Material Determination

[natebott]

Although I have used one several times, I cannot remember what it is called, but what I am looking for is the gun like device that "burns" the surface of steel, and provides the chemical composition. Although this is a very simple question, I appreciate any info.

Thanks

 

[JJPellin]

We refer to the process as PMI for Positive Material Identification. I don't recall who manufactured our system. I would not use the term "burn" to describe the process. It uses a radiation source but the surface is not damaged visibly. The machine outputs the chemical composition and also the material grade that most closely matches that composition.

 

[stanweld]

Portable optical emission spectrometers produce an arc from the electrode to the material examined.

X-ray fluorescent methods are also used, some using radioactive isotopes to provide the initial source of gamma radiation and some use an X-ray tube to provide the source of initial radiation. These methods do not damage the surface.

 

[natebott]

Thank you for the information. The portable optical emission spectrometer is what I used before.

 

[Steelforbrains]

How much would a portable optical emission spectrometer cost and/or how much would it cost to have someone test material using one?