Full-size machines Scanners built using this technology are able to catch metal and non-metal weapons alike on a person's body; however, they do not detect the chemical signature of explosives. The cost of millimeter wave scanners ranges between $150,000 and $200,000 per unit. X-ray imaging uses (you guessed it!)

A professional-grade millimeter-wave full-body scanner, like the L3 Provision or Rohde & Schwarz Quick Personnel Security (QPS) models used by the TSA, typically costs between $150,000 and $250,000 per unit. This price includes the advanced imaging hardware, the "Automatic Target Recognition" (ATR) software that creates a generic avatar to protect passenger privacy, and the integrated alarm systems. In 2026, some airports are upgrading to "Open Access" walk-through scanners that can scan up to 900 people per hour, which can cost upwards of $500,000. Beyond the initial purchase, airports must also factor in the "hidden" costs of annual maintenance contracts (often 10% of the purchase price), software updates, and the high electricity consumption required for 24/7 operation. For smaller private facilities or malls, simpler "Security Metal Detectors" (walk-through) are much cheaper, usually ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, but these lack the sophisticated non-metal (plastic/explosive) detection capabilities of the true airport scanners.