It all started here
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/x-ray-machines-technology-and-use-in-hobby-electronics/msg560053/#msg560053I was fortunate enough to find a complete Faxitron MX-20 system including the all important PC.
These units are used throughout the world in hospitals, medical research labs and even grain quality assessment centres. The MX-20 is designed to operate at relatively low keV and to provide high resolution imagery. My unit has a 100mm x 100mm highly sensitive 'camera' array with 2048x2048 pixels (4MP). Doing the simple maths that is 20 pixels per mm or 0.05mm per pixel
Perfect for PCB detail.
The Faxitron uses up to 35kVp to produce its images and the sensitivity of the imaging array compensates for the relatively low acceleration voltage. Sadly such a low voltage does mean that the photon beam is not able to penetrate dense metals to any great depth. However this limitation is offset by the superb clarity and resolution of the images. The 35kVp also means that the X-Rays are more easily contained and the unit is very safe to use. Soft X-Rays are still harmful if you or an animal is overexposed to such..... so no X-Raying of the pet hamster or cat !
At this point it is worth noting that testing has indicated that soft X-Rays have a greater detrimental effect on charge based memory systems than hard X-Ray. Worth noting if you intend to carry out a lot of X-Ray exposures on one particular DUT . I have never killed or corrupted a memory device over the many years that I have used X-Ray machines but I tended to use higher kVp so that may be why.
Back to the Faxitron purchase....
I found a Faxitron MX-20 in lovely condition and with all parts, tested and ready to use. It was for sale at GBP1000 from a medical recycling company. Now GBP1000 is not a small sum but these units cost almost $60000 when new. Half that cost is the digital camera unit and PC ! It was an easy decision for me and I made a purchase
I have also purchased an MX-20 that is designed for digital or film cassettes and so is without an integral digital camera. That unit came from a different recycling company and cost GBP250. I wanted it as a source of spare parts as I hope to have the Faxitron for many years to come.
Mike was understandably interested in the MX-20's capabilities as he had previously looked at such units, but the lower kVp was a concern with regard to what such a unit could achieve with a PCB. When another complete Faxitron became available to me I was tempted to have it as a spare but in the end sense prevailed and I let Mike know of its availability. I am very pleased that Mike now has a Faxitron as I feel sure he will make very good use of it. As you can see from his video, he has already dived inside it to reveal where all the magic happens
Some nice example picture at the end as well.
Some comments on buying such a machine:
1. It is an X-Ray generator and has the potential to cause harm. Look for damage to the case and treat it with respect.
2. Such machines are safe to use provided the interlocks are not disabled and it is used in accordance with the instructions.
3. The Faxitrons are common on the used / recycling market in the UK but less so in some countries due to safety regulations.
4. The cabinet weighs 70kg so be careful trying to lift it. This is light for an X-Ray machine but still a challenge to lift on your own. I lifted my unit onto its trolley so speak from experience !
5. The MX-20 uses a sophisticated camera array that comes with either a proprietary interface or USB 2.0. The proprietary interface version needs a dedicated interface card in the PC....it is almost a full size PCI card ! No source of these cards is known except in used systems.
6. The Faxitron software drives the cabinet via an RS232 link and communicates with the camera via the appropriate card or USB 2.0
7. The USB 2.0 camera enables use of a laptop instead of a bulky PC, provided the Faxitron software is transplanted. The units do not normally come with software installation disks.
8. As these systems are common in hospitals it is not unusual for the PC to become separated during the disposal process (it is consider IT rather than medical equipment so a different disposal process applies). If this is not the case, the hard disk (and so Faxitron software) has often been removed to meet DPA rules. Patient data is confidential. If you buy such a unit and it contains patient data, please respect privacy and delete it all as it is not vital to the software. The DB is Microsoft Access and the images stored in an easily identified Data file.
9. If you find a Faxitron without the PC, I must warn that the chances of driving the camera will be dictated by the interface used and whether you can drive the system with some self written software. Faxitron will not supply the software or legacy parts. They are known to be VERY unhelpful. Thankfully the older Faxitrons up to circa 2011 are very reliable. 2011 onwards saw a reduction in reliability due to the parts used. Faxitron will challenge private owners on possession of one of their units. You have been warned.
10. If you are lucky like Mike and me, you will find a complete (with PC) Faxitron at a medical disposal auction. If complete, it is very likely to work but you need to check if the HDD is present.
For information here is the time line on the digital cameras and their available sizes:
2004 to 2007 Faxitron use Bioptics (Rad-icon Radeye) camera - Sizes: 2"x 2", 2"x 4", 4" x 4"
2008 to 2011 Faxitron use Hamamatsu camera- Sizes: 2" x 2" approx & 4" x 4" approx
2011 to Present Faxitron use Bioptics Rad-icon camera - Sizes: 4"x 4" , 4"x 6"
I will close here but am happy to answer questions on these superb bits of kit
Aurora