Why do two X-ray scanners that look the same cost different amounts?

Because the visible part — a box with a tunnel and a belt — is the cheapest part. Price is set by what is inside and what is certified: generator power and focal spot, detector array quality, single or dual energy, single or dual view, shielding, and the certification and test reports that go with the model. Two machines with the same tunnel can differ by a factor of two and still both be "reasonable" for their specification.

The six factors that move the price

• Tunnel size: The single largest step. A larger tunnel means a larger generator, more shielding, heavier frame and more freight cost
• Generator power / penetration: Higher power penetrates thicker steel and dense cargo, and costs more in the HV tank and cooling
• Single vs dual energy: A second detector array and the classification electronics add cost; it is the feature buyers most often insist on
• Single vs dual view: A second generator and detector at a different angle — a structural difference, not an upgrade
• Certification: CE, FDA and local regulator testing add cost per model and per market; a certificate that covers your exact model is not free
• Options and integration: Conveyor length, roller tables, reject devices, image archiving, custom cladding, SKD packing for local assembly

How should you compare quotations?

Compare on a specification sheet, not on the price line. Ask each supplier to state: tunnel dimensions in millimetres, belt load, belt speed, steel penetration in millimetres, wire detection in AWG, generator voltage, monitor size, image storage capacity, warranty period, and the exact certificate and test report covering the quoted model. Two quotes that look 30% apart are often 60% apart once the specification is equalised — or the cheaper one is a different machine class entirely.

Indicative market ranges are deliberately omitted here: published ranges vary by region, configuration and year, and a number copied from a web page is worse than a quotation against your specification. Ask for a quotation with the specification above.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest configuration that is still usable?

A single-energy unit with a small tunnel, for low-risk sites screening thin loads. It is not a substitute for dual energy at a security checkpoint.

Do prices differ between markets?

Yes — duties, certification requirements, freight and local service all change the landed cost. Compare delivered-and-installed prices, not FOB.

Is a used scanner a good option?

Only with the test reports and a radiation-safety check. A used unit without documentation is a liability at an airport or government site.

How long does delivery take?

Standard models ship in weeks; customised tunnel, branding and SKD orders take longer. Ask for the schedule in writing with the quotation.

What should the warranty cover?

The generator, the detector array and the conveyor drive are the expensive failures. A warranty that covers only the control board is not worth much.