Do You Really Need to Calibrate Your XRF Analyzer Annually?

X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis provides crucial elemental information used in important materials decision making across various industries. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. This technology is used in metal manufacturing, scrap metal recycling, precious metal and jewelry analysis, automotive catalysts, and other industries like mining and geochemistry, and positive material identification for power generation.

In this blog post, we will highlight the importance of preventative maintenance of portable XRF analyzers and how the manufacturer can support you in optimizing your instrument investment.

Extend Instrument Lifespan: Preventative maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of your XRF instrument. The manufacturer’s expert technicians are equipped with the knowledge and tools to perform routine inspections, calibrations, and component replacements. By addressing minor issues before they escalate, Preventative maintenance service help ensures that your instrument operates at peak efficiency for years to come.
Maintain Accuracy and Consistency: Regular preventative maintenance helps maintain the accuracy and consistency of your XRF instrument’s analytical results. Trained technicians follow standardized procedures to calibrate and verify instrument performance, helping to ensure reliable and precise measurements. This accuracy is vital for quality control, compliance with regulations, and confident decision-making.
Minimize Unplanned Downtime: Unplanned instrument downtime can disrupt your operations and lead to productivity losses. Preventative maintenance services are designed to identify and address potential issues before they cause unexpected breakdowns. By proactively scheduling maintenance, you can minimize instrument downtime and keep your business running smoothly.
Budgeting and Cost Control: Effective budgeting is essential for any business. Preventative maintenance programs provide predictable costs, allowing you to plan and allocate resources accordingly. By avoiding costly emergency repairs or replacements, you can maintain better control over your maintenance expenses and optimize your budget.
Access to Expert Support: Preventative maintenance services should be handled by the manufacturer’s qualified technicians who specialize in XRF instruments. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle various maintenance tasks, from routine inspections to complex repairs. These include hardware checks and maintenance inspections to ensure that all components are functioning properly according to factory specifications. Technicians check for any housing cracks or damage, test the functionality of the touch screen and all port connections, check the brightness of the LCD lighting, ensure the normal operation of trigger, navigation, and shutter buttons, verify the focus of the camera (if applicable), and test the battery to ensure it can maintain a charge. These experts work closely with the customer to develop a maintenance schedule that aligns with their instrument usage, sample types, and environmental conditions.

Investing in a preventative maintenance program for XRF instruments is a strategic decision that yields long-term benefits. The manufacturer’s Preventative Maintenance services help extend the lifespan of your instrument, maintain accuracy, minimize unplanned downtime, and provide cost control.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only. Customers are advised to consult with the manufacturer’s experts for specific maintenance recommendations and requirements for their XRF instruments.

Editor’s Notes:

If you own a Thermo Scientific Niton XRF portable analyzer, contact 1-800-875-1578 or 1-978-670-7460 to learn more about our Preventative Maintenance services and support for maximizing the value of your XRF instrument investment.
This article was originally published in February, 2016 and refreshed in August 2023, but has now been updated.

Comments

rique says

October 17, 2020 at 3:47 pm

Hi, I have a NIton XL3P and it says : error of the sistem please recalibrate.

How do I check, adjust, or determine by comparison with a standard the accuracy of your instrument .

Thank you
rique

- Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane, Editor says
  
  October 19, 2020 at 12:51 pm
  
  Hi Rique– Hopefully this article can help: https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/mining/do-mining-companies-need-to-annually-re-calibrate-their-xrf-analyzers/
  
Anita says

January 13, 2022 at 11:34 pm

I have an XL2 which I accidentally dropped, not a big fall. the screen is working fine. How can I check analyzer against known standard to know the extent of the damage.

- Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane, Editor says
  
  February 8, 2022 at 2:55 pm
  
  Hi Anita. You can submit support questions and requests about your Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 analyzer here: https://portables.thermoscientific.com/xl2
  
Naeem Raza says

June 26, 2022 at 9:36 am

I want Purchase a detector gun for platinum palduim and Rhodium detect from catalytic converter materials. Send me pictures and his price. Thanks

- Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane, Editor says
  
  July 19, 2022 at 7:38 pm
  
  Thank you for inquiring. Please send your contact info via this form and a local representative will contact you.
  https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/global/forms/industrial/handheld-analyzers-industrial-demo-request.html?icid=CAD_blog_metals.html
  
Mauricio says

June 28, 2022 at 9:45 pm

Hi, I’ve done some tests just to make sure the equipment is working well and it started to appear the word Bal with +99%. Is it because the equipment is not calibrated?

- Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane, Editor says
  
  July 19, 2022 at 7:35 pm
  
  Hi– It’s best you contact Customer support for your specific product. Here is the contact information: https://portables.thermoscientific.com/?icid=CAD_blog_metals_2022