X-ray inspection systems for art and culture

Challenges in the use of X-ray technology  

The use of X-ray inspection in the field of art and culture presents several challenges that must be considered. Here are some of the key challenges:    

X-ray examinations use ionizing radiation, which can pose health risks. For both the staff performing the exams and the artwork itself, proper radiation protection is essential to minimize exposure. This is where it is important to work with a qualified provider. Some artworks and cultural artifacts can be sensitive to X-rays. In particular, paper-based objects, organic materials, or certain pigments could be damaged by the radiation. Therefore, thorough examinations must be conducted in advance to determine the suitability of an X-ray inspection for each specific artwork.     

Some artworks may have extremely complex structures that make it difficult to obtain clear and meaningful CT or X-ray images. Evaluation of such images requires special expertise and careful interpretation. In addition, CT equipment and x-ray facilities suitable for artworks may not always be readily available or could be expensive. This may limit the options for x-ray inspection for artworks, especially for smaller museums or institutions with limited resources. To address this, VCxray provides access to well-equipped laboratories through its testing service.