Precious Metals Analysis

Precious metals are used not only for jewelry? Certain electronics, lab equipment, even the banking industry, and medicine can’t make it without high-quality precious metals. To make sure the properties of the material are appropriate for usage in a particular business, it has to be analyzed. Precious metal XRF analyzer is made exactly for this purpose.

It’s crucial to know what additions there are in the alloy or what additional layers the “clean” metal has as they affect the strength, resistance to corrosion and other damage, and ductility. This is where XRF (X-ray fluorescent) technology helps.

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XRF Technology for Precious Metals

Precious metals analysis

Nowadays, XRF technology is the best solution to determine the full composition of any precious metal. The advantages are plenty and resolving most of the issues of the old analysis methods:

  • No material loss and metal destruction/breakage
  • The analyzed item remains of the same weight and form
  • High accuracy and speed; you can see the full result report in several seconds
  • A wide range of sizes and shapes of objects that can be analyzed
  • All-component XRF precious metals testing that doesn’t prolong the procedure
  • Recognition of harmful elements like Ir, Cd, Ru, Pb, as well as coatings such as gliding
  • No consumables needed
  • The objects don’t have to be prepared to undergo the procedure

How does a precious metal analyzer work?

XRF precious metal analyzer utilizes the effect of X-ray fluorescence, which is the result of the inelastic scatter of X-rays on the sample. The characteristic spectrum produced by different samples on such interaction can be used to evaluate their composition, as each element has its own set of characteristic X-ray lines. XRF metal analyzers provide accurate results, are portable and relatively easy to operate which makes them a popular tool for material analysis in many different spheres. Precious metal analyzers are one of the most common applications of X-ray fluorescence, as all precious metals, including palladium, rhodium, and other elements of the platinum group, as well as most elements that can be encountered in precious alloys, such as copper, lead, or cadmium lie within XRF methods detection range.

XRF analysis in comparison with other popular methods of testing precious metals

Alongside XRF, typical methods employed for precious metals analysis are the acid test, fire assay, and conductivity test. The acid test is a technique based on the measurement of the solubility of a sample in acids of different strengths; however, this method will only provide the closest jewelry grade that matches the sample, and cannot be considered a quantitative method. Conductivity measurement, while simple and cheap, can be unreliable and has poor accuracy due to temperature dependence of sample conductivity and the fact that some alloys and mixed metals may have similar conductivity levels. Unlike these two methods, XRF metal analyzers provide a sample’s quantitative elemental composition, allowing easy and accurate analysis.

Fire assay is probably among the most accurate measurement methods however, this method takes a few hours to perform analysis and is destructive. This makes XRF analyzer for jewelry a more appealing option, due to its nondestructive nature and comparable analysis accuracy.

Overall, XRF precious metal testing machine combines the accuracy of fire assay with the simplicity and non-destructive nature of X-ray fluorescence method, which makes it a perfect tool for precious metals analysis.

Elvatech’s Precious Metal Testing Equipment

To definitely get all the aforementioned benefits, you should choose proper XRF equipment. Since 1991 our company has been working on analytical instrumentation improvement all the time.
We offer high speed, accuracy, and correct analysis of all common precious metals. The variety of equipment is impressive because there are at least several models for everyone. Whether you need a handheld or a benchtop machine, Elvatech has them all.
Plus, with Elvatech, you get quick and effective tech support that can adjust the products according to needed modifications. Our analyzers cover precious and non-precious metals and are used in every industry, from art to mining.
We don’t just create precious metal testing equipment; we create solutions to analytical problems.</ p>

What Types of Precious Metals can be Analyzed Using Elvatech’s Equipment

An electronic precious metals tester works well with:

  • Gold (Au)
  • Silver (Ag)
  • Platinum (Pt)
  • Pt group metals (PGM), etc.

XRF Gun for Precious Metal Analysis

The most innovative solution Elvatech offers at the moment is ProSpector 3. It’s a highly portable, handheld XRF analyzer with a user-friendly interface. No more bulky machinery that can confuse even a professional.
This XRF gun works quickly and effectively with precious metals but can also be used for alloys, soils, plastics, etc.
Outstanding features:

  • High accuracy
  • High speed. Elvatech ProSpector 3 is the fastest analyzer on the market due to a powerful combination of the Fast SDD detector and Dynamically Adaptive Shaping (DAS) DPP
  • Stability. The gun uses automatic correction for temperature and barometer and the digiX-50 source. There’s no need to re-calibrate it before each use
  • Water and dust resistance
  • Folding display for convenience
  • Up to 16 hours of work on one charge
  • Macro- and micro-view available due to CCD cameras
  • High connectivity to a PC through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB

Benchtop XRF Analyzers for Precious Metals

If you need a benchtop XRF precious metals analyzer, we have two incredible options.
ElvaX Basic is a great option if you need all the basic benefits like compactness, high accuracy, durability, and affordability. This model is perfect for all common types of precious metal analysis, but it’s not limited to these materials.
The precious metal analyzer offers a high degree of accuracy, speed, and stability due to a unique combination of technologies.<br/. Its advantages are:

  • Reasonable price
  • High efficiency
  • Compact size
  • Sophisticated software
  • Ergonomic design

ElvaX Basic is suitable both for beginners and experienced users.

ElvaX Jewelry Lab is an adaptation of our precious metals tester created solely for one application. It’s quick, accurate, and doesn’t take much space. You can see the results on your PC screen, given the ElvaX software is installed.
Features:

  • The tester detents non-standard alloys and coatings in seconds
  • The CCD camera inside can target any spot and provide you with a full report on it
  • A printer and scales provide certificates with accurate weight, composition, and price of the metal
  • High speed
  • Autonomous work
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Ergonomic design

By choosing any of these Elvatech XRF analyzers, you opt for affordability and effectiveness.

In the precise domain of precious metals analysis, accuracy and efficiency are paramount. Elvatech's XRF technology embodies these principles, with the ProSpector 3 standing out for its innovation. Designed for swift, accurate assessments, it's an invaluable tool for real-time analysis in various settings, from jewelry crafting to metallurgical testing. By providing immediate insights into material composition, it not only assures quality but propels forward the meticulous craft associated with precious metals.

F.A.Q.

  • Can XRF detect palladium?

    Yes, XRF has a detection range from sodium (Na) to Uranium, accuracy and detection limit, however, may depend on sample composition.
  • Is XRF technology safe for precious metals?

    Yes, X-ray fluorescence is a non-destructive technique and does not damage a sample upon analysis.
  • Is XRF analysis the best option for testing precious metals?

    XRF is among, if not the best option for precious metals analysis in any specific case, as it provides an accurate evaluation of concentrations of a wide range of elements in a matter of seconds.
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