Before we can explain how much industrial CT scanning costs, we have to explain what makes this technology so valuable to so many companies, from archeologists to aerospace companies.
There are dozens of types of nondestructive testing technologies that companies use to inspect their products, but few that can offer the benefits of industrial CT scanning. Unlike 3D laser scanning, which can only analyze external surfaces, or electromagnetic testing, which only works with certain materials, industrial CT scanning services can quickly and accurately create a 3D model of almost any object.
It’s one of the only NDT technologies that allow scientists to inspect both internal and surface properties, all without damaging the object. With the right calibration, metrology labs can achieve resolutions of just a few microns, allowing them to identify the slightest fluctuations in density, internal voids, hidden flaws, and more. It’s the same digital radiology technology used in medical CAT scans.
That’s why the market for industrial CT scanning services is growing so quickly. The 3D scanning industry is projected to generate revenues of $5.7 billion by 2021 with a CAGR of 13.6% in that time. And because of its wide applications, industrial CT scanning is the driving force behind the growth in 3D scanning services.
So how much does industrial scanning cost?
The best Industrial CT scanning equipment costs between $200,000 to $500,000. Not only that, but many CT scanners weigh up to 20,000 pounds. And when large or extremely dense metals need to be scanned, the scanners require extreme amounts of energy to generate the necessary radiation.
For all these reasons, few manufacturers have the resources to adopt industrial CT scanning in house. Instead, most industrial firms are outsourcing their 3D inspection services to metrology labs with CT scanning equipment. The costs can vary too widely to give an accurate estimate, but it depends on the size of the contract, the scan resolution required, and the number of objects in need of inspection.
But the best industrial X-ray inspection companies help clients reduce costs…
By some estimates, industrial X-ray inspection has already helped many manufacturers reduce their first article inspection costs by up to 75%. And while NDT inspection isn’t cheap, when it’s used correctly it can help companies reduce costs.
The scan data can help companies identify flaws in parts early in the production process. This can help improve production processes and prevent costly mistakes down the line.
From first article inspections to reverse engineering, companies are discovering new applications for digital radiography all the time.