Micro Computed Tomography Market Size & Outlook, 2026-2034

Micro Computed Tomography Market Overview

The global micro computed tomography market size is estimated at USD 295.72 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 529.57 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.73% during the forecast period. Remarkable growth of the market is propelled by the rising adoption of micro-scale structural imaging for validating complex geometries in advanced manufacturing processes, particularly in sectors using lattice frameworks, composite layering, and micro-engineered components that require detailed internal assessment before product deployment.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• North America held a dominant share of the global market, accounting for 36.47% share in 2025.
• The Asia Pacific region is growing at the fastest pace, with a CAGR of 8.73%.
• Based on Product, the in vivo micro-CT segment is projected to record the fastest growth of 7.12% over the forecast period.
• Based on Application, the life sciences segment dominated the market in 2025, with a 38.20% share.
• Based on End Use, the research institutes segment dominated the market in 2025 with a revenue share of 37.70%.
• The U.S. dominates the global micro computed tomography market, valued at USD 90.65 million in 2024 and reaching USD 96.37 million in 2025.

Graph: U.S. Market Revenue Forecast (2022 – 2034)

Source: Straits Research

Market Size & Forecast

• 2025 Market Size: USD 295.72 million
• 2034 Projected Market Size: USD 529.57 million
• CAGR (2025 to 2034): 6.73%
• Dominating Region: North America
• Fastest-Growing Region: Asia Pacific

The micro computed tomography market comprises systems, software, and related services that enable three-dimensional imaging of internal structures in biological specimens, industrial components, geological samples, and engineered materials without physical sectioning. This market includes in vivo and ex vivo micro-CT platforms designed for applications across life sciences, orthopedics, dentistry, agribio research, material science analysis, and oil and gas geology evaluation. End users such as industries, research institutes, diagnostic imaging laboratories, and specialized laboratories use micro-CT systems to study internal morphology, assess structural variations, support preclinical investigations, evaluate product quality, and guide research programs that require high-resolution volumetric visualization.

Latest Market Trends

Expansion of Multi-Scale Imaging Workflows in Cross-Disciplinary Research

A rising trend in the micro computed tomography market is the expansion of multi-scale imaging workflows that combine micro CT with complementary techniques such as confocal microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and histology. Researchers are integrating these approaches to study structural changes across different depth levels within biological tissues, engineered materials, and geological samples. This trend is strengthening the use of micro CT as a central tool for projects that require layered imaging while maintaining sample integrity.

Growing Use of Micro CT in Additive Manufacturing Validation

The major trend shaping the market is the rising adoption of micro CT for validating 3D-printed components across aerospace, dental manufacturing, defence, and precision engineering. Manufacturers are increasingly using micro CT to assess internal porosity, layer uniformity, and structural alignment before mass production. This shift reflects a broader movement toward imaging-guided quality evaluation, where micro CT provides insight into hidden defects that cannot be detected through surface-level inspection.

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Market Driver

Rising Adoption of High-Resolution Imaging for Material Qualification

A key driver in the micro CT market is the growing requirement for detailed analysis during material qualification. Industries such as electronics, automotive, and biomedical engineering rely on micro CT to examine microstructures, bonding patterns, and internal geometry of components during design and development. This demand for precise visualization of internal formations is prompting research centers and industrial laboratories to expand their imaging suites with micro CT systems that can capture complex structures without altering the sample.

Market Restraint

Challenges In Maintaining Imaging Stability for High-Density Samples

A key restraint in the micro computed tomography market is the difficulty in maintaining imaging stability when scanning high-density or irregular samples. These materials often require extended exposure settings and precise adjustment of scanning parameters to avoid distortion or incomplete reconstruction. Laboratories without specialized sample-mounting accessories or controlled scanning environments face inconsistencies in image output, which limits the routine use of micro CT for complex materials across research and industrial settings.

Market Opportunity

Increasing Integration of Micro CT into Collaborative Research Platforms

A growing opportunity for the market lies in the incorporation of micro CT into shared research platforms established by universities, industrial consortia, and government laboratories. These platforms promote resource pooling, enabling research groups with varying budgets to access advanced imaging technologies. This model encourages broader equipment deployment, strengthens multi-institution collaborations, and opens pathways for industry-academia partnerships focused on long-term imaging projects.

Regional Analysis

North America held the largest share of 36.47% in the micro computed tomography market in 2025, supported by the steady adoption of high-resolution imaging systems across biomedical research centers, aerospace labs, and industrial inspection units. Research organizations in the region continue to expand specimen analysis programs that rely on micro CT for 3D visualization of biological tissues, polymers, metals, and composite structures. Growth is further shaped by strong funding for scientific instrumentation and well-established collaborations between universities, research hospitals, and technology developers.

The U.S. market is shaped by the broad use of micro CT within preclinical studies, advanced manufacturing inspection, and materials science programs. Federal research initiatives and institutional grants have encouraged the installation of micro CT platforms across national laboratories and academic institutions. Integration of micro CT systems with digital data management tools is allowing researchers to process large imaging datasets with improved workflow coordination.

Asia Pacific Market Insights

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional market, projected to expand at a CAGR of 8.73% during the forecast period due to rising investments in research capabilities and quality assurance infrastructure. Universities and industrial laboratories across the region are incorporating micro CT for material characterization, electronics evaluation, and biological imaging. Growing interest in additive manufacturing inspection has also increased demand for desktop and mid-scale systems across Japan, China, and South Korea.

India’s market is evolving as research institutions expand imaging capacities for engineering studies, dental applications, and agricultural analysis. Public and private sector collaborations are supporting the procurement of laboratory equipment suited to localized project requirements. National digital programs are also increasing system connectivity within research networks, improving data access for multidisciplinary teams.

Pie Chart: Regional Market Share, 2025

Source: Straits Research

Europe Market Insights

The European market is expanding as research councils promote collaborative imaging programs across universities and industrial R&D centers. Adoption is supported by structured funding mechanisms that encourage procurement of advanced laboratory instruments for materials engineering, life sciences, and industrial testing. Pan-European scientific networks continue to conduct cross-facility studies that rely on micro CT for detailed internal imaging of diverse sample sets.

Germany’s market is progressing through strong industrial demand for micro CT in precision manufacturing, metallurgy, and automotive component analysis. Research facilities are integrating micro CT with automated evaluation tools to streamline large sample testing. National programs supporting digital engineering and material qualification are creating broader opportunities for system deployment across academic and industrial labs.

Middle East and Africa Market Insights

The Middle East and Africa market is advancing with increased interest in micro CT for geological studies, infrastructure inspection, and university-based research programs. Governments are strengthening scientific facilities through new research grants, enabling laboratories to introduce micro CT systems for advanced material and structural assessment. Regional institutions are also expanding remote collaboration capabilities to support long-distance data interpretation.

The UAE market is growing as research hubs integrate micro CT into materials analysis, conservation projects, and engineering investigations. National efforts to expand scientific capacity have encouraged partnerships with global equipment suppliers for training and technology transfer. Laboratories are adopting connected imaging workflows that allow specialists to review scans across multiple centers.

Latin America Market Insights

The Latin American market is developing as scientific organizations emphasize micro CT for agricultural studies, mineral evaluation, and biological research. Investments in regional research infrastructure have increased the installation of imaging platforms across universities and government laboratories. Awareness of micro CT’s role in high-resolution structural assessment is contributing to broader uptake across scientific disciplines.

Brazil’s market is expanding with the rising application of micro CT in mining research, botanical studies, and industrial inspection. Public research funding has supported the creation of shared imaging cores that serve diverse research groups. Partnerships between universities and industry have strengthened training and system maintenance capabilities, improving system utilization across the country.

Product Insights

The Ex Vivo Micro-CT segment dominated the market in 2025, reflecting its broad application base across research laboratories, material evaluation facilities, and industrial inspection units. Its wider acceptance is supported by its suitability for high-resolution imaging of specimens, mechanical components, biomaterials, and engineered structures, which drives consistent system procurement across academic and commercial environments. The segment continues to maintain strong demand as research institutions and product testing centers rely on ex vivo imaging to examine internal morphology without altering the sample.

The In Vivo Micro-CT segment is projected to record the fastest growth of 7.12%, supported by rising use in preclinical studies focusing on disease models, drug discovery, and longitudinal animal imaging. Increasing interest in non-invasive scanning for physiological and metabolic research is contributing to higher installation rates within specialized biomedical research facilities. Growing emphasis on creating detailed datasets for biological investigations is attracting interest from laboratories working on musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and developmental studies. Its current share of 7.12% reflects steady traction within targeted research programs.

Application Insights

The Life Sciences segment held the dominant share of 38.20% in 2025, influenced by expansive use of micro-CT for 3D analysis of biological tissues, preclinical disease modeling, small-animal research, and biomaterial evaluation. Research groups across universities, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech institutions continue to integrate micro-CT to support structural visualization, morphology tracking, and experimental validation. Adoption is rising across molecular biology, regenerative medicine, and orthobiologic development, which strengthens the segment’s market presence.

The Dentistry segment is anticipated to experience the fastest growth, driven by the increasing use of micro-CT for dental material characterization, implant evaluation, endodontic studies, and analysis of tooth microstructures. Dental universities and research centers are incorporating micro-CT to improve understanding of treatment outcomes and material interactions, and this trend is raising the segment’s visibility. Its share of 7.42% highlights expanding interest from both academic researchers and dental product developers who rely on precise imaging for structural assessment.

End Use Insights

The Research Institutes segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 37.70% in 2025, owing to widespread installation of micro-CT systems across universities, national laboratories, and multidisciplinary research facilities. These institutes deploy micro-CT for material science projects, biological analysis, engineering research, and industrial testing collaborations. Growing project-based funding and cross-departmental imaging initiatives have strengthened the role of research institutes as primary users of high-resolution micro-CT platforms.

The Diagnostic Imaging Labs segment is projected to witness the fastest growth of 7.56%, supported by growing interest in micro-CT for specimen-level visualization, material forensics, and specialized laboratory imaging services. The segment’s share of 7.56% represents rising adoption among advanced imaging centers offering micro-structural analysis for clinical research, industrial clients, and academic collaborations. The expanding availability of dedicated imaging labs and demand for detailed sample evaluation are contributing to this segment’s growth momentum.

Segmentation by End Use in 2025 (%)

Source: Straits Research

Competitive Landscape

The global micro computed tomography market is moderately fragmented, with a mix of dominant multinational corporations and several specialized mid-sized and emerging companies.

NeoScan: An emerging market player

NeoScan is positioning itself as a next-generation developer of compact, high-resolution micro-CT systems designed for academic laboratories, materials science departments, and industrial R&D teams seeking accessible and user-friendly imaging solutions. The company differentiates itself through lightweight system designs, cost-efficient configurations, and targeted product development aimed at bridging the gap between high-end research systems and more affordable mid-range devices. By focusing on portability, intuitive software, and flexible application support, NeoScan has expanded adoption in smaller research institutes and universities, especially in regions where premium systems from global leaders remain cost-prohibitive. This rising traction underscores its growing influence as a competitive challenger within the evolving micro-CT landscape.

List of key players in Micro Computed Tomography Market

1. ST Instruments B.V. 
2. Baker Hughes Company
3. GE Healthcare
4. Shimadzu Corporation
5. RX Solutions
6. QRM GmbH
7. Comet
8. Mediso Ltd.
9. Trifoil Imaging LLC
10. Nikon Metrology NV
11. Rigaku Holdings Corporation
12. TESCAN GROUP
13. SCANCO Medical AG
14. North Star Imaging Inc. 
15. Sanying Precision Instruments Co., Ltd 
16. NeoScan
17. Thermo Fisher Scientific
18. Bruker
19. Others

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Strategic Initiatives

• March 2025: Canadian researchers used a synchrotron at the Canadian Light Source to capture 3D views of cracks formed in steels from hydrogen embrittlement by means of micro-CT imaging.
• July 2024: Thermo Fisher Scientific completed the acquisition of Olink, a provider of innovative proteomics solutions. The company had pursued this strategic move to enhance its capabilities in life sciences and diagnostics by integrating Olink’s cutting-edge proteomics technology, which was pivotal for high-throughput biomarker discovery and validation.