WiFi Handheld XRF Analyzer

Quality control personnel and managers in the metal finishing, metal fabrication, automotive and aerospace industries who require accurate measurements of coatings can now turn to the newest software update to the Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 handheld x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, a small and light handheld XRF alloy analyzer available today. The software release includes WiFi support and a new coatings mode for expanded functionality and applications support.

Designed to provide lab-quality results, the new coatings mode allows users to measure the thickness or weight of up to four coating layers, including alloys, compounds and pure metals. Additionally, users of the analyzer can define substrate layers consisting of alloys, pure metals, plastics and wood. This doubles the number of coating layers that could be measured by previous models. The Niton XL5 analyzer is the only handheld XRF analyzer on the market that is capable of penetrating up to four layers using a standardless Fundamental-Parameter calibration and eliminating the need to calibrate using samples.

The new WiFi support enables wireless connectivity between the Niton XL5 analyzer and the user’s computer network. This give users the option to automatically transfer data from the analyzer directly to a specified network folder to save time and streamline workflows.

“These new capabilities are intended to help our customers address and overcome the most complex challenges when assessing the chemical composition of metals,” said Julie Planchet, vice president and general manager, portable analytical instruments, Thermo Fisher. “We will continue to evolve the Niton XL5 analyzer by rolling out additional software updates and WiFi capabilities designed to help our customers with their analytical challenges.”

The Niton XL5, the newest analyzer in the Niton product line, is also used in the scrap metal and positive material identification industries. Weighing only 2.8 pounds (1.3 kilograms) with a compact, ergonomic design, the Niton XL5 is intended to reduce operator fatigue and enable users to easily access hard-to-reach spots and crevices. The analyzer provides exceptionally low limits of detection (LODs) and is designed to deliver fast and highly-accurate results.

The Niton XL5 software release also includes:

• Fingerprint mode, allowing users to scan and store materials within the analyzer’s library for the purpose of identifying unknown materials when compared to existing library entries.
• Data field sets, offering users the ability, both on the analyzer and now in the NitonConnect PC software, to create collections of customized fields for data entry during analysis.
• Easy trigger functionality, providing operators the ability to scan materials utilizing a single click, eliminating the need to hold down the trigger button for the duration of a scan.
• Alloy identification in general metals mode according to German DIN and Chinese GB standards and nomenclature.