These machines are used to inspect the contents of baggage and parcels without opening them. The X-ray machine have provision for zooming in as well as intensity adjustments so that it can penetrate upto various depths in the luggage. The efficiency and the success of such a machine depends to a large extends on the operator who views the result on a monitor. It requires a trained person to understand the images being displayed.

The present day X-ray machines are 'Film Safe' i.e. the films in the cameras are not adversely effected if the camera is passed through the X-ray machine. For 400 ASA or above this may not be valid.