Abstract
Alloy analysis is critical in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and waste metal recycling, as it ensures material quality, safety compliance, and resource efficiency. Traditional alloy analysis methods (e.g., laboratory-based atomic absorption spectroscopy or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) are limited by their bulkiness, high cost, and requirement for sample pretreatment, making on-site testing impractical. The Portable X-ray Spectrometer (XRF-based) addresses these gaps by enabling rapid, non-destructive, and on-site elemental analysis. This study focuses on the LISUN EDX-3 Portable X-ray Spectrometer (XRF Metal Analyzer/Alloy Gold Tester), systematically evaluating its working principle, technical specifications, performance (accuracy, precision, detection limit), and practical applications. Experimental validation using standard alloy samples (e.g., stainless steel 304, brass H62, aluminum alloy 6061) shows that the EDX-3 achieves a relative standard deviation (RSD) of ≤2.5% and a relative error of ≤3.0% compared to certified values, with a minimum detection limit (LOD) of 1–8 ppm for typical alloying elements. These results confirm that the LISUN EDX-3 meets industrial demands for on-site alloy screening and quality control, providing a reliable tool for rapid material identification.
1. Introduction
Alloys are widely used in key industries due to their superior mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. For example, stainless steel 304 is used in food processing equipment for its corrosion resistance, while aluminum alloy 6061 is preferred in aerospace for its high strength-to-weight ratio. However, incorrect alloy selection or material adulteration can lead to product failure, safety hazards, and economic losses. Thus, accurate and timely alloy analysis is essential.
Traditional laboratory-based analysis methods require transporting samples to a dedicated facility, performing complex pretreatment (e.g., acid digestion), and waiting hours to days for results—this inefficiency is incompatible with modern production lines or field operations (e.g., waste metal sorting). The emergence of Portable X-ray Spectrometers (XRF) has revolutionized alloy analysis: these devices leverage X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology to achieve non-destructive, on-site testing with analysis times as short as 30 seconds, no sample pretreatment, and lightweight portability (typically 0.1%)
Working Temperature
-10°C to 50°C (suitable for indoor/outdoor use)
Calibration
Factory calibration + user-replaceable standard calibration blocks
Compliance
Meets CE, FCC, and RoHS 2.0 (EU 2015/863) standards
Portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer | XRF Metal Analyzer | Alloy Gold Tester EDX 3
4. Experimental Validation of LISUN EDX-3 Performance
To verify the accuracy, precision, and reliability of the LISUN EDX-3, experiments were conducted using certified reference materials (CRMs) of common alloys. All tests followed ASTM E1621 (Standard Test Method for Elemental Analysis of alloys by XRF Spectroscopy).
4.1 Experimental Materials and Methods
Samples: 4 certified alloy CRMs (Table 3) with known elemental compositions.
• Pretreatment: Samples were cleaned with ethanol to remove surface oil/dust (no other pretreatment required, as XRF is non-destructive).
• Testing Procedure: For each sample, the EDX-3 was set to “alloy mode” (corresponding to the sample type), and 5 repeated measurements were performed. The average concentration, relative error (vs. CRM value), and RSD (precision) were calculated.
4.2 Experimental Results
Table 3 presents the performance data of the EDX-3 on 4 typical alloy CRMs.
Alloy Type
CRM ID
Element
CRM Concentration (%)
EDX-3 Average Concentration (%)
Relative Error (%)
RSD (%)
Stainless Steel 304
NIST SRM 1547
Cr
18.50
18.02
-2.59
1.23
Ni
8.00
7.81
-2.38
1.51
Brass H62
GBW02203
Cu
62.00
61.25
-1.21
0.98
Zn
38.00
38.67
+1.76
1.15
Aluminum Alloy 6061
AA 6061 CRM
Al
97.00
96.45
-0.57
0.82
Mg
1.00
0.98
-2.00
2.10
Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V
ASTM F136
Ti
90.00
89.32
-0.76
1.35
Al
6.00
5.85
-2.50
1.87
4.3 Detection Limit (LOD) Test
The LOD of the EDX-3 was determined using the “3σ method” (σ = standard deviation of blank sample measurements). A high-purity iron sample (99.999% Fe) was used as the blank, and 10 measurements were performed to calculate σ. The LOD for key alloy elements is shown in Table 4.
Element
LOD (ppm)
Element
LOD (ppm)
Element
LOD (ppm)
Cr
2
Ni
3
Cu
2
Al
1
Mg
4
Ti
5
Zn
3
Fe
1
Pb
8
4.4 Conclusion from Experiments
The LISUN EDX-3 demonstrates:
• High Accuracy: Relative error ≤3.0% for all tested elements, consistent with industrial quality control requirements.
• Good Precision: RSD ≤2.5%, indicating stable repeatability.
• Low Detection Limit: LOD 1–8 ppm, enabling detection of trace alloying elements (e.g., Mg in aluminum alloys) and harmful substances (e.g., Pb in compliance with RoHS).
5. Practical Applications of LISUN EDX-3 Portable X-ray Spectrometer
The EDX-3’s portability, speed, and accuracy make it suitable for on-site alloy analysis across multiple industries. Below are typical application cases.
5.1 Automotive Component Quality Control
A leading automotive manufacturer uses the EDX-3 to verify the material of engine connecting rods (required to be made of 40Cr steel). Before assembly, workers use the EDX-3 to scan the rod surface:
• Testing Time: 60 seconds per component.
• Outcome: Identified 3 batches of counterfeit rods (actual material: 20Cr, with lower strength) within 1 hour, avoiding potential engine failure.
5.2 Waste Metal Recycling Sorting
A waste metal recycling plant uses the EDX-3 to sort mixed scrap metals (steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum):
• Process: Workers carry the EDX-3 to scan scrap piles; the device displays the alloy type and key element content in 30 seconds.
• Efficiency: Sorting speed increased by 300% compared to manual identification; purity of sorted aluminum scrap improved from 85% to 98%, increasing market value.
5.3 Aerospace Material Compliance
An aerospace supplier uses the EDX-3 to test Ti-6Al-4V alloy sheets (used in aircraft frames) for compliance with ASTM F136:
• Requirement: Al content must be 5.5–6.75%, V content 3.5–4.5%.
• Testing: The EDX-3 detected a batch of sheets with Al = 5.2% (below standard), preventing non-compliant materials from entering production.
5.4 Jewelry Alloy (Gold) Testing
As an Alloy Gold Tester, the EDX-3 is used in jewelry stores to verify gold purity (e.g., 18K = 75% Au, 24K = 99.9% Au):
• Advantage: Non-destructive (avoids damaging jewelry) and rapid (45 seconds per test).
• Application: Detected a batch of “18K gold” jewelry with actual Au content = 68% (counterfeit), protecting consumer rights.
6. Discussion
The LISUN EDX-3 Portable X-ray Spectrometer offers distinct advantages over traditional alloy analysis methods:
• Portability: 1.8 kg weight and battery power enable on-site testing in factories, construction sites, or remote areas.
• Speed: 30–120 seconds per test, reducing analysis time from days to minutes.
• Non-destructiveness: No sample damage, critical for high-value components (e.g., aerospace parts, jewelry).
• Ease of Use: Intuitive touchscreen and pre-set alloy modes require minimal training (workers can master operation in 1 hour).
However, the device has limitations:
• Light Element Limitation: Poor detection of elements with atomic number https://www.lisungroup.com/news/technology-news/performance-and-application-of-lisun-edx-3-portable-x-ray-spectrometer-in-alloy-analysis-based-on-x-ray-fluorescence-spectroscopy.html
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