Discovered in 1895 by Röntgen, X-rays are high-frequency electromagnetic waves. They have high energy and penetrate matter easily. This is why they can be used for radiography.

X-rays are absorbed to a greater or lesser extent during their journey through the products: this depends on the composition and thickness of the materials encountered.

The rays are collected on an X-ray sensitive sensor. The lightest areas correspond to the materials that absorbed the rays the least and the darkest areas correspond to foreign bodies (glass fragments for example) that absorbed the rays a lot.

The detection thresholds obtained thus depend on several fundamental parameters: the density and format of the product to be controlled and the density and thickness of the foreign bodies sought. For this reason, tests are systematically carried out for each control request.

Concerning the detectability of foreign bodies on the same product to be controlled, the ratio is as follows for 1 mm of metal (all metals except aluminium), the factor is x 2.5 for glass, pebbles, stone, edges, calcified bone and x 5 for high density plastic. For other types of foreign bodies, see the dedicated page.

ELCOWA, 25 years of experience in the search for foreign bodies or defects has a fully dedicated control centre in Mulhouse to help you quickly manage this type of crisis. Leader in Europe in this field, do not hesitate to contact us for any information, advice, free tests, estimates or controls.