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X-RAY IMAGING SERVICES
Services for Industry
The Natural Sciences Museum offers professional micro-CT scanning services to industrial clients requiring high-resolution, non-destructive internal analysis of components and materials. Using a Nikon XTH 225 ST system, the museum provides precise three-dimensional imaging suitable for research, development, quality assurance, and failure investigation.
Micro-CT scanning at the museum supports a wide range of industrial applications, including:
- internal defect detection such as voids, cracks, and inclusions
- dimensional inspection and metrological analysis
- assembly verification and fit assessment
- materials evaluation and density variation studies
- failure analysis and investigative research
The service is delivered by in-house specialists with many years of industry and academic experience, including work in university laboratory environments. This expertise supports rigorous experimental setup, informed interpretation, and consistent data quality. All work is conducted in line with recognised ISO principles and best practice, with formal certification in progress, providing clients with confidence in the reliability and professionalism of the service.
Services for Academia
The Natural Sciences Museum offers micro-CT scanning services tailored specifically to the needs of academic researchers. The service is designed to support high-quality, publication-ready research while recognising the practical, ethical, and confidentiality requirements of academic work.
Key benefits for academic users include:
- Collaboration with experienced researchers who understand academic workflows, grant-funded projects, and publication standards
- Support from in-house specialists with backgrounds in university laboratory research and applied scientific imaging
- Flexible project-based scanning aligned to research questions rather than fixed commercial packages
- Optional non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to ensure data and results remain confidential until publication
- Discounted rates for collaborative academic projects involving joint research or co-authored outputs
- Clear documentation and reproducible workflows suitable for peer review and methodological transparency
The museum’s approach prioritises research integrity, data quality, and effective collaboration, making the service well suited to academics seeking reliable micro-CT data within a supportive, research-led environment.
Services for Collectors / Enthusiasts
The Natural Sciences Museum offers micro-CT scanning services for private collectors and enthusiasts seeking to explore the internal structure of objects without damage. The service is suitable for a wide range of items, from fossils and natural history specimens to everyday and collectible objects such as toys, sealed packages, or even trading card packs.
Micro-CT scanning can be used to:
- examine internal structures and inclusions without opening or altering an object
- verify contents of sealed or fragile items
- assess condition, construction, or manufacturing features
- document objects for personal records, insurance, or study
- satisfy curiosity through detailed three-dimensional visualisation
Work is carried out by experienced specialists accustomed to handling valuable, fragile, and unique objects with care. Each project is approached individually, with scanning parameters selected to suit the material and purpose. All services are provided in a professional and discreet environment, ensuring that collectors can explore their items safely while preserving their condition and value.
PRICING
Micro-CT scanning services are charged at a standard rate of £150 per hour. Reduced rates are available for charities and academic users, with pricing provided on request depending on project scope and collaboration requirements.
Additional post-processing work, including segmentation and advanced data preparation, is charged at £40 per hour. All pricing is discussed in advance to ensure clarity and transparency before work begins.
OUR EQUIPMENT
Nikon XTH 225 ST
The museum operates a Nikon XTH 225 ST micro-CT system, providing high-resolution, non-destructive imaging across a wide range of materials and object sizes.
Imaging Capability and Data Quality
The XTH 225 ST is used to generate high-quality volumetric datasets suitable for analysis, measurement, and publication. Scanning protocols are selected and optimised by experienced operators to balance resolution, contrast, and scan time according to project requirements. This ensures reproducible, research-grade outputs appropriate for comparative study, interpretation, and long-term data use.
Supporting Equipment
Micro-CT scanning is supported by dedicated CT processing workstations equipped for reconstruction, visualisation, and analysis, with remote access options available. A Wacom tablet is also used for detailed segmentation work. Additional supporting equipment includes optical and digital microscopes for correlative analysis, verification, and complementary documentation.
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