Best Mailroom X-Ray Scanners for Mail, Packages, and Parcels

A conveyor-type x-ray machine passing a parcel through and detecting a threat

Over the course of 2020, the us postal inspection service. uu. reported over 8,700 email threat incidents and forensically analyzed over 125,000 suspicious email packages. that’s more than double their average reporting rate, which is about 10 incidents per day. so it’s clear that mail-borne threats are becoming more and more popular.

A piece of equipment par excellence for any mail detection system is an x-ray scanner, manufactured by companies such as voti detection. they allow you to peer inside seemingly opaque packages for nasty surprises. but they come in different shapes and sizes, and are made with various functions and technological features. It can be hard to choose what’s best for your organization unless you have a starting point for deciding what you want.

We’ll help you by breaking down what to look for in an x-ray mail filter, as well as introduce some of the best mailroom x-ray scanners on the market.

Let’s start by covering the main reasons why you should want an x-ray scanner in your mail room: the most common types of threats sent through the mail.

5 Most Common Mailroom Threats To Look Out For

Threats in mail rooms come in many forms. here are some general categories of potentially dangerous mail, along with some quick summaries:

  • contraband: drugs, weapons, alcohol, certain foods or other illegal/controlled items
  • explosives: plastics/liquids/crystals/powders that are detonated by timers, remote signals or manual switches
  • chemicals: solids/liquids/vapors/sprays intended to cause nerve damage, blood poisoning, suffocation, skin damage, etc. to recipients
  • biological hazards: hazardous biomaterials used to spread contagious diseases or cause smaller but immediate damage
  • radiation: radioactive materials, often dispersed through explosives, to cause radiation poisoning and other ailments

See our post on types of mail room threats for more comprehensive explanations of the dangers these mail categories present, as well as how to properly identify and handle them.

Also note that not all mailroom x-ray machines are equipped to detect all of these types of threats. Some substances need only small amounts to cause damage, which can make them so inconspicuous that they can’t be detected by x-ray scanners (or human senses, for that matter). Your mail room may need some special equipment to properly screen packages for certain types of hazards. we’ll cover those other kinds of mailroom technology later in this article.

types of x-ray scanners for mailrooms

Generally speaking, commercial x-ray machines used for security purposes (such as a package x-ray scanner) come in one of three forms.

transporter

The VOTI XR3D-50, a type of conveyor x-ray scanner

Often seen at airports, this type uses a conveyor belt to pass objects through an x-ray machine for examination. A conveyorized x-ray package scanner is typically better at handling large volumes of objects (due to the conveyor mechanism) as well as bulkier objects (due to their larger average size). however, it typically takes up more space and is not as accurate as a cabinet-style scanner.

cabinet

The Scanna Scanmax 25, a type of cabinet x-ray scanner

This type of x-ray package scanner is oriented vertically instead of the horizontal orientation of conveyor scanners. It contains a closed chamber where an object is scanned, and in many cases, as a safety feature, the x-ray scan cannot begin until the chamber door is closed. these things make a cabinet scanner take up less space and work more securely, respectively.

Cabinet detectors are also sometimes used in medical labs to scan tissue samples, so they’re pretty accurate, too. their main drawback is that they are not very efficient at scanning large numbers of objects in succession. objects must be placed in the exploration chamber one at a time and the chamber door must be closed before the exploration can begin.

portable

The Viken Detection HBI-120, a type of handheld x-ray scanner

Recent advances in x-ray technology have led to the development of portable package x-ray machines. These often make use of “backscatter” technology, which creates images based on measurements of the radiation reflected from surfaces struck by x-rays. In contrast, traditional x-ray machines typically use “broadcast” technology. this pushes the x-rays through an object and onto a sensor that measures the density of the materials the x-rays passed through.

There are several advantages to portable package scanners, not the least of which is that they take up less space and can be easily moved. by extension, they are valuable for inspecting packages that are oddly shaped, in tight spaces, or deemed too dangerous to handle. and backscatter imaging is good at detecting organic materials that are often used for explosive, chemical, or biological threats and might be missed by traditional x-ray machines. however, it is not as good at picking up contraband and radioactive objects made of metal, or as comprehensive in general, as other types of x-ray imaging.

A further consideration is that backscatter images present less risk of radiation damage to both operators and package contents. This is because it uses x-rays at frequencies that simply reflect off objects, rather than pass through them. therefore, portable scanners using this technology are generally safer than other types of x-ray detectors. still, care should always be taken when using them.

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how to choose the right mail x-ray scanner for your needs

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right equipment to secure your mail room. Here are some points to ponder when trying to figure out which mail x-ray scanner will be right for your business (or at least a specific installation).

what threats do you usually face?

Depending on the industries you or your customers are in, some mail room threats may be more common than others. For example, if you work with agricultural companies, you may see more biological and nuclear threats. Or, if your business is plastics and polymers, you may see more chemical or explosive hazards. Choose from a line of mail x-ray machines that can detect the types of threats you’re most likely to encounter.

how big are the objects you normally process?

Think about the largest size, on average, of packages you handle on a daily basis. make sure the series you are viewing can accommodate scan packages of these dimensions (Hint: If you receive a package of an unusual size or shape that cannot fit through the scanner, it may be a sign that you are dealing with something fishy).

How much space in your facility can you afford to give up?

In some cases, it may be wise to err on the side of caution and get an x-ray mail scanner that’s a little larger than you expect you’ll need. but keep in mind that you have your own space to consider, not just the dimensions of the packages you want to scan. make sure the series you choose fits the space you’ve dedicated to it in your mailroom or loading dock.

how much mail do you expect to process on a given day?

Time is another factor you’ll need to consider. Some series of parcel x-ray machines are good at efficiently scanning large mail loads in short periods of time. others offer more comprehensive scans, but have trouble keeping up with higher mail volumes. You’ll need to compare the average amount of mail you scan each day with the sensitivity of the materials you’re handling and the likelihood of a threat.

Will a single-view or dual-view scanner better meet your needs?

Part of the calculation of time and efficiency is whether you want to use a single-view or dual-view mail x-ray. single-view scanners examine packages from one angle at a time, while dual-view scanners examine packages from two angles at once. this means that single-view evaluators are less efficient (since you’ll have to scan the same item more than once to get different views) but generally less expensive. dual view detectors are more efficient but also more expensive.

again, it usually comes down to your average daily mail throughput compared to content sensitivity and threat likelihood. If you don’t handle a lot of mail every day, and the types of mail you handle don’t put you at high risk of handling anything dangerous, you might be able to get away with just a single-view scanner. Please note, however, that dual-view scanners may be required in some locations. so be sure to comply with applicable regulations.

how to choose the right model

  • size – Again, consider not only the sizes and shapes of packages you normally check, but also the space you have available in your mail room or loading dock .
  • technology options: You may need to choose between things like single-view or dual-view technology, or transmission versus backscatter imaging. your choice will depend on factors such as cost, the average size and volume of mail you process, and what types of threats you expect to encounter.
  • feature options: units can come with all sorts of additional abilities, such as color coding and image zooming, automatic detection (and alerting operators) of objects or threats requiring ID cards or other authentication systems to gain access, and even send scans of identified or potential threats to the appropriate staff members via email or push notifications. choose a model with the features you think will be most beneficial to your organization, based on what you do and how you operate.
  • Ease of use: Remember that you will need to train employees on how to use the machine, so look for one that is easy to operate. a model that has intuitive touch screen controls is better.

top 5 x-ray scanners for conveyor belt mailrooms

These are some of the best carrier type mail screening devices on the market. their larger sizes and adjustable speed conveyors make them ideal for larger mailrooms that process a lot of mail or lots of bulky packages.

1. vote xr3d-60

VOTI XR3D-60 x-ray scanner

ideal for: packages, bags, envelopes

key features: “3d perspective” technology automatically stitches multiple images together to provide the equivalent of dual-view detection and only costs the same as a single-view machine. Pseudo-density layers allow you to highlight materials within certain density ranges and quickly toggle between ranges. multilingual capabilities allow you to quickly switch between multiple interface languages.

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2. vote xr3d-6d

VOTI XR3D-6D x-ray scanner

ideal for: packages, bags, envelopes

key features: the dual view system allows you to scan an object from multiple angles at once. can provide automatic alerts if it detects objects above a certain density. touch interface with the ability to display the previous 5 scans at once. comes with uninterruptible power supply and power conditioner.

3. todd research tr70a x-ray scanner

Todd Research TR70A x-ray scanner

best for: mail, packages, carry-on, luggage

Main Features: Materials inside the containers can be identified by their atomic numbers. images can be enlarged up to 96x. capable of handling loads up to 180 kg.

4. smiths hi-scan 5030c detection x-ray scanner

Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 5030C x-ray scanner

ideal for: letters, packages, suitcases, bags

main features: comes with a trolley, equipped with vibration dampers, which allows easy transport without the need to recalibrate. trolley also comes with a storage compartment. the hitrax 3 electronic/software platform consistently provides clear, easy-to-interpret images.

5. my group solutions mr50 transporter x-ray scanner

My Group Solutions MR50 X-Ray Conveyor Scanner

ideal for: mail bags, parcels, luggage

key features: capable of searching for materials of a specific density and alerting the operator if found. capable of discriminating between organic, inorganic and metallic materials, including enhanced dust detection capabilities. The monitor interface for images allows for color contrast, edge enhancement, 360-degree rotation, and up to 64x zoom. 250GB internal storage allows you to record scanned information and then forward it via email or save it to an external storage device.

top 4 mailroom scanners for cabinets

These are the types of mailroom scanners to look for if space is at a premium in your mailroom or if you typically have relatively low volumes of mail to process. you’re going to want a machine that’s small, secure, and accurate, which is what these scanners are.

1. scanna scanmax 225 cabinet x-ray scanner

Scanna Scanmax 225 cabinet x-ray scanner

ideal for: mail trays, padded bags, parcels, file boxes, briefcases, backpacks

key features: built-in “scanview” image enhancement software includes filters that help improve detection of low-density materials such as liquids or powders. images can be stored in the scanner or exported as files; the latter can be printed, placed on external storage devices, or emailed over the Internet.

2. autoclear mailguard x-ray security screening system

Autoclear Mailguard x-ray security screening system

ideal for: wallets, electronics, letters, mail bags, packages

main features: very high resolution images. Its compact size allows it to fit on a desk or counter. easy and cheap to run and maintain.

3. todd research tr15 + smart scan cabinet x-ray scanner

Todd Research TR15 + Smart Scan Cabinet X-Ray Scanner

ideal for: any object less than 1.44 cubic meters

Main Features: The 22-inch touch screen monitor with a resolution of 1910 x 1080 pixels allows for a clear display of images. Built-in Wi-Fi capability allows you to send emails or print scans. greater ability to detect powdery substances.

4. x-ray cabin scanner my group solutions mr40

My Group Solutions MR40 X-Ray Cabinet Scanner

ideal for: detecting powders and bomb components (detonators, batteries)

Key Features: One of the largest cabinet scanners available, yet has a small footprint (less than 0.3m). 3-point density alert system to identify high, medium and low density materials, including enhanced dust detection capabilities. easy-to-use touch interface that allows you to quickly save, print, export or email images.

top 3 portable scanners for mail rooms

If you tend to handle a lot of potentially hazardous organic materials in your mail room, or need to scan some awkward objects on the go without necessarily handling them, then perhaps a portable mail screening machine suits your needs.

1. as&e mini z

AS&E MINI Z Backscatter Imaging System

ideal for: vehicles, walls, furniture, aircraft interiors, packages

Key Features: Ready-to-go stand-alone unit with built-in Wi-Fi and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 4 hours. a dedicated tablet that displays images in real time. capable of creating composite images through manual image stitching.

2. vidisco guardian x-ray system 17

VIDISCO Guardian 17 X-Ray System

ideal for: environments that contain a lot of dust, water or items that are not safe to touch

Key Features: Military-grade durability. Contains two interchangeable batteries for continuous use. remote operating range up to 1 mile. one-touch image capture and filtering capabilities. removable handle on the sensor panel that allows the orientation of the image in a vertical or horizontal position.

3. viken detection hbi-120 portable x-ray imager

Viken Detection HBI-120 Handheld X-Ray Imager

ideal for: motor vehicles, boats, aircraft, steel drums, garbage cans, mailboxes, backpacks, parcels

key features: capable of scanning through materials up to the equivalent thickness of 3mm steel. light weight 8.1 lbs. scans up to one square foot (30cm x 30cm) per second. comes with a built-in video camera and flashlight.

other types of mailroom security equipment

Often, an x-ray package scanner won’t be the only inspection device you’ll need in the mailroom. while it’s good at detecting solid objects with distinctive shapes, it won’t always detect every type of threat it might encounter. for example, it can be hard to tell if things like liquids or powders are dangerous just by looking at them. and vision is virtually useless for detecting extremely low-density threats like toxic gases, harmful microbes, or nuclear radiation.

You will typically need specialized equipment to detect chemical, biological, nuclear, or even some explosive threats in the mail. here are some of the other types of mail room detection equipment you may need, depending on the classes of threats you expect to encounter (which, in turn, may be based on the industries you or your clients work in).

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air samplers

Air sampling equipment should be installed at the loading dock as well as inside the mailroom. This will help detect hazardous gases, toxic chemical vapors, and some biohazards. Ideally, your team should form a system that can be constantly monitored by security personnel while also immediately alerting employees (via an alarm, audio announcement, etc.) if there is a problem.

sample products

  • sass 2400 Low Volume Wet Air Sampler: This air sampling system’s claim to fame is its energy efficiency, allowing it to run unattended for extended periods of time.

    plus 100 eco – A small, lightweight, economical air sampling system commonly used in the food and beverage industry.

    pcr sieves and negative pressure systems

    The most effective way to detect biohazards is by using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device. This uses dummy biomaterial, along with a cycle of heating and cooling, to accelerate DNA replication so that a small biological sample becomes large enough to be correctly identified.

    Negative pressure workstations and/or room systems are also useful against many mail threats, especially biohazards. they work by continuously forcing air out of an area, which lowers the air pressure and naturally draws air from higher pressure areas into the area through a filter (or filters). this removes potentially contaminated air from the area and replaces it with clean air only.

    sample products

    • purair safesearch ductless fume hood: a negative pressure workstation used to filter potential contaminants (such as hazardous drugs, chemical vapors, and biomaterials) away from workers handling potentially compromised packages.

      smiths detection bioflash mailguard system: a mail biohazard detection system that is easy to use, fast and capable of detecting microbes almost as well as real pcr tests.

      Bio-Rad CFX384 Touch Real-Time PCR System: It is more of a laboratory PCR device designed for fast and high-throughput screening. its touch screen interface also makes it quite easy to use.

      radiation locators and scanning equipment

      Your mailroom may also need nuclear radiation detection equipment, especially if you work in industries such as medicine or agriculture that may regularly handle low-radioactivity materials. must be able to detect different types of radiation, as well as differentiate between safe and dangerous levels of radioactivity.

      A constantly monitored radiation detection system must be installed outside of your facility and off the loading dock. additionally, employees should wear radiation locators individually as an added precaution.

      sample products

      • asap ii from research international: This is an all-in-one customizable suite of mail detection equipment designed to quickly and efficiently detect chemical, biological, nuclear, and explosive threats in mail. includes negative pressure rooms, uses minimal consumables, and requires little operator training or assistance.

        STE Radiation Pager: An upgraded version of STE’s standard personal gamma radiation detector that is small, lightweight, rugged, waterproof, easy to use, and affordable.

        excellent resources to increase the security of your mail room

        • the ultimate guide to mail room security and control: a comprehensive guide to why mail is scanned, what threats to watch out for, what equipment you may need for control, and what is your action it should be a plan to defend yourself and deal with suspicious packets.

          who protects your mail? – a guide to mail center security: mail room security tips and resources straight from uspis.

          Suspicious Mail: Characteristics of Potentially Dangerous Packages: Learn the common signs that an email may contain something dangerous. this will help you act on potential email threats as quickly as possible.

          The Five Pillars of Mail Room Security: An Overview of Which Types of Organizations Tend to Receive the Most Threats in the Mail, As Well as How to Properly Manage Your Organization’s Employees, Standard Procedures , training, technology, and emergency response plans to be as prepared as possible for a suspicious email incident.

          Identify and address different types of email threats: Determining that an email is suspicious is just the beginning. Different classes of threats may require different responses, so it is important to be able to make an educated guess about what the nature of the danger might be.

          Top 5 Mail Screening Myths: In case you still haven’t convinced yourself to step up your mail screening game, here are rebuttals against 5 common excuses for not improving mail room security.

          Mail Room Security: Best Practices and Detection Procedures: Here are some security benchmarks to help you keep your mail room safe, no matter what kinds of threats you may encounter.

          That concludes our guide to the best x-ray mail scanning machines available today. We hope this has given you a framework for deciding how best to address your organization’s mail room security needs and what type of equipment you will need to do so. For starters, try browsing through Voti Screening’s x-ray screening machine lines to see if what they have to offer is a good fit.

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