ASNT

equipment, accessories, and supplies is still primarily weighted toward medical fields, but other X-ray applications contribute to what is estimated to be a $12 billion annual market. In addition to the medical and traditional nondestructive testing applications, industry uses X-ray diffraction and other analytical methods such as f luorescence, radiation methods for material modification, X-ray lithography, radiation gauging, and the ever-expanding use of X-rays for security.

Looking toward the future, only one thing is clear — the technology will continue to advance. Obvious directions are the increasing use of computerized instrumentation, automated testing, and greater use of nondestructive test techniques in process control applications. Regardless of the new directions that nondestructive testing and X-ray technology may take in the coming century, ASNT’s roles of education, information exchange, and personnel certification will continue.

CHAPTER 1

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Part 2