION

By Technique Analysis

Increased Demand for Digital Imaging for Non-Destructive Testing Applications to Aid Market Growth

Based on technique, the X-ray inspection system market is classified into film-based imaging and digital imaging. The digital imaging segment is expected to be the dominating and fastest-growing segment during the forecast timeline of 2023-2030. Digital X-rays, also known as digital radiography, are X-rays that use digital sensors rather than photographic film, as is the case with a conventional X-ray. Once the image is captured, it is instantly converted into digital data and can be viewed in seconds. Growing demand for digital imaging techniques by non-destructive testing applications will boost the segment growth.

• For instance, in May 2023, Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes company specializing in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) solutions for industrial inspection, and GE Aerospace entered into a Joint Technology Development Agreement (JTDA) for commercial aircraft engines. The collaboration is centred around the development of advanced solutions for remote visual inspection and leveraging artificial intelligence software to support Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) providers. The primary goal is to create next-generation tools and technologies that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of visual inspections in the MRO industry.

By Digital Imaging Analysis

Increased Demand for Direct Radiography in Healthcare Applications to Boost Market Growth

Based on digital imaging, the market is segmented into computed tomography, computed radiography, and direct radiography. The direct radiography segment is the dominant segment and will grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2023-2030. Direct radiography is registered directly at the detector without the need for any intermediate processing steps to acquire the digital signals such as in Computed Radiography (CT). Growing demand for digital imaging by healthcare applications will boost the segment growth.

• For instance, in August 2021, the U.S. Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) entered into a 10-year, sole source contract to provide Diagnostic Radiological Imaging (DRI) systems to the Navy’s fleet of vessels. The contract will be awarded to the diagnostic imaging solutions provider and medical information solutions provider (FUSIM). FUSIM Medical System will be responsible for the provision of Digital Radiography (DR) systems to the U.S. naval fleet. Under the DR standardization agreement, FUSIM will be responsible for installing the company's state-of-the-art clinical DR x-ray room systems on the U.S. naval vessels.

By Scanning Technology Analysis

Growing Security Concerns to Boost Use of Ultra-HD Scanning in X-Ray Inspection System

Based on scanning technology, the market is classified into HD and ultra-HD. The ultra-HD segment is anticipated to be the dominant and fastest-growing segment for 2023-2030.  Due to growing security concerns at public places, airport terminals, and transit stations, and for public safety, the demand for ultra-HD x-ray inspection systems to scan the premises and luggage has been on the rise.

• For instance, in August 2023, Smith Detection introduced two new dual-view X-ray scanners. One of them is the High Conveyor UHD X-Ray Scanner SDX100100 DV HC, which is designed for airports, parcel services, carriers, and customs facilities. The other is the Low Conveyor Model DV LC, which features a high-conveyor x-ray scanner suitable for screening oversized baggage.

By Dimension Analysis

Rising Adoption of 3D Imaging Systems in the Aerospace & Defense Sector to Accelerate Market Growth

In terms of dimension, the market is classified into 2D and 3D. The 3D segment held the maximum share in 2022 and is also going to be the fastest-growing segment for 2023-2030.

3D x-ray inspection shows both the top and bottom sides of the PCB in a continuous manner. X-ray inspection combined with an Airborne Optical Inspection (AOI) module can perform inspection tasks that cannot be done with x-rays alone. Growing demand for 3D imaging from aerospace and defence applications will boost segment growth.

• For instance, in March 2022, the ESA granted a contract to develop an X-ray inspection machine for 3D-printed rocket engines. Scottish rocket firm Orbex will develop a high-energy inspection system in partnership with Danish consultancy Force Technology. The system will inspect Orbex's large-scale engines to identify internal defects.

By Application Analysis

Growing Demand for Non-Destructive Testing in Industries for Materials and Components Testing will Boost Market Growth

Based on application, the market is divided into PCB & passive electronics inspection, non-destructive testing, foreign contaminants inspection, agricultural, bird & animal imaging & inspection, flaw detection & dimensional inspection, leak detection & weld verification, physical properties estimation, case depth determination, and others. The non-destructive testing segment was the dominant segment in 2022. NDT techniques are utilized to evaluate the integrity and quality of materials and components. They include inspection, training, calibration, and equipment rental services. This segment will dominate the market share due to rising demand for quality inspection services from various end-user industries.

• For instance, in May 2023, Previan Technologies Inc. acquired Sensor Networks, Inc. (SNI), a renowned provider of sensing tools and technologies for enhanced inspection and remote monitoring of safety-critical components. This acquisition integrated SNI into the Previan Group, enabling the latter to leverage the NDT solutions offered by the Eddyfi Technologies business unit.

The flaw detection & dimensional inspection segment is predicted to be the fastest-growing segment during 2023-2030. Flaw detection refers to the process of finding and measuring sub-surface imperfections in materials. X-ray inspection is one of the most widely used methods for defect detection. Growing demand for flaw detection services from various end-user industries is boosting the segment growth.

• For instance, in July 2021, Applus+ received a contract for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and In-Service Inspection (ISI) services from a leading Canadian operator in the Fort McMurray, Alberta region. The scope included the NDT and in-service inspection of a variety of refining facility assets, including piping, pressure vessels, static equipment, and Pipelines.

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By End-user Analysis

Oil & Gas Segment to Dominate Market Due to Rising Demand for X-Ray Inspection in Oil & Gas Infrastructure

Based on end-user, the X-ray inspection system market is classified into oil & gas, energy & utilities, food processing, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, agricultural, bird & animal imaging & inspection, aerospace & defence, industrial manufacturing, automotive, and others.

The oil & gas segment is estimated to be the dominant and fastest-growing segment for 2023-2030. In the oil & gas sector, an X-ray inspection system is mainly used for weld inspection, corrosion detection, pipeline inspection, storage tank inspection, and other checks. This segment is dominating the market and is anticipated to grow significantly, owing to increasing demand for x-ray inspection from oil & gas infrastructure.

• For instance, in December 2022, GE Renewable Energy’s grid solutions services team used digital X-ray – based on the same approach used in the healthcare sector – to boost the preventive maintenance at Petrobras' GIS (Gas Insulated Supply Line) substation in the Abreu e Lima refinery (RNEST) in Pernambuco, Brazil.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on geography, the market covers North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

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North America held a dominant X-ray inspection system market share in 2022 and was valued at USD 0.85 billion during that year. The regional market’s growth can be attributed to the vast presence of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and service providers.

For example, in January of 2022, Zetec Inc., a Canadian-based company that specializes in x-ray inspection and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspection equipment, software, sensors, and other robotic solutions, was acquired by the U.S. company Previan Technologies Inc. (Previan) for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition allowed Previan to broaden its product & service portfolio with enhanced capabilities and geographic presence. The company is a subsidiary of the American company Roper Technologies Inc. (Roper).

Europe held the second-largest market share in the base year 2022. As a result of this market expansion, the demand for X-ray inspection from the power generation industry is growing. For example, the European Union aims to generate 60 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2030, which is expected to increase the need for substantial infrastructure investments. The increasing focus on renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind energy, has boosted the need for an X-ray inspection system to assess the state of structures, components, and equipment associated with these sectors.

Asia Pacific captured a major market share in the base year and might be the fastest-growing region in the coming years. The growth of this region is due to rapid infrastructure development. Key nations are spending a lot on infrastructure projects, such as highways, railways, and power plants, which need x-ray inspection and maintenance.

The Middle East & Africa market is anticipated to witness moderate growth during the forecast period. The increasing demand for oil & gas inspection is expected to drive the market growth.

The market in Latin America is projected to expand significantly in the future due to the expanding manufacturing industry. In addition, the growing need for such equipment from the mining sector to inspect the mining equipment will also drive the regional market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Development of Advanced Technology by Key Market Players to Propel Market Growth

A large number of players, including North Star Imaging Inc., Nikon Metrology, Inc., Nordson Corporation, YXLON International GmbH, and others, characterize the X-ray inspection system market. The major players in the market are concentrating on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), new emerging markets, technological innovations, and product innovations to grow their market share. Currently, the leading players in the market are North Star Imaging Inc., Nikon Metrology, Inc., and Nordson Corporation. These companies accounted for a majority of the global market share in 2022. However, due to the absence of stringent entry barriers, the number of domestic players in the global market is expected to grow.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• North Star Imaging Inc. (U.S.)


• Nikon Metrology, Inc. (U.S.)


• Nordson Corporation (U.S.)


• YXLON International GmbH (Germany)


• VJ Group, Inc. (U.S.)


• Mettler Toledo International Inc. (U.S.)


• Ametek, Inc. (U.S.)


• Viscom AG (Germany)


• ViTrox Corporation Berhad (Malaysia)


• Test Research, Inc. (Taiwan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2023 - Smiths Detection, a leading provider of screening technology solutions, was awarded a contract from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide full-size configuration CT systems and associated services for checkpoint screening. The full-size configuration X-ray inspection systems provided by the company include its high-throughput CT (HI-SCAN) scanner, CTiX (High-throughput Continuous X-ray), and intelligent automatic tray return systems.


• April 2023 - Nikon introduced a Large-Volume X-Ray CT System, VoXLS 40 C 450, for Lithium-ion battery module inspection. The VoXLS 40 C 450 consisted of a single-piece cabinet housed a metrology-grade, granite-based manipulator. Dual X-ray sources and dual detectors claimed to provide the biggest scan envelope on the market for a single-piece cabinet system.


• April 2023 - Nikon Americas Inc. entered into a stock purchase agreement with Avonix Imaging, LLC, making Avonix a subsidiary of NAI, subject to applicable regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The two organizations have been working together since 2015 to bring highly customizable X-ray and CT systems to the market for companies that need non-destructive testing of their products. The unique strengths of each company perfectly complement each other and provide x-ray solutions tailored to customers' specific inspection needs.


• February 2023 - Smiths Detection, the world’s leading threat detection & security inspection technology provider, won a contract from New Zealand’s Aviation Security Service (AvSec). According to the contract, Smiths Detection would provide AvSec with state-of-the-art checkpoint security technology solutions for New Zealand’s five largest international airports - Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, and Wellington.


• July 2022 - North Star Imaging announced the opening of its new Inspection Services Laboratory for industrial 2D/3D Computed Tomographic inspection in Orlando, Florida.

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The X-ray inspection system market research report covers all the important factors, such as research & development capabilities, quality control, raw material production, and optimization of operating services. It provides insights into the market forecast, market trends, regional analysis, industry trends, Porter’s five forces analysis, and competitive landscape of the companies profiled in the market report. Apart from the factors mentioned above, the report covers several factors that have driven the market’s growth in recent years.

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