Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescense Spectrometry (XRF) provides rapid, non-destructive compositional analysis for stainless steel, copper, nickel, titanium, and cobalt alloys. This highly efficent testing method evaluates solid samples to verify material composition with a standard turnaround of three days or less.
XRF Testing & Analysis Services
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis is a fast, non-destructive testing technique used for alloy identification, RoHS screening, and semi-quantitative material analysis.
Featured Benefits of XRF Analysis
- Non-Destructive: Testing is performed with zero adverse effects or damage to your material sample.
- Fast Turnaround: Delivers highly accurate quantitative analysis quickly to keep your project on schedule.
- Portable & On-Site: Our analyzers can be used in handheld mode or within an integrated test stand, allowing for flexible, on-site testing.
- Cost-Effective: XRF analysis provides a highly economical alternative to ICP testing.
How XRF Testing Works
XRF determines the elemental composition of a material through a simple, three-step atomic reaction:
- Excitation: A miniature X-ray tube in the analyzer emits primary X-rays, which strike the sample and knock electrons out of their innermost orbitals.
- Stabilization: To stabilize the newly created ion, electrons from the outer orbitals immediately move into the vacant inner spots.
- Fluorescence: As these outer electrons shift, they emit secondary X-ray photons. This energy is unique and characteristic to each specific element, allowing the analyzer to precisely identify the material's composition.
Materials We Can Analyze
Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF)
Our WD-XRF spectroscopy offers precise compositional analysis for a wide variety of materials.
- Sample Requirements: The method ideally requires a solid sample capable of covering a 29mm diameter opening; however, we can accommodate smaller samples.
- Limitations: Please note that certain ultra-light elements (such as boron and beryllium) cannot be detected via this method.
NON-METALS
- Polymers
- Liquids
- Soils
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you need to verify an alloy ID or ensure RoHS compliance, IMR’s experts are here to help.
METALS
- Iron
- Aluminum
- Magnesium
- Titanium
- C0?
- Copper
- Nickle
- Chromium
- Bromium
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Mercury
XRF Testing FAQ's
XRF analysis is a non-destructive technique capable of semi-quantitative analysis, alloy ID and RoHS screening.
XRF testing can be performed on metals such as iron, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, copper, nickel, chromium, bromium, lead, cadmium, and mercury. XRF testing can also be approved on non-metals, such as polymers, liquids, and soils.
XRF is non-destructive and can be performed on a large variety of materials in various physical states. The testing can be performed quickly and is highly accurate.
hile both use X-ray fluorescence, they differ in how they process the signal:
- ED-XRF (Energy Dispersive): Typically used in portable handheld units. It is excellent for rapid alloy identification and RoHS screening. It is fast and cost-effective but has higher detection limits for light elements.
- WD-XRF (Wavelength Dispersive): A benchtop laboratory technique that uses crystals to separate X-rays. It offers significantly higher resolution, better precision, and can detect lower concentrations of trace elements compared to handheld units.
- Destruction: XRF is non-destructive, whereas ICP requires the sample to be dissolved in acid (destructive).
- Speed: XRF provides results in seconds or minutes. ICP requires extensive sample preparation time.
- Sensitivity: ICP-OES is generally more sensitive and can detect much lower levels (ppm/ppb) of trace elements and light elements (like Boron or Lithium) that XRF cannot see.
- Cost: XRF is typically the more economical choice for simple grade verification.
No. XRF technology is generally unable to detect "ultra-light" elements. Elements with an atomic number lower than Magnesium (such as Carbon, Beryllium, and Boron) cannot be accurately measured via XRF. If you need to distinguish between 304 and 304L stainless steel (where carbon content is the key difference), OES or Combustion Analysis is required.
- Semi-Quantitative: The analyzer uses factory calibrations to give an "educated guess" of the composition. This is common for unknown material identification.
- Quantitative: The lab uses Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) that match your specific alloy to calibrate the machine, providing a highly accurate, defensible measurement of each element's concentration.
Alloy Chemistry
Antimony Analysis (ICP)
Cadmium Analysis (ICP)
Carbon, Sulfur, Hydrogen, Oxygen & Nitrogen
Contamination ID
Contaminant/ Corrodent Analysis
Filler/Additive Analysis
FTIR
Halogen Analysis (IC)
Heavy Metals Analysis
Hex Chrome (UV-VIS)
ICP-AES Analysis
ICP-MS Analysis
Impurities Analysis
Ion Chromatography
Material Certification
Metal Purity
OES Analysis
On-site PMI
PMI Testing (Positive Material ID)
Particle Size Analysis
Percent Crystallinity
pH
Polymer Testing
Powder Diffraction
Powdered Metal Analysis
Precious Metal Assay
Quantitative Analysis
Resistivity (ASTM D1125)
SEM-EDS
Semi-Quantitative Analysis
Trace Element Analysis
Unknown Alloy Identification
Unknown Material Identification
XRD Analysis
XRF Analysis
RELEVANT ACCREDITATIONS
Click here for a complete list of accreditations and certifications for all IMR Test Labs locations.
XRF SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
The instrument aperture (or window) is about 5 mm in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser). Samples as small as half this size can be individually analyzed easily, and even smaller samples can be analyzed as long as enough multiple parts are provided. Powder samples can be analyzed by placing enough powder to thoroughly cover the aperture in a clear plastic bag. Samples should be at least 5 mm thick for polymers and 1 mm thick for metal alloys to prevent the X-rays from completely penetrating through the sample.
