Wed, 17 December, 2025
TWI’s radiography team decided to set a festive challenge for our X-ray inspection systems this holiday season; performing an X-ray on a table-top Christmas tree!
We typically use our expertise in 2D digital radiography (DR) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) to inspect dense industrial components, such as titanium and tungsten aerospace parts.
But, this time, we placed a small Christmas tree - made from low-density spiralled wire and adorned with festive lights - into our 225 kV X-ray system.
The X-ray was captured in a matter of seconds, creating a somewhat less ‘festive-looking’ image…
Only 60 kV of energy was needed for the X-ray, but our facilities have the capability to inspect to 450kV at 1000uA of X-ray energy, enabling us to inspect a wide variety of materials and parts – ranging from the toughest metals, right down to holiday decorations!
Season’s greetings from TWI and our radiography team!