The characterization of impact damage in fiber metal laminates (FMLs) via X-ray Computed Tomography (XRCT) has long been challenging due to limitations in imaging contrast and resolution caused by the constituent material's highly varied X-ray attenuation properties. Specifically, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and steel laminates exhibit extreme differences in density and absorption characteristics in comparison to glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP) and aluminium laminates. The low density of carbon fibers results in minimal X-ray attenuation, leading to poor contrast in XRCT imaging, while the high density of steel causes excessive attenuation, complicating the simultaneous visualization of both materials during the XRCT scans. Addressing this challenge, Subproject 1 of the German Research Foundation (DFG)-funded research initiative FOR 3022 presents a methodology for impact damage characterization in CFRP/steel laminates using advanced X-ray computed tomography (CT). This methodology incorporates variable exposure techniques that optimize the imaging conditions for such composite materials. Additionally, phase contrast imaging was explored to assess its effectiveness in enhancing the distinction between fibers and the polymer matrix, with the aim of improving overall damage visibility. The study further examines critical factors such as voxel size and feature detection capabilities, demonstrating how they interrelate with sample size. Achieving high spatial resolution is shown to be particularly difficult for large samples, where higher resolution thus a lower voxel size is needed to detect micro-scale damage features. This limitation emphasizes the trade-offs between resolution and the size of the specimen being imaged. Ultimately, this research contributes to improving the accuracy and reliability of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods for the characterization of impact damage in FMLs, offering valuable insights towards the broader application of composite materials in high-performance engineering sectors.