Detection Technology has expanded its X-Panel XL series, offering enhanced solutions for inspection and quality assurance within the defence sector.
This series of extra-large X-ray flat panel detectors is designed to address the rising demands for inspection in defence production environments, combining large-area imaging with high-speed acquisition and robust high-energy imaging capabilities.
Safety-critical assemblies
The defence industry is experiencing a surge in the need for non-destructive testing (NDT) as manufacturers scale up production of critical components such as drones, missiles, and aircraft structures. Detection Technology’s X-Panel XL series meets these demands by delivering large-area imaging, rapid frame rates, and single-glass a-Si TFT technology, enhancing inspection workflows and increasing system throughput.
Juha Talasmäki, Vice President of Business Development at Detection Technology, noted, "Across the defence industry, production volumes are increasing while quality requirements remain uncompromising. Manufacturers are looking for inspection solutions that can scale with production without sacrificing reliability."
Scanning of multiple objects
Using Fraunhofer's PolyCT technology, multiple objects can be scanned simultaneously
The X-Panel XL technology addresses throughput limitations historically associated with 100% quality assurance. Advanced imaging now enables the seamless scanning of larger volumes of critical components, demonstrated in the capacity to inspect five 155 mm artillery shells in a single scan.
Collaboration with the German research organisation Fraunhofer IIS has further showcased these throughput advantages. Using Fraunhofer's PolyCT technology, multiple objects can be scanned simultaneously, facilitated by Detection Technology's X-Panel 43108a detector.
Industrial computed tomography
Michael Salamon, Group Manager at Fraunhofer IIS, explained, "We placed our PolyCT rotation stage in front of DT’s X-Panel 43108a detector to scan five objects simultaneously. We achieved excellent CT results in the shortest possible time while maximizing the throughput of our high-energy CT system. Combined with downstream automated evaluation routines, this is a real game-changer for industrial CT."
The X-Panel XL series, comprising models like the X-Panel 43108a and the newly introduced X-Panel 4386a, supports X-ray tube applications up to 750 kVp and linear accelerator applications up to 16 MV. Equipped with high-speed 10G Ethernet connectivity, various scintillator options, and frame rates reaching 90 fps, these detectors are key for industrial computed tomography (CT) and digital radiography (DR) applications demanding high throughput and image quality.
In adherence to international industry, safety, and environmental standards, the X-Panel XL series is designed for seamless system integration and certification. Detection Technology plans to commence EU-origin deliveries of the X-Panel XL series in the latter half of 2026. These innovations will be featured alongside Fraunhofer IIS's PolyCT system concept at the ECNDT 2026, the European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing in Verona, Italy from 15–19 June 2026, where Detection Technology will be exhibiting at stand 140–141.
Detection Technology, a pioneer in X-ray detector solutions, addresses increasing inspection and quality assurance requirements in the defence industry with its proven and expanded X-Panel XL series of extra-large X-ray flat panel detectors.
The series combines large-area imaging, high-speed acquisition, and high-energy imaging performance to support efficient inspection of defence systems and critical components in demanding production environments.
Safety-critical assemblies
Demand for non-destructive testing (NDT) is increasing as manufacturers scale production of defence systems and components, including drones, missiles, ammunition, aircraft structures, propulsion systems, turbine blades, and other safety-critical assemblies. The X-Panel XL series addresses these requirements with large-area imaging, high frame rates, and single-glass a-Si TFT technology that support efficient inspection workflows and increased system throughput.
"Across the defence industry, production volumes are increasing while quality requirements remain uncompromising. Manufacturers are looking for inspection solutions that can scale with production without sacrificing reliability," said Juha Talasmäki, Vice President, Business Development at Detection Technology.
Scanning of multiple objects
"Historically, 100% quality assurance has often been time-consuming due to inspection throughput limitations. Advances in X-ray imaging now enable efficient inspection of significantly larger volumes of critical components. For example, five 155 mm artillery shells can be seamlessly inspected in a single scan."
The throughput benefits of large-area detector technology have also been demonstrated in collaboration with the German Fraunhofer IIS, one of the world’s pioneer applied research organizations. Fraunhofer's PolyCT technology enables simultaneous scanning of multiple objects, while Detection Technology's X-Panel 43108a provides the large imaging area required for efficient multi-object CT acquisition.
Industrial computed tomography
Michael Salamon, Group Manager, High-Energy X-ray Systems, Fraunhofer IIS, commented: "We placed our PolyCT rotation stage in front of DT’s X-Panel 43108a detector to scan five objects simultaneously. We achieved excellent CT results in the shortest possible time while maximizing the throughput of our high-energy CT system. Combined with downstream automated evaluation routines, this is a real game-changer for industrial CT."
The X-Panel XL series includes the X-Panel 43108a and the recently launched X-Panel 4386a detector solutions. Depending on configuration, the detectors support X-ray tube applications up to 750 kVp and linear accelerator applications up to 16 MV. Combined with high-speed 10G Ethernet connectivity, multiple scintillator options, and frame rates of up to 90 fps, the series supports demanding industrial computed tomography (CT) and digital radiography (DR) applications where throughput, image quality, and reliability are critical.
Efficient system integration
The X-Panel XL series complies with applicable international industry, safety, and environmental standards, supporting efficient system integration and certification processes. EU-origin deliveries of the X-Panel XL series are planned to begin during the second half of 2026.
Detection Technology is showcasing the X-Panel XL series and Fraunhofer IIS's PolyCT system concept at ECNDT 2026, the European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, taking place in Verona, Italy, on 15–19 June 2026. Visitors can meet Detection Technology at stand 140–141.
