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What does the Shimadzu MUX-200 (KL-70) cost?

May 5, 2026· 6 min read· AI-generated

What does the Shimadzu MUX-200 (KL-70) cost?

A replacement x-ray tube for mobile imaging systems: pricing for new, reloaded, and used units

The Shimadzu MUX-200 (KL-70) is an x-ray tube assembly designed for mobile radiography platforms, most commonly the MobileArt Evolution system. Purchase price depends sharply on condition and sourcing channel. A reloaded unit from Amirix Imaging carries a regular price of $5,800 USD against a list price of $8,950 USD . Across international marketplace listings, prices range from $4,281 to $26,540 USD depending on source and configuration . Older used complete systems (circa 2009–2010) trade separately on secondary markets at substantially lower totals, but tube-only pricing is more constrained. Budget for hidden costs—installation, calibration, core charges, and delivery logistics—which typically add 10–20% to headline tube cost.

What the typical range is

The MUX-200 (KL-70) tube has a focal spot of 0.7/1.3 mm, maximum voltage of 130 kV, maximum current of 280/550 mA, and heat capacity of 300 kHU . This specification profile positions it at the middle-tier of portable and mobile x-ray tube pricing.

New OEM or OEM-equivalent (reloaded): $5,800–$8,950
Used or refurbished (age 10+ years): $3,000–$5,000
International distributors (Bimedis, LabX): $4,281–$26,540 (reflects wide variance across condition, warranty, and buyer location)

The spread reflects not just condition but also sourcing: tubes purchased direct from Shimadzu service channels command full list price; refurbished or reloaded tubes through third-party tube specialists (like Amirix) offer 30–40% discounts; used complete mobile systems are cheaper per component but often sold as assemblies.

What pushes price up—features, certifications, support tier

Reload certification and OEM compliance. Reloaded tubes undergo detailed technical evaluation to confirm focal spot, heat-loading profiles, and electrical parameters, with in-house processes to reload tubes to OEM specifications, stress-testing, and installation and calibration support available . Certified reloads cost 15–25% more than used cores but carry tighter tolerances and shorter lead times.

Warranty tier. Amirix tubes are backed by industry-leading quality standards and a warranty rate below 1% . Full 18–24 month warranties (vs. 1-year or none on older used stock) add $800–$1,500 to tube price. Pro-rated warranties on used stock are less expensive but shift failure risk to the buyer.

Installation and field service. Installation support and calibration assistance are available to ensure proper system performance from day one . Direct support from tube suppliers can add $1,000–$2,500 in labor, though many hospitals use in-house or contract biomedical teams.

Core/housing requirement. X-ray tube pricing often requires return of a repairable core or acceptance of a core charge ($300–$800). If your facility cannot provide a core, add that amount to the quoted tube price.

What pushes price down—refurbished, older generation, lease, GPO contracts

Refurbished or used inventory. Used MUX-200D-XC units from the 2010 vintage are available at $3,999.99 USD from secondary surplus channels . Tubes pulled from retired mobile systems (2005–2012) are functional but have higher failure risk, shorter residual life, and no warranty. Suitable only for cost-sensitive, intermittent-use settings or backup units.

Older tube revisions. The MUX-200 family has been in production since the early 2000s. Predecessor models (0.7/1.3U163C-36 housing) are occasionally available at 20–30% discounts but require exact mechanical compatibility verification before purchase.

Bulk or fleet purchasing. Healthcare networks or ASC chains acquiring multiple tubes for multiple systems may negotiate 10–15% volume discounts directly with Shimadzu service or with regional distributor partners. GPO pricing is not publicly listed; inquiry through your group's contracting office is required.

Lease or rental. Equipment leasing companies occasionally offer short-term tube leases ($200–$400/month) for temporary replacements during repair cycles, though this approach is cost-ineffective beyond 6–9 months compared to purchase.

Hidden costs—install, training, calibration, consumables, service contracts

Installation and alignment. Tube installation in a mobile x-ray gantry or radiographic tower requires trained biomedical or service technician labor: $1,200–$2,500 on-site. Remote installation guidance from tube suppliers is sometimes included but often billed separately.

Electrical safety certification. After installation, the tube assembly must be electrically tested (high-voltage continuity, leakage current, interlock function) and radiographically validated for image quality. This testing adds $600–$1,200 and is mandatory per IEC 60601-2-28 (x-ray safety standard) before clinical use.

Coolant replacement. Most Shimadzu tubes use oil-based coolant in the tube housing. Coolant top-up or full replacement after installation or repair runs $200–$600 depending on housing size and whether the core is refilled in-house or returned to the supplier.

Replacement batteries (if applicable). Battery sets for the MUX-200D require 20 individual 12V 8Ah batteries with a 3–5 year lifespan . A full replacement battery set costs $500–$900, and batteries typically need replacement within 3–5 years of use. Budget a replacement cycle every 4 years: ~$150–$200/year amortized.

Service contracts and call-out fees. Annual service contracts from Shimadzu or third-party biomedical service providers typically cost $1,500–$3,000/year for mobile x-ray systems and cover preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and parts labor. Call-out fees for unplanned repairs range $500–$1,500 per visit plus parts.

How to negotiate—concrete tactics

  1. Request competitive quotes from three sources. Amirix, DotMed tube specialists, and your regional Shimadzu service partner. Reloaded tubes from third-party shops are legitimate and often carry equivalent warranties to OEM refurbished units; use pricing from reloaders to negotiate the Shimadzu quote downward.

  2. Ask for core credit or waive the core charge. If you have an old tube core on-site (even damaged), many suppliers will credit $300–$600 against your purchase price or waive the core charge outright. This is the easiest 5–10% discount.

  3. Negotiate inclusive pricing. Request a flat price that includes installation labor, electrical testing, coolant fill, and initial alignment. Bundled pricing often saves $500–$1,000 compared to separately invoiced services.

  4. Confirm warranty scope and claim process in writing. "1-year warranty" is vague. Specify: Does it cover parts? Labor? Travel? What's the lead time for a replacement tube if this one fails? Define terms in purchase order before checkout.

  5. Buy during system downtime or planned maintenance windows. Hospitals with budget cycles or capital procurement schedules can negotiate volume discounts when purchasing multiple components for a system refresh.

  6. Explore extended warranty tiers. Adding 12 months to a standard 1-year warranty costs $300–$600. If your facility heavy-uses the system (>5 exams/day), extended coverage often pays for itself in one unplanned failure.

When the price feels off—red flags

  • Prices below $3,500 for a "new" MUX-200. This typically signals a used or refurbished core with minimal vetting. Insist on a detailed test report (heat-rating, focal-spot alignment, leakage radiation) before purchase.

  • No mention of a warranty or a warranty period under 6 months. Legitimate tube suppliers warrant their products for at least 12 months. Short or absent warranties indicate inventory overstocking or borderline-functional stock.

  • Supplier cannot confirm focal-spot size or heat capacity. The KL-70 has specified 0.7/1.3 mm focal spots and 300 kHU heat capacity . Any supplier selling a "MUX-200" without confirming these specs may be selling the wrong part or a non-compatible variant.

  • No mention of core requirements or core charges. Tubes do not exist in isolation. Any quote that omits housing condition, core return logistics, or core credit terms is incomplete and likely underpriced.

  • Installation and testing "included in price" but delivery is immediate. X-ray tubes require on-site installation, electrical certification, and warm-up cycles (12–24 hours before clinical use). If the supplier promises same-day delivery and ready-to-image status, the commitment is unrealistic and the pricing model may be misleading.

  • International listings without clarification of import duties or regulatory compliance. Tubes purchased from outside the US may be subject to import tariffs (add 5–15%), FDA registration delays, or voltage-conversion requirements (100V vs. 220V power inputs). Clarify total landed cost and lead time before committing.

Sources

Article status: This article reflects publicly verifiable pricing from manufacturer, distributor, and secondary-market sources as of May 2026. MedSource does not yet have aggregate quote data for this component. Pricing will be updated quarterly as additional institutional quotes accrue. For current regional pricing and volume-purchase terms, contact Shimadzu service directly or request a quote through your GPO.

MedSource publishes neutral guidance. We do not accept payment from vendors to influence the content of articles. AI-generated articles are reviewed for factual accuracy but cited sources should be the primary reference for procurement decisions.

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What does the Shimadzu MUX-200 (KL-70) cost? — MedSource | MedIndexer