X-ray baggage scanners are one of the most widely used security screening technologies in the world. From courthouses and office buildings to stadiums, airports, correctional facilities, mailrooms, warehouses, and cargo terminals, X-ray screening systems allow security personnel to inspect bags, packages, parcels, and freight without physically opening every item.

What Is an X-Ray Baggage Scanner

An X-ray baggage scanner is a security inspection system designed to create an image of the contents of a bag, package, parcel, box, or piece of cargo without requiring it to be opened.

Most security X-ray systems use a conveyor belt to move an item through a shielded inspection tunnel. Inside the machine, an X-ray generator produces a controlled X-ray beam. As the X-rays pass through the object, detectors measure how much energy passes through or is absorbed by the different materials.

The system then converts that information into an image that can be viewed by a security operator.

According to the FDA, these systems are considered cabinet X-ray systems because the X-ray generator is contained inside a shielded enclosure designed to protect operators and the public from unnecessary exposure.

Modern security X-ray systems can provide much more information than a traditional black-and-white X-ray image. Depending on the system, capabilities may include:

• Organic and inorganic material identification
• Color-coded material discrimination
• High-density object detection
• Image enhancement
• Zoom and image manipulation
• Automatic threat detection
• Dual-view imaging
• Artificial intelligence-assisted detection
• Automatic image archiving
• Remote operator viewing
• Networked screening stations
• Explosives and narcotics detection assistance

The goal is not simply to create an X-ray image. The goal is to give security personnel enough information to quickly determine whether an item requires additional inspection.

Understanding X-Ray Scanner Sizes

One of the most important considerations when selecting an X-ray machine is tunnel size.

Tunnel dimensions determine the maximum size of the object that can physically pass through the machine. Different tunnel sizes are designed for different applications.

A machine designed for backpacks and handbags would not be suitable for large shipping boxes, while an oversized cargo scanner would be unnecessary for a courthouse screening small personal belongings.

Small Parcel and Mailroom X-Ray Scanners

Small X-ray scanners are designed primarily for:

• Mail
• Envelopes
• Small packages
• Briefcases
• Purses
• Backpacks
• Small parcels

Tunnel openings can vary considerably, but compact checkpoint systems frequently fall within the approximately 50 × 30 cm to 60 × 40 cm range.

For example, the Astrophysics XIS-6040N has a tunnel measuring approximately 23.6 inches wide by 15.8 inches high and is specifically designed for backpacks, purses, parcels, and checkpoints where space is limited.

Common Applications

Small X-ray systems are frequently used at:

• Corporate mailrooms
• Government offices
• Courthouses
• Schools
• Embassies
• Financial institutions
• Data centers
• Correctional facilities
• Police facilities
• Hotels
• Museums
• Private security checkpoints

For mailroom applications, X-ray inspection can provide another layer of security by allowing personnel to investigate suspicious packages without immediately opening them.

Standard Checkpoint X-Ray Scanners

The next category includes the traditional baggage scanner most people associate with building security checkpoints.

These machines commonly have tunnel sizes in the 60 × 40 cm or 65 × 45 cm range, although several variations are available.

They are well suited for:

• Backpacks
• Purses
• Laptop bags
• Briefcases
• Carry-on luggage
• Packages
• Employee bags
• Visitor belongings

Rapiscan, for example, offers compact checkpoint systems with approximately 620 × 420 mm (24.4 × 16.5 inches) of tunnel clearance. Rapiscan identifies applications including government buildings, schools, correctional facilities, commercial buildings, and event security.

Astrophysics similarly offers multiple checkpoint configurations ranging from compact systems to dual-view and higher-performance inspection systems.

Where Checkpoint X-Ray Systems Are Used

Typical locations include:

• Courthouses
• Government buildings
• Hospitals
• Schools and universities
• Stadiums
• Arenas
• Convention centers
• Performing arts centers
• Museums
• Casinos
• Corporate headquarters
• Manufacturing facilities
• Correctional institutions
• Transportation terminals
• Airports
• Critical infrastructure facilities

Checkpoint X-ray machines are commonly paired with walk-through metal detectors or weapons detection systems to create a complete security checkpoint.

People pass through the personnel screening system while bags and personal belongings are inspected separately through the X-ray machine.

Evolv eXpedite: Automated X-Ray Bag Screening

One of the newer developments in X-ray screening is the use of artificial intelligence to assist or automate the threat identification process.

Evolv eXpedite is designed specifically as a high-speed, autonomous X-ray bag screening system.

Unlike a conventional X-ray checkpoint where a trained operator continuously interprets X-ray images, Evolv eXpedite uses X-ray imaging combined with AI computer vision to automatically evaluate bags for potential threats. Evolv states that the system does not require an operator to manually interpret an X-ray image.

This makes eXpedite particularly interesting for high-throughput environments including:

• Schools
• Stadiums
• Arenas
• Hospitals
• Corporate facilities
• Entertainment venues
• High-volume employee entrances

It can operate independently or alongside the Evolv Express people-screening system, creating a layered checkpoint where people and bags are screened simultaneously.

This type of automated screening can be particularly valuable for organizations that want advanced bag inspection capabilities but may not maintain a large staff of experienced X-ray image operators.

Mid-Size Parcel and Cargo X-Ray Scanners

Organizations screening larger boxes, luggage, packages, and freight may require a larger tunnel.

Tunnel sizes may move into ranges such as:

• 75 × 55 cm
• 80 × 60 cm
• 100 × 80 cm
• 100 × 100 cm

These systems typically feature heavier conveyors capable of supporting larger objects.

For example, the Autoclear 7555DVS uses an approximately 29.6-inch-wide by 21.7-inch-high opening and is designed for mid-size parcels, cargo, and luggage.

Larger 100 × 100 cm machines provide approximately a meter of tunnel clearance in both directions, making them useful for significantly larger packages and freight.

Typical Applications

Mid-size X-ray inspection systems are frequently used in:

• Distribution centers
• Shipping and receiving departments
• Warehouses
• Logistics facilities
• Correctional facilities
• Airports
• Government facilities
• Military installations
• Manufacturing plants
• Customs facilities
• Large event operations
• Package inspection centers

The larger tunnel allows organizations to inspect objects that cannot fit through a traditional checkpoint scanner.

Cargo and Pallet X-Ray Scanners

At the largest end of the spectrum are X-ray systems specifically designed for freight, cargo skids, and pallets.

These are dramatically larger than normal checkpoint machines.

For example, Astrophysics offers cargo systems with tunnel dimensions of approximately 150 × 170 cm and 180 × 180 cm. Its XIS-1517 200kV system has an opening of approximately 59.1 × 67 inches and can support loads of approximately 4,409 pounds when evenly distributed.

Rapiscan's 638DV 320kV provides a tunnel approximately 1,837 mm wide by 1,800 mm high and is specifically designed for ULD containers, ISO standard freight, and large cargo pallets. Versions are available with conveyor capacities of approximately 3,000 kg or 5,000 kg.

Cargo X-Ray Applications

Large cargo and pallet scanners are commonly found at:

• Air cargo facilities
• Airports
• Freight forwarders
• Logistics centers
• Customs facilities
• Distribution hubs
• Military facilities
• Ports
• Border inspection facilities
• Warehouses
• Critical infrastructure locations

Astrophysics specifically positions its cargo systems for screening loose freight, bulk freight, and palletized shipments.

These systems generally use higher-powered X-ray generators because the X-rays must penetrate much larger and denser objects than those passing through a typical checkpoint scanner.

Single-View vs. Dual-View X-Ray Scanners

Another major difference between X-ray systems is the number of viewing angles produced.

Single-View X-Ray

A traditional single-view scanner creates one primary perspective of the item.

Single-view systems can be an excellent choice for routine checkpoint screening and typically offer:

• Lower acquisition cost
• Simpler operation
• Smaller footprint
• Excellent performance for routine screening

Dual-View X-Ray

A dual-view machine uses multiple X-ray perspectives to provide operators with additional angles of the same item.

This can help security personnel evaluate objects hidden behind other objects or positioned at difficult angles.

Dual-view technology is particularly valuable for:

• Dense bags
• Complex parcels
• Cargo
• High-security checkpoints
• Airports
• Correctional facilities
• Government facilities

Manufacturers including Astrophysics, Autoclear, and Rapiscan offer dual-view configurations across multiple tunnel sizes.

How Much Power Does an X-Ray Baggage Scanner Use

One of the most common questions we receive concerns electrical requirements.

Despite their size, many standard checkpoint X-ray scanners do not require extraordinary amounts of electricity.

A typical small or medium checkpoint system often has electrical demand of approximately 0.7 to 1.5 kVA.

Depending on the model, many systems can operate from conventional 110/120 VAC or 220/240 VAC power.

For example, the Autoclear 6040 is rated at less than approximately 0.8 kVA, with support for common 100/120V and 200–250V electrical supplies.

Larger machines should always be evaluated individually. Astrophysics' large XIS-1517 cargo scanner, for example, lists electrical requirements of up to 15 amps at 110 VAC or 10 amps at 220 VAC.

Rapiscan's large 638DV 320kV cargo system is designed to operate using a 230V single-phase power supply, despite its large pallet-screening capability.

Are X-Ray Baggage Scanners Safe

Yes. Properly manufactured, installed, maintained, and operated cabinet X-ray systems are designed with radiation shielding and multiple safety mechanisms.

This is very different from a medical X-ray procedure.

During security screening, the bag or object is exposed to the X-ray beam, not the person.

The X-ray generator and inspection area are enclosed within shielding that limits radiation outside the machine.

In the United States, the FDA regulates cabinet X-ray systems under 21 CFR 1020.40.

Federal requirements state that radiation emitted from the cabinet cannot exceed 0.5 milliroentgen during one hour at any point five centimeters outside the external surface of the system.

The FDA notes that most cabinet X-ray systems actually emit radiation below this federal limit.

Safety Features Built Into X-Ray Scanners

Modern cabinet X-ray systems incorporate several physical and electronic safety systems. These can include:

Shielded Cabinet

The X-ray inspection tunnel is surrounded by radiation-shielding materials that prevent unnecessary radiation from escaping the machine.

Leaded Safety Curtains

Flexible shielding curtains are normally positioned at the tunnel entrance and exit. They should never be intentionally held open while the X-ray generator is operating.

Safety Interlocks

Access panels and doors incorporate interlocks designed to prevent X-ray generation if protected areas of the machine are opened. Federal standards require cabinet systems to incorporate specific interlock protections.

X-Ray Warning Indicators

Machines include indicators showing when X-rays are being generated.

Emergency Stops

Conveyor systems typically incorporate emergency stop controls so operation can be immediately stopped when necessary.

Warning Labels

Required labeling identifies areas associated with X-ray generation and warns users not to place any part of the body inside the inspection tunnel.

Which Organizations Use X-Ray Screening

X-ray systems are no longer limited to airports. Today they are used across almost every major security market.

Schools and Universities

X-ray systems may be used to screen backpacks, athletic bags, visitor belongings, or packages entering a facility.

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals may use X-ray systems at public entrances, emergency departments, employee entrances, or high-security areas.

Courthouses

Courthouse checkpoints commonly combine a walk-through metal detector with an X-ray scanner for bags and personal belongings.

Government Buildings

Federal, state, county, and municipal facilities frequently use X-ray screening as part of controlled visitor access.

Stadiums and Arenas

High-throughput bag screening can help security teams process thousands of visitors before games, concerts, and other major events.

Corporate Offices

Corporate headquarters and sensitive business facilities may inspect visitor bags, employee belongings, deliveries, or incoming packages.

Correctional Facilities

Prisons, jails, and detention centers may screen employee belongings, visitor property, packages, and supplies for contraband.

Hotels and Casinos

Large resorts, casinos, and high-profile hotels may deploy screening during special events or at controlled entrances.

Warehouses and Logistics Facilities

Larger X-ray systems allow incoming and outgoing packages and freight to be inspected without physically opening every shipment.

Airports and Air Cargo

X-ray technology remains a fundamental component of aviation security for passenger belongings, checked baggage, packages, freight, and palletized cargo.

X-Ray Technologies Available From Security Detection Solutions

Security Detection Solutions provides solutions from several leading security screening manufacturers.

Astrophysics

Astrophysics offers one of the industry's broadest ranges of X-ray systems, including:

• Mail and parcel scanners
• Checkpoint systems
• Mobile systems
• Dual-view X-ray
• Hold baggage scanners
• Cargo scanners
• Pallet screening systems

Their product range extends from compact systems such as the XIS-6040N through large cargo systems capable of screening full pallets.

Evolv eXpedite

Evolv eXpedite combines X-ray imaging with artificial intelligence for autonomous bag screening.

Instead of requiring an operator to continuously analyze X-ray images, the system uses AI to identify potential threats and can be paired with Evolv Express for a connected people-and-bag screening checkpoint.

Autoclear

Autoclear offers X-ray systems covering applications ranging from mail and small parcels through large baggage and freight.

Available product families include compact checkpoint machines, 6040-class systems, 7555 systems, 100100 systems, and larger cargo configurations.

Rapiscan Systems

Rapiscan provides security screening systems for checkpoints, baggage, parcels, cargo, customs, law enforcement, aviation, and other high-security environments.

Its portfolio ranges from compact checkpoint systems to large dual-view pallet and air-cargo inspection systems.

Choosing the Right X-Ray Scanner

There is no single X-ray scanner that is best for every facility. Before selecting a machine, consider:

What are you screening?
Backpacks require a much smaller tunnel than shipping pallets.

What is the largest item you expect to screen?
The tunnel should provide enough clearance for normal operations without unnecessarily oversizing the machine.

How many items will be screened?
A courthouse processing several hundred bags per day has different requirements than an arena processing thousands of visitors in a short period.

How much space is available?
Remember to account for the scanner itself, operator workstation, entry and exit tables, queue space, personnel screening, and secondary inspection areas.

Do you need single-view or dual-view imaging?
Higher-security applications and complicated objects may benefit from additional viewing angles.

Will operators interpret X-ray images?
Traditional systems depend heavily on trained operators. AI-assisted technologies such as Evolv eXpedite offer a different operating model.

What electrical service is available?
Electrical requirements should be verified before installation.

Will the machine need to move?
Some systems are specifically designed for temporary checkpoints, mobile deployments, or frequent relocation.

Are there regulatory requirements?
Air cargo, aviation, government, and certain other applications may require equipment that appears on applicable approved or qualified equipment lists.

X-Ray Screening as Part of a Complete Security Checkpoint

An X-ray scanner is typically only one component of a successful security checkpoint.

Depending on the facility, a complete screening operation may include:

• X-ray baggage scanners
• Walk-through metal detectors
• Weapons detection systems
• Handheld metal detectors
• Explosives trace detection
• Secondary bag-search stations
• Access control
• Security personnel
• Queue management
• Remote monitoring
• Video surveillance

The best checkpoint is designed as a complete process rather than simply a collection of security equipment.

Traffic flow, staffing, detection objectives, available space, throughput, and visitor experience should all be considered during the planning process.

Find the Right X-Ray Baggage Scanner

Choosing an X-ray scanner begins with understanding your application.

A courthouse screening briefcases may need a traditional 60 × 40 cm checkpoint system. A corporate mailroom may need a smaller parcel scanner. A warehouse may need a 100 × 100 cm freight system. An airport cargo operation may require a 150 × 170 cm or 180 × 180 cm high-penetration pallet scanner.

Security Detection Solutions can help determine the correct technology based on:

• Tunnel size
• Conveyor capacity
• Throughput
• Available space
• X-ray generator strength
• Single-view or dual-view imaging
• AI-assisted screening
• Electrical requirements
• Deployment environment
• Regulatory requirements
• Budget
• Installation and training requirements

We offer X-ray screening solutions from Astrophysics, Evolv eXpedite, Autoclear, and Rapiscan Systems, with options ranging from compact mailroom scanners to full-size cargo and pallet inspection systems.

Whether you are securing a school, courthouse, hospital, corporate office, stadium, correctional facility, government building, warehouse, airport, mailroom, or cargo facility, Security Detection Solutions can help design the appropriate screening solution for your environment.

Contact Security Detection Solutions to discuss your application, compare X-ray scanner sizes, or receive help selecting the right X-ray baggage screening system for your facility.

FAQs

What is an X-ray baggage scanner?

An X-ray baggage scanner is a security screening system that creates an image of the contents of bags, packages, parcels, boxes, or cargo without requiring them to be physically opened.

What size X-ray baggage scanner do I need?

The right size depends on the largest items you expect to screen. Smaller systems are suitable for mail, purses, backpacks, and briefcases, while larger scanners are designed for luggage, parcels, freight, pallets, and cargo.

What is the difference between single-view and dual-view X-ray scanners?

Single-view scanners provide one primary X-ray perspective, while dual-view systems provide multiple angles of the same item. Dual-view imaging can be especially useful for dense bags, complex parcels, cargo, and higher-security applications.

How much power does an X-ray baggage scanner use?

Many small and standard checkpoint systems use approximately 0.7 to 1.5 kVA and may operate on common 110/120 VAC or 220/240 VAC power. Larger cargo systems have model-specific electrical requirements.

Are X-ray baggage scanners safe?

Yes. Properly manufactured, installed, maintained, and operated cabinet X-ray systems are designed with shielding, safety interlocks, warning indicators, and other protections that limit radiation exposure outside the machine.

Do items become radioactive after passing through an X-ray scanner?

No. Passing an item through a conventional security X-ray scanner does not make it radioactive. The system generates X-rays electronically during screening and does not leave radioactive material behind.

Where are X-ray baggage scanners commonly used?

X-ray screening systems are commonly used in courthouses, schools, hospitals, government buildings, stadiums, airports, correctional facilities, corporate offices, warehouses, mailrooms, logistics centers, and cargo facilities.

What should you consider when choosing an X-ray baggage scanner?

Consider what you are screening, the largest item size, expected screening volume, available space, tunnel dimensions, conveyor capacity, single-view or dual-view requirements, electrical service, regulatory needs, and whether the system must be portable.