If you have read the previous two articles that introduced closed and open micro-focus X-ray tubes, you may already know the fundamental difference between them: whether the tube can be opened to replace the filament.

Below, we use a comparison table to understand the difference between them:

Type Closed Open
Price >20000USD >80000USD
Lifetime >10000h 500-1000h each filament
Tube voltage <150kV >160kV
Focal spot 5μm 0.2μm
X-ray angle ≤100° ≥150°
FOD ≈10mm 0.5-1mm
Vacuum system Keep vacuum seal Vacuumize before use
Pre-heating time ≈15min ≈40min
Consumables None Filament, seal ring

In general, the performance and parameters of the open microfocus X-ray tube surpass the closed type in all aspects, so it also pays the corresponding price: several times the price, longer pre-heating time, shorter Filament lifetime and higher maintenance costs.

 

Hamamatsu microfocus X-ray tubes

Hamamatsu microfocus X-ray tubes

It can be said that the advantages of an open microfocus X-ray tube are good performance, and the advantages of a closed microfocus X-ray tube are low price and easy to use.

The differences between them lead to a different application, for example, closed microfocus X-ray tubes are enough to detect ordinary printed circuit boards with a thickness of 5 mm, or LED light boards. And when people need to detect thicker products, or look for defects less than 5 microns, only open-type microfocus X-ray tubes you can choose.