X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF Testing)

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis is a rapid test method used to determine a the chemical composition of a material. Sometimes referred to as Positive Material Inspection (PMI testing), XRF testing can be performed both in the laboratory or in the field.

XRF is a popular analytical tool because of its non-destructive nature, the ability to test materials with little or no preparation required, as well as being suitable for solid, liquid, or powdered samples.

PORTABLE XRF TESTING

At your job site, MES inspectors provide portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing for rapid alloy identification. XRF analysis can ensure product chemistry specifications are met or help you sort various alloys. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology provides accurate, nondestructive elemental analysis in a wide range of industries including: metals, mining, petroleum, chemicals, cement, and food.

LABORATORY XRF TESTING

In addition to our portable units, our bench-top unit utilizes X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF Testing) for the measurement of thickness layers for single and multiple coatings on just about any substrate. XRF can also be used for elemental analysis and chemical analysis in the investigation of metals, glass, ceramics and building materials.

XRF ANALYSIS PRINCIPLES

XRF testing uses an energized x-ray source to saturate the sample area with a high energy primary x-ray beam. The sample target emits secondary x-ray photons characteristic to energy or wavelength of elements present in the sample. The PIMS detectors then count the emitted photons at a given wavelength to quantify the elements present and provide the closest matching alloy for metal samples.

XRF ANALYSIS REPORTING

The data collected during XRF testing includes weight percentage for each element detected, sample ID, alloy match, and GPS coordinates for field testing. XRF reports are provided as engineering reports, in raw data sheets or tabulated in a custom spreadsheet.

Located in Dallas, MES has a complete metallurgical laboratory staffed with graduate level materials engineers and chemists to supervise all chemical analysis projects. Our full-service mechanical lab offers rapid test results at an affordable price. As an A2LA ISO 17025 accredited lab, quality is our focus.

XRF Testing of metal | XRF Analysis

CAPABILITIES

  • Rapid alloy identification

  • Portable unit for field inspection

  • Determine thickness of single and multiple coating layers

  • Elemental analysis

  • Mineral analysis

SPECIFICATIONS

  • ASTM B568 - Coating Thickness by X-Ray Spectrometry

SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS

  • Requires approximately 1 mil thickness or 1 gram of material