Spectrometer 1

[bhollands]

We are looking to replace our aging spectrometer (spectro OES) and before just blindly buying the latest spectro model I would see what else is out there. I thought this would be the perfect place to get some opinions from those who actually use different models on a daily basis. We are a steel foundry making plain carbon steel, martensitic and austenitic stainless steels and nickel base alloys. We have LECO carbon/sulfur and oxygen/nitrogen analyzers so accuracy of these is not important. I have used the new spectro bench-top OES and liked it. I have used the LECO OES and was not impressed but that was about 4 years ago. Are there any other manufacturers that I should take a look at? Are there manufacturers that you have used their product and would not purchase again?

Thank you for any guidance.

Bob

 

[dbooker630]

We also had to consider replacing our Atomcomp 750 but was instead able to upgrade the existing OES to a Windows-based control system. No more DOS 5 computer and vintage DEC controller. The only thing we still have to do is upgrade the spark box as good thyratron tubes are hard to get.

 

[TVP]

It's hard to go wrong with Spectro for OES. Bruker and Shimazdzu also make state-of-the-art equipment.

http://www.bruker.com/products/x-ra...l-analysis/optical-emission-spectrometry.html

http://www.shimadzu.com/an/elemental/oes/index.html

 

[KevinMH]

I've been less than thrilled with equipment from Spectro, there equipment doesn't seem to be as robust as some of their competitors. After warranty support is also not as good as some of their competitors. For OES, my order of purchase would be OBLF, represented in the US by Panalytical, who makes thier own XRF & XRD spectrometers. Next would be Bruker, no personal experience but their support network seems to be fairly robust. Then Thermo-Electron Fisher, probably an ARL 4460 - good equipment, and excellent support network, but slightly funky controlling software. I'd stay away from their CCD instruments. No experience with Shimadzu, but have known people who did have issues with them.Then, I'd consider Spectro. Wouldn't touch a Leco GDS system with a 10 foot pole.

Experience - previously melting cobalt, nickel, monel, tool steel, and stainless steel mater alloys for foundries via induction furnace - equipment Panalytical XRF, Quantris CCD OES, ARL 3460 OES, Leco C/S and N/O. Currently at a steel mill melting tool steels, stainless steels (all grades), and low alloy steels. Primary equipment for analysis includes Lecos for C, S, O, & N, Thermo-Electron Fisher XRF's for primary analysis and an older Leco GDS for trace elements.

Kevin H
Universal Stainless

 

[CoryPad]

All the majors have been identified above. We use Thermo Scientific ARL equipment. It has good and bad points. I would do cross-shopping with everyone but Leco.

 

[steelmtllrgst]

Just another opinion... ARL is our preferres OES vendor. They make great units. I think Spectro leaves a lot to be desired in customer service, they are maybe one of the most difficult companies to deal with. That said, we have a couple of their units as well and the equipment performs well.

 

[Amalgam717]

Interesting thread. Could anyone with a negative LECO experience elaborate? Was it customer service or equipment reliability?

I am in the market for a spectro as well, I had questions about the CCD vs PMT technology, and there's little to distinguish and address any reliability concerns between the two technologies except marketing fluff.

 

[CoryPad]

I have found Leco products to be of lower capability and that customer service is uneven.