SMASMART MATERIAL ANALYSIS
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XRF = X-ray fluorescence

Handheld XRF – fast material analysis on site

Non-destructive, in seconds, right on the part: handheld XRF determines the elemental composition of metals, minerals and many other materials.

Principle

XRF explained simply

01

X-rays

02

Excitation of atoms

03

Characteristic fluorescence

04

Element identification

Diagram of X-ray fluorescence showing electron transitions between atomic shells

1. X-ray fluorescence is generated

Incident X-rays eject an electron from an inner shell. An electron from a higher shell fills the vacancy, releasing characteristic X-ray radiation.

XRF spectra of several alloy samples with peaks for chromium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc

2. Elements are identified

The detector measures the energy and intensity of the radiation. Peak positions identify the elements, while their heights enable concentration analysis.

Measurement examples straight from the instrument

X-550 measuring the elemental spectrum of a rock on site in a quarry

Elements on site in rock

The X-550 measures the outcrop directly on the rock face – no sampling, no sample preparation, in seconds.

Handheld XRF analyzer measuring a steel hollow section in the warehouse for alloy identification

Verifying alloys in the warehouse

PMI right on the part: the analyzer confirms the grade or alloy before the material is processed or shipped.

Instrument display of a RoHS polymer screening: chromium, arsenic, bromine, cadmium, mercury and lead all below detection limit

RoHS screening on polymers

On a polymer screening the analyzer reports all restricted heavy metals (Cr, As, Br, Cd, Hg, Pb) as ND (not detected), below the limit values.

SciAps X-505 and X-555 handheld XRF analyzers, the X-555 with a 55 kV X-ray tube

Powerful excitation via 55 kV

Tube voltage determines which elements are excited efficiently: the X-555 with its 55 kV tube reliably reaches critical elements such as silver and rare earths.

Context

Strengths and limits of XRF

What does XRF measure?

The energy of fluorescence radiation emitted by atoms. Each element has its own signature, giving elements and concentrations – typically from around magnesium upwards.

Where does XRF excel?

Fast alloy ID, precious metals, heavy metals, RoHS screening and geochemistry – non-destructive, no sample prep.

What are the limits?

Very light elements (e.g. Li, Be, B, C) are not or only partly measurable. Surface condition, coatings and geometry affect results.

Important

XRF cannot measure carbon directly.

For carbon in steel, CEV or L/H grades, handheld LIBS is the right technology. Go to LIBS →

SciAps

SciAps XRF instruments with official product photos

SciAps X-5

XRF

SciAps X-5

Handheld XRF focused on precious metals: karat value in under 1 second, Au, Ag, Pt and Pd in real time – only approx. 1.35 kg.

Precious metalsGold karatGold buying
SciAps X-50

XRF

SciAps X-50

Handheld XRF for metals, mining and environmental work.

MiningAlloys
SciAps X200

XRF

SciAps X200

Versatile handheld XRF for general material analysis.

PMIRecyclingRoHS
SciAps X550

XRF

SciAps X550

Light, fast handheld XRF for high sample throughput.

PMIRecyclingRoHSMiningSoilGEOPb in Paint
SciAps PowerHouse GEO REE

XRF

SciAps PowerHouse GEO REE

High-performance XRF system for demanding tasks.

GeologyQuality control
SciAps PowerHouse PM

XRF

SciAps PowerHouse PM

First portable, battery-powered benchtop analyser for precious metals: karat value in about 1 second, Plating Alert detects coatings, approx. 8.8 kg.

Gold karatAuthenticity checksLuxury watches
SciAps PowerHouse Alloy, RoHS, CarCat, GEO

XRF

SciAps PowerHouse Alloy, RoHS, CarCat, GEO

Portable benchtop XRF for RoHS and restricted-substance testing: Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, Br and Cl in polymers, alloys and coatings – fully shielded chamber.

RoHSREACHHalogen-free
SciAps  

Automation

SciAps  

XRF and LIBS automation for industrial integration: analysers in a special housing for in-line use on conveyors or production lines, data transfer via the SciAps Remote Control API – control measurements remotely and retrieve results and spectra automatically.

In-lineProcess integrationAPI integration

Topics

Typical XRF applications

  • Alloy identification
  • PMI / Positive Material Identification
  • Metal recycling
  • Precious metals
  • RoHS / compliance
  • Geology / mining
  • Coatings
  • Plastics
  • Archaeology / museums
  • Quality control

Safe operation: Radiation safety & module R2.2

Which instrument fits your application?

Describe your material and task – I'll give you a technical assessment.

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