How to Choose Security Screening Equipment: A Practical Guide

How to Choose Security Screening Equipment: A Practical Guide

Security screening equipment forms the critical first line of defense in protecting public spaces, transportation hubs, and high-security facilities. Selecting the right combination of metal detectors,

X-ray machines, handheld scanners, and under-vehicle inspection systems requires careful consideration of your specific security needs and operational environment.

This guide provides essential factors to consider when investing in security screening solutions.

Walk-Through Metal Detectors

Walk-through metal detectors are essential for screening people at entry points. When selecting security gates, consider their detection sensitivity, passage speed, and anti-interference capabilities.

Modern detectors should minimize false alarms

while reliably detecting threat items. Look for models with adjustable sensitivity settings that can be calibrated for different security environments.

X-Ray Security Scanners

X-ray baggage scanners are vital for inspecting contents of luggage, packages, and cargo. Key considerations include tunnel size (which determines the maximum object size that can be scanned), image resolution, and penetration capability.

For high-traffic environments like airports and stations, choose systems with conveyor speeds of at least 0.23m/s and penetration capability of at least 36-38mm of steel.

Advanced multi-energy imaging systems that color-code materials (orange for organic, blue for inorganic, green for mixed) significantly enhance threat identification.

Hand-Held Metal Detectors

Hand-held detectors provide secondary screening and flexible security coverage. Important features include adjustable sensitivity, multiple alert modes (audible, visual, vibration), and battery life.

Quality devices should operate continuously for 24 hours on standard batteries and feature automatic sleep modes to conserve power. Ergonomic design is crucial—look for lightweight models with comfortable grips for extended use.

Under-Vehicle Inspection Systems

For perimeter security and vehicle screening, under-vehicle inspection systems provide comprehensive visibility.   offer high-resolution imaging (capable of detecting objects as small as 2mm in diameter), portable designs, and networked operation capabilities.

Look for systems with environmental protection ratings of at least IP68 for outdoor use, wide operating temperature ranges (-10°C to +60°C),

and options for automatic license plate recognition integration. These systems should provide complete, distortion-free images of vehicle undercarriages for accurate threat assessment.

General Selection Considerations

Across all security screening equipment, several universal factors should guide your decision:

Environment & Usage: Consider where and how often the equipment will be used. High-traffic venues need equipment with high throughput capabilities, while harsh environments require weather-resistant designs.

Operational Needs: Evaluate required detection capabilities, processing speed, and integration requirements with existing security systems.

Technical Specifications: Pay attention to resolution capabilities, detection accuracy, power requirements, and connectivity options.

Compliance & Certification: Ensure equipment meets relevant international standards and industry certifications.

Total Cost of Ownership: Consider not just purchase price but also maintenance requirements, warranty terms, and potential upgrade costs.