Unlike traditional metals, radiolucent structural materials are transparent to x-rays. Traditionally, metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium have been used for structural components in the medical device industry. But these materials are radiopaque—that is, they obstruct x-rays.
What materials can X-ray detect?
Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays. The air in your lungs shows up as black. Fat and muscle appear as shades of gray.