A multi-beam x-ray system includes an x-ray source which emits x-rays and a housing with a first part and a second part. The second part is moveable relative to the first part and includes a plurality of optics of different performance characteristics. Each optic, through the movement of the second part relative to the first part, is positioned to a working position so that the optic receives the x-rays from the x-ray source and directs the x-rays with the desired performance attributes to a desired location.