COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY
Computed Radiography (CR) is a digital imaging technology used in radiology to capture X-ray images without traditional film.
🔍 What is Computed Radiography?
Computed Radiography replaces conventional X-ray film with a special imaging plate (IP) inside a cassette. After exposure, the cassette is processed in a CR system to convert the image into a digital format.
⚙️ How It Works
- X-ray Exposure → Image is captured on a phosphor imaging plate
- Cassette Processing → Inserted into CR reader
- Laser Scanning → Releases stored image data
- Digital Conversion → Image appears on computer screen
- Erasing Plate → Ready for reuse
🧩 Main Components
- Imaging Plate (IP)
- CR Cassette
- CR Reader / Digitizer
- Workstation (Computer & Software
KONICA MINOLTA
🏥 KONICA REGIUS CR SYSTEM (Sigma II)
Best Overall (Clinic / Diagnostic Setup)
Konica Regius Sigma II CR System
🔧 Key Specifications
- Compact desktop CR (only ~28 kg)
- Throughput: up to 60 plates/hour
- Resolution: 87.5 / 175 micron selectable
- Image quality: 12-bit (4096 gray levels)
- Cassette sizes: 8×10 to 14×17 inch
- Software: ImagePilot (PACS + acquisition in one system)
✅ Advantages
- Very compact (ideal for small space clinics)
- Low power consumption (~100VA)
- High image quality (Konica processing technology)
- Easy installation & maintenance
🖨️ KONICA THERMAL PRINTER (DRYPRO SERIES)
Recommended Model (Laser Imager)
Medical-grade thermal printer with DICOM connectivity and multi-film size support.
🔧 Key Features
- Dry laser printing (no chemicals required)
- Film sizes: 8×10 to 14×17 inch
- DICOM compatible (direct PACS printing)
- Speed: ~40–50 films/hour
- High contrast & diagnostic quality output
📊 CR SYSTEM vs THERMAL PRINTER (WORKFLOW)
| Function | CR System | Thermal Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Image Capture | Yes | No |
| Image Processing | Yes | No |
| Image Printing | No | Yes |
| PACS Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Main Role | Digital Imaging | Hard Copy Output |
🏆 Best Setup Recommendation
For a complete radiology setup:
👉 REGIUS CR Sigma II + Drypro Thermal Printer = Full Digital + Film Output Solution
This combination is ideal for:
- Diagnostic centres
- Small & mid-size hospitals
- Portable / semi-digital X-ray setups
💰 Market Price (India Approx)
- CR System: ₹3.5L – ₹7L (new/refurbished)
- Thermal Printer: ₹4L – ₹5L
COMP.
Higher throughput CR system with faster plate processing for busy imaging centers.
✔ Faster processing (~70+ plates/hour)
✔ Suitable for high patient load
📊 Product Comparison Table
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | CR | CR | Thermal Printer |
| Throughput | Up to 60 plates/hr | Up to ~70–80 plates/hr | ~45 films/hr |
| Resolution | 87.5 µm | High | High (print quality) |
| Function | Imaging | Imaging | Printing |
| Best For | Clinics | High workload centers | Film output |
| Compact Size | Yes | Medium | Medium |
CARESTREAM
🏥 CARESTREAM VITA FLEX CR SYSTEM (Best for Clinics)
Best Overall (Compact Digital CR)
Carestream Vita Flex CR System
🔧 Key Specifications
- Throughput: 30 / 45 / 60 plates per hour
- Cassette sizes: 8×10 to 14×17 inch
- Orientation: Horizontal + Vertical (space-saving design)
- Software: Image Suite (easy workflow + PACS ready)
- Application: Clinic, hospital, mobile X-ray
✅ Advantages
- Compact & portable (ideal for small clinics)
- Fast digital imaging (few minutes result)
- Affordable digital upgrade (film to CR transition)
- Supports long-length imaging & dental options
🖨️ CARESTREAM DRYVIEW LASER PRINTER
High-Quality Film Output
High-resolution medical laser printer with DICOM compatibility and multi-film size support.
🔧 Key Features
- Dry laser technology (no chemicals required)
- Resolution: ~325 dpi medical-grade imaging
- DICOM connectivity (direct PACS printing)
- Multiple film sizes (8×10, 10×12, 14×17)
- High-speed printing (~40–70 films/hour depending model)
⚙️ COMPLETE WORKFLOW (CR + PRINTER)
- X-ray exposure → cassette
- Insert cassette into Vita Flex CR
- Image appears on workstation
- Send to DryView Laser Printer
- Get high-quality film output
👉 This is called Capture-to-Print Solution
📊 PRODUCT COMPARISON TABLE
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Function | Image Capture (CR) | Film Printing |
| Technology | Phosphor Plate + Laser Scan | Dry Laser Imaging |
| Throughput | 30–60 plates/hr | 40–70 films/hr |
| Output | Digital (DICOM) | Hard Copy Film |
| Software | Image Suite | DICOM Compatible |
| Best Use | Clinics / Mobile setups | Diagnostic film output |
| Space Requirement | Very compact | Medium |
🏆 Final Recommendation
- Small clinic / startup → Vita Flex CR + DryView 5700
- Mid-size diagnostic center → Vita Flex CR + DryView 5950
- Mobile X-ray setup → Vita Flex CR (best due to compact size)
👉 This combo is perfect alternative to Konica REGIUS + Drypro, slightly more budget-friendly and flexible.
💰 Approx Price (India Market)
- Vita Flex CR: ₹3L – ₹7L
- DryView Printer: ₹2.5L – ₹15L (depends on model / refurb)
🔥 Pro Tip (for your business – Parbhriti Medical Systems)