The first webinar in the series, “Sample Preparation Methods to Ensure Accurate X-ray Fluorescence Analysis”, will take place on Thursday, March 30th.  The webinar overview from the Oxford Instruments website reads “Sample preparation is the primary foundation to achieving accurate and consistent results when using both handheld and bench-top X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzers. Learn about best practices for measuring, simplification of processes, and how to avoid the common issues of cross contamination using multiple methods of sample preparation such as pressed pellets, x-ray film, sample cups, grinding, certification reference, and more.”

Future webinars in the series include:

June 6^th: Minimize Global Supply Chain Risks, Save Money, and Increase Efficiencies by Implementing X-ray Fluorescence into Your Quality Control Program

June 25^th: Positive Material Identification for Alloy Verification and Improved Safety

July 11^th: X-Strata 980 for Improved Efficiencies of Electronic Material Analysis

July 25^th: Simplified Method of Oil Analysis with Lab-X 3500 and X-Supreme 8000

Follow Eastern Applied on Twitter for reminders and register at the Oxford Instruments webinar page.

Contact Eastern Applied Research anytime to discuss XRF analyzers, webinar topics, or application questions.

Handheld XRF can be a great benefit to these organizations and the Oxford Instruments line provides excellent performance.  While the X-Met 7000 series offers a great PMI tool, the line is relatively new to the market and many ‘scrappers/recyclers’ are used to other XRF analyzer brands.  However, some ‘savvy scrappers’ are looking to improve efficiency with the newest XRF technology and realize the benefits that the X-Met 7000 series from Oxford Instruments provides…these metal recyclers have switched from the ‘known brand’ to Oxford Instruments.

One Eastern Applied associate recently talked to a scrap metal recycler that switched from another brand of handheld XRF to the Oxford Instruments analyzer.  The question was asked “What made you switch from (them) to the Oxford system?”  The contact referenced the interface that the X-Met 7000 series provides and that it was ‘easier to use day-in and day-out’.

When considering portable XRF for PMI testing needs, we would also point out that the X-Met 7000 series includes a large alloy library – with over 1,600 allows possible, making it the largest on the market.  Additional benefits of the line (for all application interests) include the large screen that makes operating an already easy-to-use software package even easier and the fact that Oxford manufactures their own components.  The component benefit is important for the quality control, pricing, and availability that is associated with using exclusive components.

Have you switched from another handheld XRF to the Oxford X-Met 7000 series?  We would love to hear why.  Or, are you considering the X-Met 7000 analyzers?  Contact an Eastern Applied Research associate to learn more about the line and benefits that it provides…or, download instrument and application overviews.

How often do we need to turn the instrument off…or can we just leave it on?
How often should we recalibrate?
Can you provide training?

To create a resource for XRF users that may have the same questions, each field technician submitted their answers and those answers are summarized below.  Contact Eastern Applied Research if you would like to discuss these questions or have any other XRF related questions that we can help answer.

How often do we need to turn the instrument OFF…or can we just leave it ON?
This was the most common question and the consensus of the field technicians was ‘It is suggested to leave most XRF analyzers ON all the time’.  While this may vary based on the individual clients’ use of a system or special circumstances, this is the consensus because leaving a unit ON will decrease the warm up time of the detector and x-ray tube.  Plus, limiting the on/off stress on components may help to increase their lifespan.  Most manufactures have built into their software a power down program that allows the unit to stay ON but turns the current down on the important components.

How often should we recalibrate?
There is no set timeframe for recalibration, so technicians can’t have a standard answer for this question. Many variables can contribute for each client; including the instrument model, its age, current component performance, application interest, and (most importantly) the customers’ tolerances.  

The only answer a technician can offer is to discuss the variables and make sure a client is checking their calibrations for accuracy. This should happen at least once a week but a daily check is best….again, the tighter the tolerance requirements a customer has, the more often they will want to check.  After doing regular calibration verifications, an XRF user will establish a particular timeline that shows when a specific calibration starts to drift and will know they need to recalibrate.  If drift occurs more frequently over time, then components may be compromised and a technician should be called in to review.

Can you provide training?
Our field service staff is trained in all areas of major XRF brands and models.  They will typically be able to offer a short training service at the end of the maintenance visit or schedule your team for an extensive training session.  Rates for these services vary.

If you are reading this, you may already know that the honeycomb cores of the cat-converters contain the precious metals Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), and Rhodium (Rh).  Once the cores are removed from the metal shell they can be ground into a fine powder and then smelted by a refiner to extract the pure precious metals.  At either point, both approaches require fast and accurate analysis of the Pt, Pd, and Rh content.  Using a portable x-ray fluorescence analyzer puts the scrap recycler in the best position to increase profits on these transactions because they will know the exact amount of precious metals they are working with.

In addition to quantification of the precious metals, the handheld systems will also benefit recyclers with two other capabilities.  First, it will let recyclers grade the steel of the metal shell with the built-in alloy analysis mode – this is obviously important information for scrap dealers. Second, the analyzers will identify any toxic elements that may be present (cadmium, mercury, etc) so that recyclers will not contaminate the environment and will comply with environmental standardsfor their site.

We are extremely happy to be a distributor of the Oxford Instrument handheld analyzer line.  Catalytic converter recycling is just one example where adding the line will immediately allow us to have a solution for application questions that we have been asked in the past.

More testing needs are being solved than ever before by Eastern Applied Research – so let us know if you have any application questions.  Contact Eastern Applied Research and our associates can guide you to the right XRF analyzer fit to solve the need.

Those points are a good start in narrowing down the x-ray fluorescence options to consider, but our associates will soon realize that more factors are involved.  After a discussion about the business and part(s) that will be tested, we typically find that one or more of the most common (but unknown) features of an XRF analyzer are needed.  Those features include:
     -  Z-Axis Movement
     -  X-Y Table Programmability
     -  Slotted Chamber

Z-Axis Movement
Many of our clients are involved in the aerospace or automotive industries.  They will often have samples that exceed the interior space that most XRF analyzers will offer.  However, large parts can fit in an Element Xr M5 because of the Z-axis movement of almost 7” (internal chamber height can be almost 14” when the stage is removed).  This doesn’t just benefit measurements of large parts…one aerospace client required Z-axis movement so that they could get 6” into their sample part and measure a specific point – the design of the Element Xr M5 allowed this to be achieved.

Programmable X-Y Stage
This is an outstanding benefit that can save users a lot of time and money!  As an example, let’s say a customer has a number of plated nuts and bolts that require confirmation of plating thickness.

Without a programmable X-Y stage, the customer would have to place an individual nut or bolt onto the stage, manually align, focus, and measure each part. This process can be quite time consuming, especially when the customer is forced to reposition and focus each subsequent part for every measurement that they need to perform.  However, when the same user has an XRF with a programmable X-Y stage, these parts can have assigned placements on the stage with a program set up to automatically measure them. They simply place bolt ‘X’ on bolt X’s spot, nut ‘Y’ on its spot, and start the pre-defined measurement program.

What would have taken 1-3 minutes per part now takes 1-3 minutes per batch…as an example of the time savings, if you do this with 10 parts, you could be saving almost 30 minutes on each batch.  That adds up in operator time, productivity, and pay over the course of a day, week, year…

Slotted Chamber
The slotted chamber design creates a space that makes all the difference to some clients.  We currently have a customer that needs to measure a plated chrome tube that is 25” long.  The part will not fit inside a chamber without the slotted design and can not be destroyed for testing.  The slotted chamber lets them slide the part through the analyzer to complete their measurement.  This design also allows for a long part to be moved throughout the chamber so that a user can measure that sample at any point along its 25”.

Can you see these features benefiting your measurement process?  Do you have an XRF without them? 
Contact an Eastern Applied associate to discuss the options available.

Looking Forward: Handheld XRF Added
Associates at Eastern Applied Research are extremely excited about 2013 because of the recent announcement that we will be a distributor of Oxford Instruments handheld analyzers.  Our management team was looking for a top performing portable x-ray fluorescence option to represent at the same time Oxford was looking to add an experienced XRF sales organization in the North East…everything worked out and we are pleased to offer Handheld XRF analyzers.

This is a major addition to the analyzer options that we can offer because of the expanded application fields that we can provide a solution for.  Positive material identification (alloy testing) and environmental testing will be key applications moving into 2013 but handheld XRF also allows our associates to discuss portable solutions for current applications like the detection of hazardous substances (RoHS testing, etc).

Above everything else, we are excited because the line offers a number of benefits that set Oxford Handheld XRF apart and that, we believe, end-users will appreciate.

Looking Back: Great Growth from Bench-Top Analyzers
While the buzz at Eastern Applied is about the addition of a Handheld XRF analyzer, management was also pleased to highlight the overall growth achieved in 2012.  The year was highlighted by a strong increase in sales of both Xenemetrix and Element Xr lines.  We developed the Element Xr bench-top line because many of our clients looked to XRF for coating thickness measurement needs and the line offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio.  The Xenemetrix line was added to expand our offerings for elemental analysis and has seen steady growth into industrial and university laboratories as it builds a strong reputation of precision.

The potential of each line was seen this year, as clients saw the overall value and performance of the analyzers which lead to increased interest and new analyzer sales.  In addition to strong current systems, we look forward to releasing newly developed models from both lines in 2013.

Eastern Applied Research is excited about 2013 for many reasons…we hope you are as well and hope that you, and your organization, have a successful year.

While our goal is 100% satisfaction, we are still pleased to note an overall satisfaction rating of 93% for in-house and field services.  It is important to know that our services are provided appropriately and that our staff is representing the organization well.

Why do clients choose Eastern Applied Research?
Top three reasons that current clients have chosen Eastern Applied Research for their XRF related interests. 

1. Personal Service, we answer the phone
   The goal of Eastern Applied is to combine the capabilities of large organizations with the one-on-one interaction of a smaller organization.  It is the personal touch that our clients appreciate…a person answering the phone, seeing the same technician at routine services, etc.
2. Experience and Knowledge
   We are pleased to have dedicated staff that offers a strong knowledge base developed from experience with XRF.  73% of our associates have over five years of experience in their area of XRF, and 36% of all our associates have over twenty years experience.
3. Complete XRF Service Options
   Few organizations involved with x-ray fluorescence ‘do it all’.  Eastern Applied can support your interest in XRF from the initial investment by offering new and used analyzer sales and over the course of the instruments life with our dedicated service staff and in-house standards laboratory (note that we do not outsource standard services).

For those of you considering options for XRF sales, service, or support, take note that Eastern Applied offers a combination of the personal attention that many expect from a small/medium sized service company with the knowledge base and coverage of larger organizations.  Keep Eastern Applied in mind and let us know what is important to you – we will look forward to earning your business.

While handheld analyzers are based on the same basic principles as the desktop models, there are obvious differences between the styles.  Some of the differences can affect the service needs and long-term performance of handheld systems, differences that include:

Handheld XRF Systems Feature Micro-Components
It makes sense that smaller components are needed for the small body that the XRF ‘guns’ have, and these components are typically the same quality level of comparable desktop systems.  However, depending on the model, micro-components may offer a shorter life span than their full size counterparts.  Part of this is due to the heat generated from the tube systems in a smaller area that does not have a cooling fan like desktop systems…overheating can lead to component failures.

Combined Components
In handheld systems, the x-ray tube and hi-voltage power supply are a single package.  The XRF tube in most models is a maximum of 4 watts and, for most applications, will be running at full power.  Over time, the tube will have a tendency to create performance issues or fail when used for long periods of time.  Components die eventually on any analyzer but when one of these ‘combined components’ does, the user will have to replace both (since they are a single package) at an increased cost.

Portability Can Lead to Drops/Damage
The greatest benefit of handheld x-ray fluorescence can also be the largest negative.  Moving these analyzers from test location to test location increases the potential for drops and bumps along the way.  If the instrument is dropped it can affect the ability to reproduce the same number/values as it originally had, which may cause poor overall results on products tested.  This may simply require a calibration service but, in the worst case scenario, it leads to permanent damage to major components and will require repair services.

These differences don’t mean a handheld system will have more or less problems than a desktop system.  However, when problems do occur, having a knowledgeable and experienced XRF service company is critical.  Eastern Applied Research provides a resource outside of the manufacturer for routine maintenance and repair services.  We are able to provide a second opinion or competitive quotation when service is needed and our technical staff has the experience and resources to assist with handheld XRF service needs. 
Review the Handheld XRF services offered by Eastern Applied.

Let us know about your experience with any handheld analyzers -
Did you see problems occur because of portability? 
Do you have experience with desktop analyzers as well? 
Were repair costs higher for one style over another?

The reason this review is featured is because in developing the Element Xr analyzer line, Eastern Applied Research worked with the experienced XRF manufacturer Roentgenanalytik.  We looked to Roen’s most popular analyzer, the Compact 5, for inspiration in developing the Element Xr CE-P for thickness measurement needs.  Both of these analyzers provide the combination of precision and price that make them excellent values for quality control measurement needs.

Eastern Applied is pleased to offer the Roen Compact 5 as a used XRF analyzer whenever possible but would also suggest the Element CE-P to organizations looking for a dependable quality control device for their plating thickness processes.

XRF Testimonial from Rochester Overnight Plating:
“…Out of the numerous instruments in our operating facility, the Roentgenanalytik Compact 5 is our most used instrument.  In fact, we regularly perform sixty to seventy checks per day with (that XRF analyzer).  Furthermore, out of all the instruments that we utilize in our facility, the Compact 5 has given us the least amount of trouble, especially in regards to x-ray tube replacements and overall repairs.

Because of the above advantages, I would recommend the Roentgenanalytik Compact 5 to anyone who is interested in an affordable, accurate, and reliable x-ray fluorescence solution.

          Mike Spaziano
          Production Manager

Feel free to contact Eastern Applied Research with feedback on your experience with any division of our organization; XRF Sales, service, standards laboratory, or a specific instruments performance.

You are at the Eastern Applied website because you realize the benefits of utilizing the latest x-ray fluorescence technology, but which design is the best investment for your testing needs?

The Element Xr line of XRF analyzers feature two main options for coating thickness related interests, the Element Xr CE-P (most popular) and the Element Xr M5 (newest).  Both provide excellent accuracy and repeatability for a good range of measurement needs, so you should take a moment and review some of the design differences when considering the best fit for your interests.

Internal Chamber Size
An area that is critical to many organizations is having adequate space in the chamber for their samples.  When comparing chamber sizes, the internal chamber of the CE-P offers an area of 4.4″x13.3″x14.5″ (H, W, D), allowing for a good range of sample sizes while retaining a compact overall footprint.  In contrast, the M5′s internal chamber lists at a larger 13.8″x23.6″x19.7″ (H,W, D) and accommodates a much wider variety of sample sizes.

Stage Movement
While both analyzers have sample stages that can move in the Z direction (up/down), the CE-P is limited to only that…and with a range of 2.36″.  The M5, however, includes a measurement head that offers full X-Y-Z movement with up to 7″ of Z movement.  In addition, the M5 offers an optional motorized stage that allows the user to measure specific parts on a sample without having to manually position them each time.

General Design
While both models have chambers that are loaded from the front, only the M5 has a slotted chamber.  This feature allows for samples wide than the chamber (wires, rods) to have their plating thickness measured.

Larger PCB Applications
The CE-P and M5 perform on par for numerous applications related to coating thickness; however, the M5 has the advantage when testing larger printed circuit boards.  The M5 can accommodate and analyze variable sizes of PCB’s much easier than the CE-P because of its slotted chamber and optional motorized X-Y-Z sample stage.

Customization
The greatest advantage of both Element Xr systems is that they can be customized at any time.  One major area of customization for each is that they can be configured with either a proportional counter or PIN-Diode detection system.  Two customizable features exclusive to the M5 are the previously mentioned motorized samples stage and an optional upgrade to a multi-collimator changer.

While differences are present, what both Element Xr analyzers offer are reliable and repeatable measurement results with optional customization for the most efficient solution to your coating thickness measurement needs.  Furthermore, each instrument offers streamlined software that functions seamlessly with a Windows 7 operating system so that reports are simple to develop and share.

What is important to your testing needs?  What chamber design features are most critical? 
Let us know with a comment or contact our associates to discuss the best fit.