UNITED STATES X-RAY TUBE MARKET FORECAST 2024-2032

While the most advanced X-ray technology relies heavily on the performance of X-ray tubes, several top manufacturers like Siemens, GE, Canon, and Philips produce their tubes. Other companies, such as Varex, Chronos Imaging, and Dunlee, focus on supplying tubes to US manufacturers, as well as servicing the replacement and refurbished markets. Additionally, some firms like Ray-Pac specialize solely in replacement tubes without collaborating with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The US market has encountered logistical challenges, too. The demand for X-ray tubes surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant backlogs. In addition to completed tubes being scarce, the components required for their production have also become harder to obtain and more expensive, with some costs rising by 40–50%. In response to these challenges, companies are expanding their operations. In essence, X-Ray America announced plans in 2022 to establish a production plant in the US for manufacturing X-ray tubes to meet growing customer demands, while Italian company IAE will continue to supply OEMs from its manufacturing site in Italy.

The United States X-ray Tube Market: 4.67% CAGR (2024-2032)

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The United States X-ray tube market segmentation incorporates the market by type and end-user. The type segment is further differentiated into rotating anode tube and stationary X-ray tube. Rotating anode X-ray tubes are widely used in high-resolution imaging devices like mammography, angiography, and computed tomography (CT), supported by vacuum bearings that rotate the anode through electromagnetic induction. The anode, made from heat-resistant materials such as tungsten-rhenium on a molybdenum core with graphite, withstands the impact of electron beams, enhancing durability and efficiency. These tubes, often constructed with metal or ceramic instead of glass, enable higher currents for faster anode heating, which increases their durability and adoption in medical, industrial, and dental applications.

Technological advancements have further enhanced the performance of rotating anode X-ray tubes, integrating new anode materials, reduced target angles, and faster rotation speeds. This has spurred competition, leading companies like Canon to diversify their product offerings. Canon’s X-ray tubes serve various applications, including general X-ray imaging, mammography, and cardiovascular X-ray systems. They are equipped with advanced features like hydrodynamic bearings and high-capacity anodes for improved performance in CT scanners and mobile X-ray systems.

The simplest X-ray tube uses a stationary anode, where a tungsten insert is embedded in a copper block. The copper efficiently dissipates heat from the tungsten target, but the small target area limits heat dissipation, which in turn restricts the tube’s maximum current and X-ray output. Stationary anodes are generally used for short, low-dose procedures, as they cannot handle the high heat produced by longer or higher-intensity scans.

Stationary anode X-ray tubes are widely employed in compact and lower-cost systems, such as dental X-ray units, portable X-ray machines, and portable fluoroscopy devices. Since they don’t require a cooling system, they are more energy-efficient, making them ideal for such applications. To address heat management challenges, companies like Nanox have developed innovative solutions, including a 5D non-CNT MEMs-based digital cold cathode X-ray source with a stationary anode, which enhances performance while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of stationary anode technology.

Some of the leading players in the United States X-ray tube market are Canon Electron Tubes & Devices Co Ltd (Canon Inc), General Electric Healthcare, etc. 

GE Healthcare, a division of General Electric Company, is a global leader in medical devices. The company specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of diagnostic imaging systems, clinical solutions, and products for drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and cellular technologies. Additionally, it offers imaging agents for medical scans and a range of healthcare IT solutions. 

GE Healthcare also delivers services aimed at performance improvement, as well as computerized data management and remote diagnostics and repair for medical equipment. Operating worldwide through subsidiaries and affiliates, GE Healthcare is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States.