Metal analyzers

[grayseal]

I am considering the purchase of a metal analyzer. My main purpose is to differentiate free machining carbon steels from plain carbon steels. Also, analysis of 300 series stainless steels and aluminum alloys would be a consideration. Portability would be good but I am not interested in speed, high accuracy, or data storage. I am looking for a reliable brand name. XRF analysis is not desirable.

Thank you,

grayseal

 

[GraySyracuse]

I am using an INNOV-X (see innov-xsystem.com, president Don Sackett; ph: 781-938-5005), which is a portable XRF, with the size of the cordless drill gun. It is good for carbon steel, SS, Ni-base, Co-base, not for Al.
The other company is NITON, which has 2 models: XRF and izotope. (niton.com; ph: 1-800-875-1578); better service and multiple applications. The size is about the same for the XRF; the izotope one is smaller.

 

[metrat]

There are several hand held portable devices that work well for alloy sorting and the like. They are however XRF technology. One company is Innov-X Systems of Woburn, MA
(

http://www.Innov-Xsys.com)

I have also seen alloy soritng kits that use different acid solutions to seperate between at least general steel classifications (carbon , stainless, etc.)

 

[yates]

grayseal
As you stated: XRF is not desirable since it will tell you nothing about carbon content, or sulfur, phosphorus; in fact it will not measure effectively anything below titanium in the periodic table. Pity, since they're very portable. I have used spark emission anaysis instruments. To be able to get carbon content, the sparking probe neeeds to be shielded with a flow of argon, which makes the equipment carrying trolley a little heavy (because of the bottle) Suppliers are :Worldwide analytical systems Gmbh

http://www.worldwide-analytical.com

(PMI-master) or Metorex

http://www.metorex.com

(who make ARC-MET instruments)

 

[NickelMet]

I'm in agreement with Yates, the XRF is not desireable. We have one at my current facility (the NITON II) and it is great for generalities, but not for finesse.

At my previous job, we looked at a unit by SpectroAnalytical that was an arc-sparc hand-held unit. You might try them for the specs and such. (Their North American facility is in Fitchburg, Massachusettes.)

http://www.spectro-ai.com

(and look for the SpectroSort)


~NiM

 

[grayseal]

Thanks for all the quick replies. This information will be of great help.

Thanks again,

grayseal