X-ray scans require specialized equipment.
X-ray scanning machines cost a lot of money. A home X-ray scanning kit can be made from common products found in most homes. A flatbed scanner used for scanning photographs or documents is readily available at thrift or other discount stores for a few dollars. Home X-ray scanning kits provide a good option even if you have a flatbed scanner. The devices can be used if you irreversibly alter the scanner in the process of converting it to an X-ray scanner. If you have the kit, you will not need a scanner for your other scanning needs. The light source supplied with the scanner will not suffice for scanning X-rays--an external illumination source will need to be fabricated.
Instructions
Modify the Scanner
1. Test the scanner to verify that it works properly.
2. Remove the lid of the flatbed scanner. This procedure often can be performed by simply opening the lid 90 degrees from its closed position and lifting it off. You may be required to remove the hinges.
3. Remove the outer shell of the flatbed scanner. Remove the screws that attach the top half of the outer shell (the part that contains the glass window), and lift the top half off the bottom portion of the outer shell.
4. Disconnect the fluorescent tube light bulb. This part is the long white tube that runs the width of the bed and illuminates the item you wish to scan. It can be disconnected by cutting the wire that is connected to the tube (usually white) or by reversibly disconnecting the wire from the circuit board or light bulb to enable you to convert the scanner back to a conventional scanner.
5. Replace the top half of the outer shell of the scanner. Reattach the screws to secure the top half to the bottom half of the outer shell.
6. Test the scanner's ability to scan objects with an external light source (such as a desk lamp) in place of the light source included with the scanner. Place objects, such as scissors, on the glass window of the scanner. Cover them with a sheet of paper to act as a light diffuser. Position the lamp above the scanner. Scan as normal using the software included with the scanner to view the scanned image.
Create an Illumination Source
7. Cut and discard the flaps on the top of a cardboard box. The box should ideally be the size of the glass window of the scanner, but the box can be slightly larger or smaller if needed.
8. Glue aluminum foil to each surface of the inside of the box to create a reflective surface that produces even lighting.
9. Cut a hole or holes slightly smaller than the size of the light or lights you will be using as a light source (lights from old lamps, for example) on the opposite side of the opening of the box. The holes should be sized in such a way that the lights can fit snugly into the holes.
10. Insert lights from old lamps or lights with individual bulb housings in the holes in the box. The light bulbs should be facing the opening of the box.
11. Glue transparent one-time-use tablecloth, silk or sketch paper to the open side of the box to create diffused, even light.
Scan the X-ray Film
12. Place the X-ray film on the glass window of the scanner.
13. Block the unused portion of the glass window with cardboard from a box (try cereal boxes). Use scissors to cut the cardboard to fit the unused portions of glass.
14. Place the light box on the scanner with the light bulbs facing down. Turn on the lights. Scan the X-ray film using the software that came with the scanner or other free open source scanning software.
Tags: glass window, outer shell, flatbed scanner, light source, with scanner
