High Cost of Chemical Analysis 2

[Guest102023]

I have recently obtained pricing for chemical analysis of a N-containing stainless steel, and got sticker shock ($300+). Prices seem to have doubled in a few short years, I wonder why.

In the meanwhile I am looking for suggestions for quality labs in MI-OH-NY (or anywhere, actually) that can take on this job.

 

[EdStainless]

We have work done on N bearing stainless grades.
We don't pay half of that amount.

Why don't you call LTI in Hatfield, PA. We use other guys locally here in the Milwaukee area, but LTI is a good house also.

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Plymouth Tube

 

[CoryPad]

Element in Wixom, MI and NSL in Cleveland.

 

[TVP]

b,

I had a similar experience recently. High alloy steel analysis had 3 separate parts:

Leco C & S
Wet chemistry for Si (> 1.5% Si)
ICP for the rest

Wet chemistry was $125/sample alone.

 

[EdStainless]

There is no need to any element wet.
For low C and S, by combustion, at higher levels XRF or OE
N, O, H are pricy because combustion is the only route.
Everything else by OE, XRF or ICP.
Sample prep costs drive a lot of the decisions (and availability of XRF standards).

With the current situation with Element, I would caution against using them unless you know your local guys very well.
And you know that your work will be done locally. Some of their labs are much better than others.

One reason that I like LTI is they will do chem, mechanical and metallography all in one shop.
They do UT, RT, and PT also.

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Plymouth Tube

 

[Guest102023]

Thanks Ed, I obtained a more satisfactory quote for spark testing, including nitrogen, which I was unaware could be done that way.

My previous experience at a notorious chain inspection company taught me that combustion was necessary for better accuracy than spark for the low AW elements like carbon, and I usually ordered it for stainless steels, or if C was found to be out of spec.

 

[EdStainless]

Many of the new OE spectrometers use an Ar purge which lets them do N, C, S in most steels and stainless grades.
They have gotten much better with arc control also.

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Plymouth Tube

 

[jwhit]

We use LTI on a regular basis and they are a good lab. They do have experience with duplex and 6Mo as well.
Jeff

 

[Guest102023]

EdStainless,
Whatever the technology, you must agree that it ultimately comes down to the nut behind the wheel.