Blog
Is Your Steel Actually Steel? The Lowdown On XRF Testing
What to use?
Use an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) machine - which is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials.
XRF analyzers determine the chemistry of a sample by measuring the fluorescent X-ray emitted from a sample when it is excited by a primary X-ray source.
How it works
The x-ray beam interacts with the atoms in the sample by displacing electrons from the shells of the atom. This displacement occurs as a result of the difference in energy between the primary x-ray beam emitted from the analyzer and the binding energy that holds electrons in their proper orbits.
The spacing between the orbital shells of an atom is unique to the atoms of each element, so an atom of potassium (K) has different spacing between its electron shells than an atom of gold (Au), or silver (Ag).
When electrons are knocked out of their orbit, they leave behind vacancies, making the atom unstable. The atom must immediately correct the instability by filling the vacancies that the displaced electrons left behind.
The energy lost can be used to identify the element from which it emanates, because the amount of energy lost in the fluorescence process is unique to each element.
How long does it take?
A measurement using this process and a modern handheld XRF gun can be made in a matter of seconds.
The actual time required for a measurement will depend on the nature of the sample and the levels of interest.
High percentage levels will take a few seconds while part-per-million levels will take a few minutes.
We use XRF for everything we get!
So you can be sure that your 316 is just that - 316.
Any questions?
Give our friendly sales team a call on 0800 33 55 22,
Like this post? Share it with your friends:
Latest Blogs
5931 Beam Clamp Load Testing - Vertical Pull Test | Co-Mac Types of Gate Rollers for U Track: Which One is Right for You? Choosing the Right Hinge for Your Chiller: Rising vs. Non-Rising Hinges Understanding Different Shapes of Seals: A Comprehensive Guide Accelerated Salt Spray Testing of Rust Protection Zinc Paints Top 3 Lock Options for Sliding Doors and Gates Container Door Hardware: A Guide to Container Hinges, Locks and Seals Top Tips for Choosing Durable Sliding Door Hardware in New Zealand's Climate: Your Ultimate Guide Self Closing Gate Hardware In the Community: Picking Daffodils 3 Types of Drop T Latches 2022 Catalogue Coming Soon! How long will Linear Slides last? We tested them past 80,000 cycles - find out how they performed How Long Will a Gas Strut Last? Engineering Forces Explained: Tensile, Compressive, Shear and Torsion Co-Mac Boredom Busters - How We Did It Co-Mac Boredom Busters Is a Double Nut Better than a Single Nut? How much Better? Salt Spray Testing for Corrosion Resistance