Lower Operating Expense Augments Digital X-Ray Uptake

The continuous evolution of X-ray sources, detectors and software has led to a
migration from analog to digital X-ray inspection systems in the nondestructive
testing (NDT) industry. Digital X-rays' lower operating costs have given them a
significant competitive advantage over film radiography solutions, as they
eliminate the expenses involved in buying films, maintaining a darkroom,
obtaining space for archiving film records, and purchasing chemicals for
processing film radiographs.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan ( http://www.testandmeasurement.frost.com
), Analysis of the Industrial Digital X-ray Inspection Systems Market, finds that
the market earned revenues of $309.4 million in 2011 and estimates this to
reach $509.4 million in 2016.

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The recent hike in price of silver, an important component in production of film,
has increased this product's cost by as much as 30 percent, depending on the
manufacturer. Film radiography consumers, subsequently, have witnessed
higher operating costs and are turning toward digital X-ray solutions that offer
greater savings in costs. Despite film radiography's lower capital costs, its
escalating operating costs will render digital X-ray solutions more attractive to
consumers.

Currently, film radiography dominates emerging markets, the engines powering
growth for the global economy. Film radiography's low capital investment and
comparatively inexpensive labor within the emerging economies have
popularized it in these nations. As a result, these markets' preference for film
radiography is expected to curtail the demand for digital X-rays. However, with
a reduction in price of digital X-ray inspection systems, the cost disadvantage
could be nullified in the next five to six years.

"Digital X-ray equipment manufacturers need to aggressively market their
products in emerging economies and convince end-user industries of the cost
savings that can be achieved with their technology," said Frost & Sullivan
Research Analyst Nikhil Jain. "Their concerted efforts will help them explore
opportunities in these high-growth markets."

Digital X-ray equipment manufacturers could also promote the environmental
friendliness of their technology, as it does not need chemicals to develop a
radiographic shot. Moreover, the amount of radiation required for acquiring an
image is considerably less, resulting in reduced radiation exposure and
associated hazards. Digital X-rays also stand out for their improved image
quality due to the advances in imaging technology.

"In applications related to the electronics industry, digital X-ray solutions offer
a much better resolution than film," noted Jain. "Participants need to continue
enhancing the quality of images to extend their products' application scope to
industries such as aerospace, military and defense."

Analysis of the Industrial Digital X-ray Inspection Systems Market is part of the
Test & Measurement Growth Partnership Services program, which also includes
research in the following markets: World Nondestructive Test (NDT) Inspection
Services Market, World Condition Monitoring Equipment Market, Analysis of
Material Testing Equipment Market, and Analysis of Nondestructive Test (NDT)
Equipment Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide
detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated
following extensive interviews with market participants.

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