Multi-Leaf Collimator (MLC) - Component for Radiation Therapy

Q: What is the primary function of a multi-leaf collimator?

The primary function is to shape the radiation beam to match the tumor contour, sparing healthy tissue. It does this by moving individual tungsten leaves to create custom apertures.

Q: What are typical leaf widths and how do they affect treatment?

Leaf widths at isocenter typically range from 2.5 to 10 mm. Smaller widths provide finer conformality, allowing more precise shaping of the beam to the tumor.

Q: What is the significance of leaf positioning accuracy?

Leaf positioning accuracy is critical for accurate dose delivery. Typical accuracy is within ±0.5 to ±1.0 mm. Inaccurate positioning can lead to underdosing or overdosing of tissues.

Q: What standards apply to radiation leakage in MLCs?

Radiation leakage between leaves is typically specified to be less than 1.0% as per IEC 60601-2-1. This standard is a reference for procurement and verification; actual compliance must be confirmed with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Multi-Leaf Collimator

Definition

A multi-leaf collimator (MLC) is a critical component of a medical linear accelerator used in radiation therapy. It consists of multiple thin tungsten leaves that can move independently to shape the radiation beam precisely to match the three-dimensional shape of a tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The MLC enables intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) by dynamically adjusting the beam shape during treatment. The device is typically housed within the treatment head of the linear accelerator and is controlled by a computer system that positions each leaf according to the treatment plan. The number of leaf pairs typically ranges from 40 to 120, with leaf widths at isocenter from 2.5 to 10 mm, allowing for varying degrees of field shaping resolution. The maximum field size is 40×40 cm, and leaf travel range can be ±10 to ±20 cm, enabling over-travel for IMRT. Leaf positioning accuracy is critical for dose delivery, typically within ±0.5 to ±1.0 mm, and leaf speed ranges from 20 to 50 mm/s, affecting treatment time. Radiation leakage between leaves is kept below 1.0% as per IEC 60602-2-1. The device operates within an ambient temperature range of 15–35°C and relative humidity of 20–80% (non-condensing). Power supply requirements are 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. The weight of the MLC depends on leaf count and drive system, typically 50–200 kg. Materials used include tungsten alloy for leaves, steel for housing and mechanisms, and electronic components for control systems. These specifications are typical ranges; actual values must be confirmed with the legal manufacturer for specific models.

Working Principle

The MLC operates by using computer-controlled motors to position individual tungsten leaves along the path of the radiation beam. Each leaf can extend into or retract from the beam's path, creating custom apertures. During treatment planning, the desired beam shape is calculated based on tumor imaging, and the MLC controller moves the leaves to the programmed positions, either statically for fixed fields or dynamically during beam delivery for modulated treatments.

Common Materials

Tungsten alloy, Steel (for housing and mechanisms), Electronic components (for control systems)

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Number of Leaf Pairs	40–120 pairs	Determines field shaping resolution
Leaf Width at Isocenter	2.5–10 mm	Smaller width for finer conformality
Maximum Field Size	40×40 cm	Largest treatable area
Leaf Travel Range	±10–±20 cm	Over-travel for IMRT
Leaf Positioning Accuracy	±0.5–±1.0 mm	Critical for dose delivery
Leaf Speed	20–50 mm/s	Affects treatment time
Radiation Leakage	<1.0 %	Inter-leaf and intra-leaf leakageIEC 60601-2-1
Operating Temperature	15–35 °C	Outside range may affect accuracy
Relative Humidity	20–80 %	Non-condensing
Power Supply	100–240 V AC	50/60 Hz
Weight	50–200 kg	Depends on leaf count and drive system

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Tungsten Leaves Part
Primary beam-shaping elements that attenuate radiation to create custom apertures

Material: Tungsten alloy
Leaf Drive Mechanism
Motorized system that positions individual leaves based on treatment plan coordinates

Material: Steel, precision bearings, motors
Control Electronics
Processes treatment plan data and controls leaf movements with sub-millimeter accuracy

Material: Electronic circuits, processors
Position Sensors
Monitor actual leaf positions and provide feedback to ensure accurate beam shaping

Material: Optical or magnetic sensors

Manufacturers of Multi-Leaf Collimator

Manufacturer profiles associated with Multi-Leaf Collimator.

Sourcing Multi-Leaf Collimator from China?

Tell us your specification and target quantity — we will match it against manufacturer records and come back with the factories that fit.

Request manufacturers We manufacture this

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a multi-leaf collimator?

The primary function is to shape the radiation beam to match the tumor contour, sparing healthy tissue. It does this by moving individual tungsten leaves to create custom apertures.

What are typical leaf widths and how do they affect treatment?

Leaf widths at isocenter typically range from 2.5 to 10 mm. Smaller widths provide finer conformality, allowing more precise shaping of the beam to the tumor.

What is the significance of leaf positioning accuracy?

Leaf positioning accuracy is critical for accurate dose delivery. Typical accuracy is within ±0.5 to ±1.0 mm. Inaccurate positioning can lead to underdosing or overdosing of tissues.

What standards apply to radiation leakage in MLCs?

Radiation leakage between leaves is typically specified to be less than 1.0% as per IEC 60601-2-1. This standard is a reference for procurement and verification; actual compliance must be confirmed with the manufacturer.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for Multi-Leaf Collimator

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes: Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here: We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman: CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What we don't claim: A listing is not an endorsement. Qualify every supplier and verify every figure yourself before ordering.

pressure:	Atmospheric (non-pressurized system)
other spec:	Radiation dose rate: Up to 1000 MU/min, Leaf positioning accuracy: ±0.5 mm, Leaf speed: 0.5-3.0 cm/s
temperature:	15-35°C (operating), 5-45°C (storage)

Multi-Leaf Collimator

Product Specifications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards