XRF Metal Analyzer: Quick results

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Modern industries require a high level of consistency in the composition of the metals they use. Minor compositional differences in a metal can dramatically alter their performance. Bruker is a world-leading provider of handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) metal analyzers, which offer an easy and reliable way to determine the composition metals and alloys accurately within just a few seconds.

Bruker's non-destructive metal analyzers are based on XRF technology. A handheld Bruker metal analyzer is a robust, easy-to-use instrument for metal identification. Our metal analyzer can determine the composition and grades of multi-metal alloys, test the purity level of a single metal, or detect the presence of trace or “tramp” elements (micro-impurities) in alloys and other materials.

The S1 TITAN, quantifies all elements from Magnesium to Uranium. The system is suitable in all environments, from scrap yards to factories, where with just one scan the metallic composition of metals can be provided on a clear screen readout. XRF analysis typically requires no special sample preparation and is non-destructive meaning samples are undisturbed. Bruker metal analyzers are small, convenient and easily portable, perfect for use on any location or in a metal analysis laboratory.

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An Overview: What is Metal Analysis?

Metals are elements with common properties such as a shiny appearance and good conductivity of heat and electricity. Of the 118 elements, 95 are metals and they make up a quarter of the Earth's crust. Metals are classified according to their physical or chemical properties. In physics, metals are defined as substances that conduct electricity at zero degrees, but not all metals have the same chemical properties. There are ferrous, non-ferrous, brittle, heat resistant, heavy, light, base, noble and precious metals.

Alloys are mixtures of metals and other elements. Alloys have a regular atomic structure. Our metal composition tester exposes metals to X-rays and the metal/alloy then emits characteristic X-rays for identification. Each metal has a unique XRF signature and the strength of the signature is related to its concentration in an alloy - this allows for the accurate quantification of each element present in an alloy. Industrially produced metals and alloys have a homogeneous composition, meaning their structure is the same throughout, which simplifies analysis.

Ferrous metals include pure iron and iron-containing alloys, whilst non-ferrous metals contain no iron. Metals are usually malleable and ductile, but some, such as beryllium, are brittle. Refractory metals are resistant to heat and wear, such as niobium and tungsten. Base metals corrode, whereas precious metals resist corrosion. Precious metals include gold, platinum and others. The classification of copper varies. Bruker XRF guns can scan metals and alloys to determine which metallic elements are present and in what concentration.

different metal tubes for tesing with xrf metal anylzer

Metal analysis is any analysis that is used to verifiy a metal or alloys elemental composition. Some metal analysis methods are destructive and alter the sample, while others, such as XRF analysis, are non-destructive. Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) is an alternative method to XRF analysis however this can leave a small burn on the sample. Bruker's portable XRF metal analyzer provides rapid and reliable metal analysis, from magnesium to uranium with no sample damage. Our XRF analysis guns allow users to scan metals and alloys to effortlessly determine their composition!

Precious Metal Testing: Gold, Silver and Platinum Tester

The testing of precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum could not be easier using the S1 TITAN metal testing gun.

The S1 TITAN can be used to quickly and accurately determine the precious metal content of any sample without causing any damage. Users simply have to hold the gun against the sample and pull the trigger! Within seconds accurate results are provided on the screen telling the user the exact amount of precious elements such as gold, silver and platinum present in the sample, as well as other elements present.

This rapid method of non-destructive analysis is of particular use to anyone handling objects made from precious metals, allowing the user to make an informed choice about the objects value.

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Further Applications of a Metal Testing Gun

XRF technology can be used for precise elemental analysis – and not only for metals. Brukers’ handheld metal analyzer fulfills a wide range of metal analysis, identification and screening needs for most standard metals and alloys, based on a vast built-in database. The system can also analyze the chemical composition of non-standard and custom alloys. However, it should be noted that XRF analysis is “blind” to carbon.