E-Beam vs. X-ray Sterilization
Looking to elevate your sterilization process?
E-Beam delivers unmatched speed and sustainability.
E-Beam and X-ray Side By Side Comparison
| Capabilities |  E-Beam | X-ray |
|---|---|---|
| Sterilization Source | Grid electricity | Grid electricity |
| Technology Maturity | High | Medium |
| Process Quantity | Boxes | Pallet |
| Processing Time | Seconds | Minutes |
| Sustainability & Environmental Impact | As clean as the electricity used to power the system | As clean as the electricity used to power the system |
| Benefits | • Extremely efficient: sustainably process most volume / year • Gentlest on materials as compared to other forms of radiation sterilization • Best $ / capacity available | • Whole-pallet processing • Tight DUR performance |
| Limitations | • Products requiring tight DURs can be challenging • Large / dense products can be challenging | • Most technology risk (few sites operational) • Consumes most power |
| Outlook | Growth: efficient, sustainable technology | Growth: Replace gamma for DUR-sensitive products |
Advantages
E-Beam
E-Beam offers extremely fast processing times, often within seconds. This makes it ideal for high-volume operations that require rapid throughput.
Since it relies on grid electricity, E-Beam is as environmentally friendly as the power source. It has no chemical by-products and avoids the use of radioactive materials.
The most cost-efficient method per unit for high-volume sterilization needs, making it a popular choice for mass production.
X-ray
X-ray offers deep penetration capabilities, allowing it to sterilize dense or large products without the need for reconfiguration of packaging.
X-ray combines the sustainability of E-Beam with the penetration power of Gamma, giving it a unique balance between high efficiency and material compatibility.
It is well-suited for a wide range of product types and packaging, including pallets, without needing to be depalletized.
What NextBeam Customers Say
“Our companies have been utilizing contract sterilization services for over two decades and NextBeam’s professionalism, promptness, and first-class service have made a significant difference in our operations, and we genuinely value the partnership. We look forward to continuing this collaborative relationship with a team that understands our needs.”
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Beam & X-ray Sterilization
E-Beam is the faster option, delivering sterilization in minutes or seconds. X-Ray, though quicker than some alternatives like EO, is slower due to its system inefficiencies and larger equipment.
E-Beam tends to be more cost-effective, especially for high-volume operations, due to its efficient use of energy.
X-ray offers superior penetration, similar to gamma radiation, making it suitable for denser or more complex products. E-Beam is better suited for simpler geometries and lower-density items.
Both methods are cleaner than EO, as they use electricity and don’t produce harmful chemicals. However, E-Beam is more energy-efficient than X-ray.
E-Beam has a longer track record of reliability, with stable systems that run on clean electricity. X-ray, being newer to the market, is still proving its long-term reliability, especially given the larger, more complex systems involved.
E-Beam is more scalable and adaptable to high-throughput environments due to its compact equipment and efficient energy use. X-ray, though scalable, requires substantial infrastructure investment, making it better suited for specialized applications.
