Medical x-ray film processor are the most important part for the X-ray image processing, these processors are used to decipher the information carried by weakened x-ray beam, when they are passed through the tissues. They capture the invisible image into visible form. The main part of an x-ray film is a radiation sensitive, photographically active material made in the form of emulsion quoted on the supporting material called base.

In processor, the film is exposed to various chemicals solutions for well-ordered period of time. X-ray film processing majorly involves five steps: development, stopping the development, fixing, washing, and drying. Based on the product type, two medical x-ray film processor are available in the market, which include semi-automatic film processor and fully automatic film processor.

Global Medical X-Ray Film Processor Market Dynamics

Market players are engaged in adopting several market strategies such as partnership, mergers, collaboration, and renewal of government ISO certification to retain leading position in the medical x-ray film processor market. In March 2019, - Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire the Healthcare Information Systems business of Carestream Health Inc., a US-based provider of medical imaging and healthcare IT solutions for hospitals, imaging centers and specialty medical clinics.

In April 2018, Merry X-Ray Corporation (MXR) announced the purchase of Nationwide Imaging Services, Inc. Nationwide is an international broker, re-conditioner/re-seller, parts-supplier, and servicer of medical imaging equipment. In 2017, Codonics Inc. and Plexus Technology Group LLC (Plexus TG), a provider of Anesthesia Information Management Systems (AIMS), strengthened their partnership by elevating Plexus TG to a value-added reseller for Codonics Safe Label System (SLS).

New product launches for medical X-ray Film processor is expected to boost the market growth. For instance, in May 2016, Agfa HealthCare launched a digital radiography (DR) upgrade program, which provides a quick transition from traditional film-based X-ray systems to digital X-ray systems. In November 2013, PerkinElmer, launch the XRpad 4336 wireless cassette detector component for easy upgrade from film to digital, leading to better image quality and lower costs. The XRpad 4336 cassette detector is a wireless, lightweight cassette-sized flat panel detector component suitable for the full range of digital radiography (DR) applications.

Increasing incidences of road accidents, injury and trauma, around the globe is expected to drive growth of the global medical x-ray film processor market. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2018 report, road traffic crashes cost most countries 3% of their gross domestic product, around 90% of the world's fatalities on the roads occur in middle and low income economies. Also, road accidents are the leading cause of death among people aged between 15 and 29 years. More than 1.25 million people die annually as a result of road accidents.

Moreover, increasing patient visits to physicians for minor bone injury due to sports, work, and others are boosting growth of the medical x-ray film processor market. For instance, according to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2013 report, around 18,623,616 people visited physician for knee pain symptoms and injuries and around 7,853,011 visits were reported for leg injuries.

Furthermore, increasing adoption of imaging techniques in the healthcare sector is likely to propel growth of the medical x-ray film processor market. For instance, according to the National Health Services U.K. diagnostic imaging dataset statistical release, around 41 million medical imaging tests were reported in England in 2017, nearly 3.49 million imaging tests were performed in January 2017, with radiograph (X-ray) being the most common performed medical procedure 1.89 million times.

However, availability of alternative imaging products with better imaging solution such as MRI and high maintenance cost associated with the use of medical x-ray film processor is expected to hamper the medical x-ray film processor market growth.

Global Medical X-Ray Film Processor Market – Regional Landscape

Based on the basis of region, the global medical x-ray film processor market is segmented into North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. North America holds the dominant position in the global medical x-ray film processor market, owing to development of innovative imaging technologies and well established healthcare facilities. For instance, according to published report in National Science and Technology Council 2017, 79 million CT scans, 39 million MRI scans, and 1.7 million PET scans were performed in the U.S in 2015.

Asia pacific is projected to witness significant growth in global medical x-ray market, followed by Europe, owing to high prevalence of trauma and traffic road accidents in the region. For instance, according to the report of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways India 2016, around 4,94,624 people were injured in 4,80,652 number of road crashes and 1,50,785 people were killed in 2016. Also, the number of road crash deaths have increased by 31% from 2007 to 2017 and that of fatal road crashes have increased by 25.6% in the same period.

Global Medical X-Ray Film Processor Market – Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the global medical x-ray film processor market include Z&Z Medical Inc., LAC Medical Supplies Sdn Bhd, Carestream Health, ARI Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Colenta, PROTEC GmbH & Co. KG, DaitoMitech, and Konica Minolta, Inc.

Global Medical X-Ray Film Processor Market – Taxonomy

On the basis of product type: