(Thermo Fisher Scientific: Ecublens, Switzerland) -- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has announced the launch of an integrated solution for the metals industry that combines the power of wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) with optical emission spectrometry (OES). The solution optimizes the Thermo Scientific ARL OPTIM’X spectrometer for effective analysis of metallurgic slag and alloy by WDXRF, as well as the Thermo Scientific ARL 3460 Advantage spectrometer for quick and accurate investigation of solid metals by OES. This unique pairing greatly benefits foundries and metal processing companies. Primary and secondary metals producers can now use two techniques at once and undertake total quality analysis with ease.

Thermo Scientific products offer comprehensive systems for analyzing metals and nonmetals in iron and steel production. Optical emission spectrometry provides rapid analysis of carbon and low nitrogen along with all other alloying elements in irons and steel. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) offers reliable and repeatable analysis of metallurgical slag and raw materials, including iron ores, sinters, and cast irons, which makes the technique effective for the control of major elements and expensive alloying elements.

The ARL OPTIM’X spectrometer is a compact, cost effective, and reliable XRF solution for all nonmetallic samples as well as major and minor elements in metals. With practically no peripheral support—neither internal nor external water cooling, nor compressed air—the ARL OPTIM’X allows quick sample preparation and fast analysis. In addition to common oxides such as CaO, SiO2, MgO, Na2O, Al2O3, S, K2O, Fe2O3, the instrument is capable of analyzing fluorine in slags wherever needed. Slags can be analyzed both as directly cast slags and as pressed pellets after grinding and pelletization. Fusion beads can also be used for accuracy and control.

The ARL 3460 Advantage spectrometer is one of the most established OES instruments in the metals industry. Based on decades of experience and continuous improvements, this instrument provides an ideal solution for foundries and metal producers. Offering increased reliability and stability, the ARL 3460 Advantage ensures trouble-free operation with minimal maintenance costs during the instrument’s lifetime. With optical configuration optimized to cover most of the analytical requirements in a foundry, users benefit from the highest quality technology to ensure improved metals analysis in terms of quality and productivity in addition to low operational costs.

The ARL OPTIM’X and ARL 3460 Advantage are delivered with factory calibrations for immediate operation and use. Both instruments are driven by Thermo Scientific Windows 7-based OXSAS analytical software, which helps the user quickly learn and operate the two instruments. Comprehensive training can be provided on both instruments after installation. They can also be fully automated with ARL SMS solutions for online, unattended analysis when fast 24/7 throughput is required.

For more information about the Thermo Scientific ARL OPTIM’X and ARL 3460 Advantage spectrometers for metals analysis, e-mail analyze@thermofisher.com or visit www.thermoscientific.com/metalsolution.