Industrial Inspection Launches Card X-Ray Service

In a surprising move, Industrial Inspection & Consulting has entered the world of trading cards with a unique offering—CT scanning sealed packs for a mere $75. Originally intended to exhibit the precision of their CT scanning technology, this service has quickly become a topic of interest and contention within the collecting community.

Just a short while ago, Industrial Inspection garnered attention by scanning a sealed pack of Pokémon cards, demonstrating the capabilities of their technology. Despite initially stating no intentions of branching into card scanning services, the company altered course this week, including trading cards as part of their CT scanning offerings.

The Service

For the price of $75, Industrial Inspection allows customers to CT scan their sealed packs of trading cards, granting them access to the necessary viewing program to analyze the contents. The company is looking to expand this service further by encompassing sealed boxes in the near future.

Industry Reactions

The introduction of this technology has sparked mixed reactions in the collecting community. Some industry insiders express doubts about the widespread adoption of the service, speculating that its impact may primarily benefit high-end products. There are also concerns about whether collectors possess the knowledge to interpret the scans effectively.

Keith Irwin, the general manager of Industrial Inspection, revealed that the company received ten scan requests within just two hours of posting their initial case study on YouTube. Subsequently, their website traffic has surged by an astonishing 17,000 percent.

“We began to notice a significant increase in interest,” Irwin shared with cllct. “This interest is not only coming from individuals and collectors but also from auction houses. It seems like everyone is both upset and eager to participate. If we do not provide this service, someone else surely will.”

Irwin refrained from disclosing further details due to non-disclosure agreements, but emphasized that most inquiries revolved around the technology’s capabilities. Speculation suggests that group breakers might employ this technology to identify and retain the most valuable boxes, while others consider its application for authenticating sealed vintage boxes.

Community Concerns

The collecting community is divided on the implications of this technology. Before the recent case studies, most collectors were unaware that X-ray technology could be utilized in this manner. The ability to scan packs for a minimal fee has ignited significant discussions and debates.

A considerable portion of the community has expressed disapproval of the practice, while Irwin and Industrial Inspection argue that the service should be accessible to all collectors, not just the high-end market.

“Our objective is to offer this service to everyone,” stated Irwin. “We aim to be the ethical conductors in this evolving landscape. If we do not provide this service, others are likely to do it, potentially in less ethical ways.”

Ethical Considerations

The introduction of this service raises various ethical and moral dilemmas. While collaborating with auction houses or authenticators could be viewed positively, it may restrict individual collectors who wish to verify their collections. Distinguishing between beneficial and detrimental uses of this technology poses a challenge.

Irwin posed a significant question, “If we choose not to engage in this, what are the consequences?” He emphasized that someone else would step in if they did not, and they participate to act responsibly.

Despite their intentions, the potential impact on the secondary market, particularly for high-end products, is substantial. While scanning packs or boxes of lower-tier products may not be cost-effective, for vintage sports cards, early Pokémon releases, and premium ultra-modern sets, the technology could usher in a new era.

It remains uncertain if major trading card manufacturers are taking measures to safeguard customers. Requests for comments from Panini America, Topps, and Upper Deck did not receive immediate responses.

Future of Card Scanning

Irwin noted that Industrial Inspection could thrive without the card scanning service, but acknowledges its potential as a lucrative revenue stream. One potential solution for card manufacturers could involve using dosimeter stickers that change color upon radiation exposure, indicating whether a box has undergone scanning.

For now, Industrial Inspection aims to progress with scanning packs and, in due time, boxes. They are also considering scanning encapsulated sealed packs for collectors who wish to open them.

Regardless of the services provided, ethical and moral considerations will persist for Industrial Inspection. The company’s website acknowledges the complexity of the situation, and collectors seem to share this sentiment.

“We have clearly resonated with the community,” Irwin reflected. “People have invested a significant part of their lives in these industries, and it forces us to question whether our actions were just. However, if we did not bring this to light and offer it as a service, individuals would engage in these practices covertly. We are in a position where inaction is wrong, yet taking action is also questioned.”

Source

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *