Mix-up testing with mobile spectrometers

Materials testing - an important part of quality assurance

With the focus on comprehensive quality management, ISO standards and 100% analytical reliability, the tasks of quality control in incoming goods, production and outgoing goods are becoming increasingly demanding. Today, it is no longer sufficient to rely solely on suppliers' factory certificates.

Material mix-ups can cause considerable economic damage, harm a company's reputation and, in the worst case, even cost human lives. Alloy analysis, material testing and traceability are therefore enormously important. Rapid positive material identification (PMI) with mobile spectrometers provides the necessary security.

Methods for mix-up testing

Mix-up and material tests normally confirm the material specified in the works certificate. Mix-up tests are carried out with methods such as

• XRF (X-ray fluorescence analysis)
• OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy)
• LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy)

Both stationary and mobile spectrometers can be used. Mobile instruments allow rapid on-site analysis and thus offer the greatest possible flexibility.

LIBS analyzers and completely non-destructive XRF spectrometers are available as handheld analyzers. In just a few seconds, they check the identity of materials already in incoming goods.