X-ray Baggage Scanner vs. Other Security Screening Technologies

So, you said that you’re a travel addict, but do you know what you should call a see-through machine with that conveyor belt? That’s an X-ray baggage scanner, and it’s just one of the many tools used to keep us safe in our travels and more.

With all the fancy tech out there, from those body scanners to the wand things security guards use, how do you know which one is the best?

In this article, we’ll show you the differences between X-ray baggage scanners vs. other screening tools to see which may be the winner for your security needs.

X-ray Baggage Scanners vs. Other Security Screening Technologies

X-ray Baggage Scanners

An X-ray baggage scanner is probably the most common screening tool you’ve ever met.

This features of X-ray baggage scanner offer high-resolution imaging that displays a detailed examination of bag contents, whether they’re metallic or non-metallic threats like weapons and explosives.

What if criminals conceal the threats well? No worries! X-ray baggage scanners have a trick up their sleeve.

Advanced scanners can use material discrimination technology to analyze the density of objects within the bag, distinguishing harmless items and potential threats even if they’re cleverly concealed.

Talking about efficiency, X-ray baggage scanners have a fast processing time. So, long lines can be minimized even in busy environments like airports, especially when the tool has automated threat detection algorithms.

This machine is considerably cost-effective in terms of initial investment and maintenance. While high-security locations may need advanced features with a higher initial cost, the basic models are more than enough to cover lower-risk environments.

And, what about the radiation produced by X-ray baggage scanners? Don’t worry! The radiation of these devices is very low. It’s like the tiny amount you get from spending a few minutes outside under the sun.

Safety rules are in place to keep everyone safe, and the scanners themselves are built to minimize radiation exposure. Just make sure you choose the right X-ray baggage scanner from a reputable supplier.

Metal Detectors

Have you ever been curious about what those handheld tools are that security guards use at events or malls? They’re metal detectors – simple, yet effective tools in security screening.

Unlike X-ray scanners, metal detectors are all about one thing: finding hidden metal objects.

More importantly, they’re extremely fast and easy to operate. Security guards can scan the bags of a line of people quickly, which makes them perfect for straightforward screening processes in busy environments.

With that simple feature, metal detectors are low-cost and easy to maintain. They also don’t emit ionizing radiation, which is the type that can damage cells and potentially lead to health problems.

But, simple features and low cost typically come with various limitations.

As the name suggests, metal detectors can only detect metallic objects, and not non-metallic threats like explosives or prohibited liquids.

Not to mention, they may need secondary screening if an alarm is triggered because the metal detector can’t pinpoint the exact location of the metal causing the alarm.

Millimeter Wave Scanners

Yes, metal detectors are great for catching hidden knives and guns quickly, but what about threats made of non-metallic materials? Enter the world of millimeter wave scanners, often called body scanners.

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Telling from the name, these machines are not typically used for baggage, more for passenger screening. They’re excellent for detecting objects concealed on a person’s body, including non-metallic threats.

Millimeter wave scanners will display the contours of the person’s body and any concealed items, similar to a blurry, monochromatic statue.

Scans can also be quicker than X-ray baggage checks, which can reduce wait times.

But, you need to be aware that millimeter wave scanners may raise potential privacy concerns because they show detailed body imaging. Also, with such sizes and capabilities, you may need to think about their higher initial investment and maintenance costs.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scanners

You need even more detailed imaging, better than X-ray scanners and millimeter wave scanners can offer? We think you should take a look at Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, often simply called CT scans.

Remember in the hospital drama where they wheeled the patient into a big, cylindrical machine That’s how this machine looks like. It’s like super-powered X-rays, which can make incredibly detailed images of the inside of your body and luggage.

Yes, CT scans are more common in the health industry, but the security sector is now exploring their functionalities.

The US Transportation Security Administration, for example, started testing this machine in 2018 and found that it could create detailed 3D images of luggage contents, allowing for a more thorough inspection.

Although CT scans come with groundbreaking innovations, the technology is still somewhat out of reach.

They’re generally way more expensive and may have higher potential health risks, which makes them less practical for routine security screening compared to X-ray scanners.

Conclusion

From the explanation above, you may conclude that there’s no single “best” solution. The optimal approach generally involves a combination of technologies depending on the security needs and context.

But, X-ray baggage scanners can be a versatile and cost-effective solution for many security applications. They can provide high-resolution images to help you identify threats efficiently.

If you want to get the details of this machine, contact us, a trustworthy X-ray baggage scanner distributor that offers a wide range of scanners to meet your specific security needs.