ISO Certified
Lead Shielding
Lead is one of the most used materials for radiation shielding. Due to the high density of lead, it is very effective at reducing radiation exposure from x-rays and gamma rays. Because of the efficient shielding properties and relatively low price, Lead shielding is used in many industries, such as healthcare, nuclear energy, research, security, and many others. Our factory has the production facilities to manufacture our radiation shielding solutions in-house. Nuclear Shields is your go-to production facility for any radiation shielding or lead related solutions due to our production capabilities and more than 40 years of experience. Next to radiation shielding, OEM (shielding) parts are one of our specialties.
There are also other materials that can be used to shield ionizing radiation. Tungsten shielding is used in some situations, but due to the high price and difficult manufacturing process it is not used as widely. Tungsten is mostly used as shielding material in small(er) containers, shells and other small parts.
- Some examples of lead radiation shielding solutions:
- Lead lined cabinets
- Lead lined containers
- Working area shielding
- Lead casting
- Custom lead shielding
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Uses of lead radiation shielding
Lead shielding can be used for multiple purposes. Lead is mostly used to create a lead lining in containers and cabinets to store radioactive materials, but can also be used to shield barriers to protect personnel while working with radioactive materials. Examples of this are L-block shields and shielded biological safety cabinets.
Lead shielding vs tungsten shielding
When choosing a radiation shielding material it is important to keep a few things in mind. Gamma radiation is best shielded by materials with a high density. Most common materials to shield gamma radiation are lead and tungsten. Differences between lead and tungsten radiation shielding are:
- Tungsten is much more expensive than lead
- Casting of tungsten is not possible, while lead can be casted
- Lead is soft, making it more vulnerable
- Thin pieces of tungsten break easily
- Less tungsten is needed to provide a certain attenuation
- Lead needs to be covered or coated to prevent exposure
In conclusion, lead is the most economical choice of radiation shielding and is more flexible than tungsten.
Lead shielding manufacturers
Nuclear Shields has 40 years of experience in manufacturing lead shielding. Our production facility is capable of the complete manufacturing cycle from design to final assembly. The lead casting department comprises of three ovens. After the casting process, the lead parts may go to the CNC machining department where they are processed further to size and shape. When the lead parts have the specified size and shape they will be coated in the spray painting department. This coating will prevent exposure to the raw lead. Meanwhile, parts made from other materials will go through the CNC machining and welding departments. The last steps of the production process are assembly and quality control. Our factory is designed to meet the requirements for long-term serial production and one-off custom solutions and is ISO certified.