Before selecting an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, consider what you want to achieve. For example, if you are looking to confirm alloy grades for incoming goods QC, you will want to know what the important element in those grades should be. In any manufacturing situation, verifying that you are using the correct specified alloy is critical.
Material mix-ups can be costly. XRF is a fast and nondestructive method for testing the composition of alloys and metals, as well as other materials. Handheld XRF analyzers have the flexibility to test and measure most alloy components with varying sizes and shapes, from metal turnings to strands of metal wire. However, handheld XRF cannot measure some elements like carbon or sodium. And XRF cannot tell you about the structure or physical integrity of what you are testing. There are other methods to test for those properties.