What material is commonly used for X-ray tube housing?

The most common material used for X-ray tube housing is lead. This is due to lead’s excellent radiation shielding properties, which are crucial in protecting both the patient and the healthcare personnel from stray radiation emitted during the X-ray process. The design of X-ray tube housings incorporates lead because it effectively absorbs the high-energy photons produced during X-ray generation, significantly reducing exposure to harmful radiation.

While other materials like aluminum, copper, and steel may have their uses in different components of the X-ray system—such as structural integrity or electrical conduction—they do not provide the same level of radiation protection as lead. Lead's density and atomic number make it particularly effective for this purpose, ensuring that the X-ray equipment adheres to safety regulations and standards. Thus, the selection of lead for tube housing reflects the necessity of combining functionality with safety in radiologic practices.