Handheld or Benchtop? Choosing the Right XRF Analyzer for Your Needs

Many of our clients ask, "Which is better, a handheld or benchtop XRF analyzer?" Let's delve into this question.

From an analytical perspective, meaning the ability and quality of solving analytical tasks, both models are nearly identical as they consist of the same core components: an X-ray tube, X-ray detector, and spectrometric electronics. Benchtop spectrometers, equipped with a helium purge system, have a slight advantage in analyzing light elements. However, top-tier handheld analyzers can also feature helium purging, equalizing the analytical capabilities of both types of XRF.

So, what should be the deciding factor in your choice?

The primary criterion is where you plan to conduct your sample analyses. If you need to analyze objects on-site without sample collection (in field conditions, at a warehouse, or when analyzing finished constructions and structures), the handheld analyzer is undoubtedly your best choice. If the spectrometer will be in a fixed location and samples are brought to the device, then a benchtop laboratory XRF makes much more sense. In short, a handheld analyzer goes to the sample, while samples come to the benchtop spectrometer.

Another important aspect is the duration of analysis. Some analytical tasks require lengthy measurements (up to a minute or more) to achieve the necessary accuracy or detection limits. In such cases, a benchtop spectrometer is preferable, as physically holding a handheld analyzer steady for such a long duration is challenging. Additionally, handheld XRF guns operate with an open X-ray beam, which can scatter from some analysis objects and potentially expose the operator to radiation. Therefore, prolonged measurements with handheld analyzers are potentially more hazardous than with benchtop spectrometers, which are equipped with protective covers.

A third consideration in choosing the type of spectrometer might be the nature of the materials being analyzed. Liquids, powders, or very small samples are extremely inconvenient to analyze with a handheld XRF gun. Moreover, they create a higher level of scattered X-ray radiation, which is not beneficial for the operator. For analyzing such materials, a benchtop spectrometer is generally the better choice.

So, what if you need to perform lengthy measurements or analyze highly scattering objects in the field, where setting up a laboratory spectrometer isn't feasible? In these cases, a laboratory stand for the handheld analyzer comes to the rescue. This device transforms the handheld XRF gun into a fully-fledged laboratory analyzer anywhere analysis is needed.