NORTON SHORES, Mich. — Hidden within a nondescript gray building in an industrial office center lies a revolutionary technology that could change the trading card industry forever. Industrial Inspection and Consulting (IIC) may seem like any other industrial X-ray and CT scanning company, but what sets them apart is their ability to scan unopened packs and boxes of trading cards without breaking the seal.
Upon entering the facility, one might mistake it for a typical workspace, complete with a clipboard for sign-ins and a communal area with pizza boxes and a refrigerator. However, as you turn the corner, you are met with a sight that is anything but ordinary. Inside the open space, millions of dollars worth of machinery stand ready to reveal the contents of sealed trading card packages.
The goal of IIC is to provide collectors with a sneak peek at their cards before opening them, bypassing the element of mystery that has long been a central part of the trading card experience. By using advanced technology, they can see what’s inside without compromising the integrity of the packaging.
Keith Irwin, the general manager of IIC, explains that the service caters to high-end products from top manufacturers like Topps, Panini, Upper Deck, and Pokemon. The technology is particularly effective at revealing cards in densely packed configurations, making it ideal for detecting valuable cards within sealed boxes.
While the concept of scanning trading cards may seem controversial, Irwin and his team see it as a valuable service that has earned them thousands of satisfied customers in the collectibles space. They acknowledge the moral dilemma surrounding their work but emphasize their role as data experts providing a service in response to market demand.
The practice of CT scanning trading cards has raised concerns within the hobby, with some fearing the potential for fraudulent resale practices. Nick Andrews, co-host of the Sports Card Madness podcast, has been vocal about the ethical implications of CT scanning in the industry.
Despite the controversy, IIC has seen a surge in demand for their services since entering the trading card market in July. They have scanned thousands of products, offering collectors a glimpse into the contents of their sealed packages before making a decision to open them.
One of the biggest challenges for IIC is the technical aspect of scanning thick paper and cardboard efficiently. The process can be tedious and time-consuming, requiring careful analysis of the data to identify specific cards within a pack or box.
To address concerns about the impact of CT scanning on the trading card market, IIC has developed a patented solution that introduces vibrations to the cards, making it harder to obtain clear scans. They hope to collaborate with card manufacturers to implement this technology and protect future products from unauthorized scanning.
The debate over CT scanning in the trading card industry continues, with differing opinions on its impact and ethical implications. While some see it as a valuable tool for collectors, others view it as a threat to the authenticity and integrity of the hobby. As the industry grapples with the consequences of this technology, the future of trading card collecting remains uncertain.
