A digital Laminographic or Tomosynthesis method is described for use in the detection of explosives concealed in baggage. The method uses at least one source of x-ray and at least two sets of detectors, preferably more to generate 3D images of high detail. The data from the detectors can be simply time delayed and summed up to generate high definition image of layers through the bag. This leads to very high speed of 3D imaging, the same speed as in regular x-ray scanners. In addition, there is no rotating gantry, the systems is simple, compact, relatively inexpensive, and can be used to generate 3D images of large shipping containers.