In a surprising move, Industrial Inspection & Consulting has rolled out a new service that allows individuals to CT scan sealed packs of trading cards for a fee of $75. Originally intended to showcase the precision of their CT scanning technology, this service has now become a topic of interest in the collecting community.
Just recently, Industrial Inspection gained attention by scanning a sealed pack of Pokémon cards, underscoring the potential of their technology. Although they initially stated no plans to venture into card scanning services, the company changed course, announcing the inclusion of trading cards in their CT scanning offerings.
For $75, Industrial Inspection enables customers to CT scan sealed packs of trading cards, providing the necessary viewing platform to examine the contents. They are also considering expanding the service to encompass sealed boxes in the near future.
The collecting community has shown mixed reactions to the introduction of this technology. While some express doubt about widespread adoption, believing its impact will primarily be on high-end products, others question whether collectors will be able to interpret the scans effectively without prior experience.
Keith Irwin, the general manager of Industrial Inspection, shared that following the posting of their initial case study on YouTube, the company received ten requests to scan packs within just two hours. Subsequently, their website traffic surged by more than 17,000 percent.
Irwin stated they have received inquiries mainly about the technology’s capabilities and hinted at potential applications such as group breakers using it to identify and retain the best boxes or for authenticating sealed vintage boxes.
The collecting community is grappling with concerns regarding the implications of this service. Before the recent case studies, most collectors were unaware of the possibility of applying X-ray technology in this manner, creating significant discussion around the $75 pack scanning service.
While a portion of the community opposes the practice, Irwin and Industrial Inspection advocate for making the service accessible to all collectors, not just those focused on high-end items. They emphasize the importance of offering an ethical alternative to potential less scrupulous providers.
With ethical considerations at the forefront, the ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding the service prompt questions about collaborating with auction houses and authenticators. While there are potential positive applications, there is a risk of limiting individual collectors’ access to verifying their collections.
Irwin raised the essential question of the consequences if they chose not to offer the service. He emphasized the responsibility to act ethically in a situation where others might exploit the technology in less reputable ways.
The impact on the secondary market, particularly for high-end products like vintage sports cards and early Pokémon releases, could be substantial. Despite uncertainties about manufacturers’ actions to safeguard customers, the technology has the potential to reshape how collectors interact with their prized items.
Looking ahead, Industrial Inspection acknowledges that they could sustain their business without the card scanning service, yet its profitability makes it an attractive venture. One potential solution to address concerns could involve manufacturers implementing dosimeter stickers to indicate if a box has been scanned.
For now, Industrial Inspection plans to forge ahead with scanning packs and potentially expanding to boxes. They may also offer scanning for encased sealed packs for collectors who desire to preserve them unopened.
As they progress with their offerings, the ethical and moral complexities surrounding the service will continue to be a pressing issue for Industrial Inspection. The company acknowledges the Pandora’s box they have opened and the community’s varied responses to this new offering.
While recognizing the impact on collectors deeply invested in these industries, Irwin reflects on the company’s role in ensuring transparency and ethical practices. The tech firm faces the challenge of navigating the delicate balance between enabling innovation and safeguarding collectors’ interests.
