Accessing NXCT Equipment
How can I access the facilities at the NXCT?
Whether or not you’ve used X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) or are simply looking to explore what the technique can do for you, we have a range of access models to support academic and industry users alike.
Make an enquiry
Whether you need cost estimates, equipment advice, feasibility guidance, or an introduction to X-ray CT, we're here to help.
Use this option if:
- Planning a research project proposal and need to identify costings based on your requirements
- Unsure which piece of equipment you may need for your activity
- Unsure if your project is feasible
- Need som advice on how to prep your samples
- A commercial company that would like an informal conversation about x-ray CT experiments
- New to x-ray CT and you would like to find out more about what it can do
What are the next steps:
- Your enquiry will come through to our tracking system and a member of technical staff will be in touch to discuss your project with you
Make an application
If you know exactly which piece of equipment you need for your work and/or at which NXCT facility
Use this option if:
- You know exactly which piece of equipment you need for your work and/or at which NXCT facility
- Your samples are ready for scanning
What are the next steps:
- Your enquiry will come through to our tracking system and a member of technical staff will be in touch to discuss your project with you
- They will schedule time on the appropriate equipment for you and assist you throughout your experiment
Free access scheme
Are you a researcher or an SME? Then you could be eligible to apply for our Free Access Scheme
NXCT has funding available to support a research, teaching or public engagement topic that requires access to X-ray Computed Tomography facilities.
If you meet any of the following criteria, you could be eligible to apply for our Free Access Scheme:
| New Users | Never used X-ray CT for their research before |
| Development of a new technique | New technique must have a route to dissemination so that others can benefit from it |
| Development of a new environment/rig | Outputs from this work should help future users |
| Proof of concept experiments prior to a grant bid | Clear route to support a proposal for funding within reasonable timescales |
| Be of high novelty, involving blue skies ideas, which are difficult to fund in traditional ways or require very rapid access | Providing information on the likelihood of success will be critical to us assessing the application |
| Creation of materials for public engagement/outreach/advocacy | Expected outputs, dissemination and timescales need to be described in the application |
| Contribution to round robin/standards | Details of outputs expected need to be described in the application |
To seek funding to access our equipment please review the Free Beamtime Access Scheme Eligibility guidance and request through the NXCT application form.
Funding available for research, teaching or public engagement
Through the Beamtime Access Scheme, NXCT has funding available to support access to X-Ray computed tomography facilities for public interest subjects. Get in touch to see if you’re eligible
Access costs
Whether or not you’ve used X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) or are simply looking to explore what the technique can do for you, we have a range of access models to support academic and industry users alike.
Academic
Access charges for all of our facilities are calculated using TRAC (transparent approach to costing). Each piece of equipment has a daily charge rate. Please contact us for prices for individual scanners, rigs and computing/software access via our enquiry form. As a guideline the average cost of an X-ray scanner is £1000 per day and includes use of the scanner with staff support. Staff support is available within the working day but scans can be left to run overnight. Rigs costs £300 per day to use.
Industry
Access charges are calculated based on £1800 per day for an X-ray scanner. Please contact us for a quotation for scanners, rigs and computing/software access.
Digital Imaging Lab
There is a daily charge for accessing our computing/software if you have not collected your data within the NXCT. The price will depend on your needs. Please contact us directly to find out more.
IT Resources
Whether or not you’ve used X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) or are simply looking to explore what the technique can do for you, we have a range of access models to support academic and industry users alike.
Data Storage
Each NXCT facility will have sufficient local data storage capability to store user data for a minimum of 30 days. This will be sufficient for reconstruction and data analysis purposes. We can recommend solutions for longer term storage and can help you manage your data requirements.
Reconstruction
All X-ray scanners come with dedicated reconstruction workstations we also have several advanced workstations that are dedicated to deliver advanced reconstructions including iterative reconstruction and utilising ASTRA, TIGRE and other tools. These can be used to reconstruct your scan data collected at the NRF. If you have collected your data elsewhere please contact us for access information.
Data Analysis
We offer all our users, including users who have collected their data elsewhere, access to extensive computing and software resources. We will also be providing training opportunities to help you exploit the software and data understanding you need to make the most of X-ray CT.