Film Digitization: This process is a hybrid of conventional and digital radiography methods. To start, a radiograph is produced in the conventional way with X-ray film. Then, the film is placed in a reader that reads and digitizes the exposure for viewing and archival on a computer. This method allows for long-term preservation of radiographs and easy digital delivery to clients. Since this method still uses the conventional exposure process, technicians must deal with hazardous chemicals and lengthy exposure times.







Direct Radiography (DR): In this process, the image is captured on a plate and directly transmitted to the computer. There are no intermediate steps required to capture the radiograph. This method can produce high resolution images, and can even produce real time results depending on the maker of the device.







Computed Radiography (CR): In this process, an imaging plate is used instead of X-ray film. First, the image is stored on the plate in the form of photo sensitive storage phosphors. Then, a digitizer scans the plate with a laser beam, and the image information is released as visible light. Finally, this light is converted into a digital image. Any image that can be created with conventional X-ray films can also be created with computed radiography. This film substitute can even be stored in the same holders used for conventional film. Like conventional radiography, this method can be used in applications requiring flexibility to bend around a scanned component. The similar setup and capabilities of computed radiography and conventional radiography make transitioning to this method straight forward.

