Visit The Learn XRF Message Board 
     

Metal and Ore Applications

Metals represent a broad group of applications that are generally ideal for XRF. Almost all elements in every step of the process from ores to finished alloys can be excited and measured by XRF. Scrap metals are usually sorted by XRF as well, where the hand help instruments are a practical choice.

Alloy Analysis and Scrap Sorting
All alloys of virtually any shape and size are suitable for XRF analysis. Low cost hand held and benchtop instruments can be used to measure the major elements, while higher performance WDXRF and EDXRF are best suited to measuring the trace elements too. Here are a few types of alloys that are commonly measured by XRF.
a) Iron
b) Steel - including low alloy and carbon Steel
c) Stainless Steel
d) Copper, brass, bronze, aluminum bronze, leaded brass and bronze
e) Aluminum
f) Nickel alloys - hastelloy, waspaloy
g) Zinc alloys
h) Cobalt alloys
i) Titanium alloys
j) Solders - tin, lead, and silver back to top

Precious Metals
Precious metals are also frequently analyzed by XRF. Gold carat weight determination in jewelry, ingots, and scrap is a common application. Other metals like platinum, and silver can also be analyzed by XRF. Precious metal ores, particularly gold ore have been measured by XRF. back to top

Ores, Slags, Feeds, Concentrates, and Tailings
XRF plays a roll at each step of the metal making process. Major and minor components are analyzed with XRF instruments, and can even be measured on-line in many cases. back to top

Silicon Metal
Silicon is an important metal in the semiconductor industry, and high purity is demanded. XRF is often used often used to monitor high silicon sands for impurities, and can be used throughout the refining process and through wafer production. Specialized high performance XRF equipment is designed for wafer analysis. back to top

Metal Foil Thickness
There seems to be a use for foils made from every conceivable elemental metal. The thickness of thin foils can be measured by XRF, and this application can be done on line. back to top