FAQs

FAQs2024-11-27T07:47:31+00:00
1. Do you really know that Precious Metals are Real?2024-11-27T07:09:45+00:00

Precious metals are real and to detect the originality of a precious metal, a handheld XRF analyzer is needed. Precious metals are valuable, therefore making jeweller or other manufacturers to mix metals and other materials to fake the appearance of gold, silver, platinum or palladium.

Gold plating and counterfeit items are just some of the challenges that jeweller, gold traders and pawn shop owners face on a daily basis. Businesses require accurate results to remove variability and subjectivity from determining item value to ensure a profitable transaction.

The handheld XRF analyzer accurately determines the content of gold and all precious metals such as silver, platinum and palladium in materials. For precious metal analysis, such as jewelry or dental alloys, fast and nondestructive handheld XRF analyzers which require little sample preparation are most frequently used for analysis of precious metals.

2. Impure Gold Types that cannot be ldentified by Simple Methods2024-11-27T07:10:03+00:00
  • Chemical assay, fire assay and other alternative methods of testing precious metals seem increasingly out of date in the 21st century. The handheld XRF analyzer puts the state of the art metal testing method into your hands.
  • Precious metals are today of interest for jewelry, industrial use, and investment. With the handheld XRF analyzer, materials can be detected and tested for content and purity with extreme cases.

  • Detecting the authenticity of precious metals can be done in a number of ways. The most common methods are:
  • Naked eye or using a jeweller’s loupe- An experienced jeweler can verify the authenticity and quality of some jewelry by looking at it under magnification. This method is not always accurate.

  • Weight/density measurement- Gold is a dense metal, the idea behind this test that if you drop a gold piece in water and measure how much liquid it displaces, you can determine whether it is pure gold. However, gold is often alloyed with other metals in legitimate jewelry, making this test unreliable.
  • Markings- Gold jewelry sometimes has identifying marks that indicate its purity, such as 24k or 20k, but these can be faked.

  • Nitric acid- A piece of gold is scratched against a testing slab to leave a mark. Nitric acid is applied to the mark to see whether it will dissolve. Depending on the acid’s concentration, the purity of the gold can be determined. This method however causes damages to precious metals.
  • XRF analysis method is a completely nondestructive method, XRF analysis leaves the jewelry intact and undamaged. The portable XRF analyzer sends x-rays into the jewelry, exciting the atoms and causing them to fluoresce energy back to the analyzer’s detector. This tool uses fluorescence x-rays to determine the jewelry’s material chemistry.

  • With the use of the Silicon Drift Detector (SDD), it is used for fire assay analysis of precious metals. Fire assay determines precious metal content by measuring weight loss after removing base metals through cupellation. Handheld XRF analyzer on the other hand uses x-ray fluorescence to excite the sample and calculate returning characteristic x-rays.
  • A skilled operator of fire assay can produce results that are accurate up to 0.035%. This process takes time and most times results often differ when testing is done several times.
  • Anyone above the age of 18 can be taught how to operate the handheld XRF analyzer in less than an hour.
  • For speedy and accurate evaluation of precious metals, handheld XRF is the tool of choice.
3. Identify and Avoid Fake Precious Metals2024-11-27T07:38:11+00:00

Handheld XRF analyzer works accurately when it comes to analyzing precious metal swiftly, precisely, easily and non-destructively. This is a tremendous value to all precious metal specialists, recyclers, refiners, miners, bulk jewelry producers, etc.

Given today’s high value for precious metals, many jewelry stores have become involved in the purchase of old jewelry and scrap jewelry. Using a handheld XRF analyzer, it is possible to determine the content of the item offered for sale and its karat value in less than a minute.

The handheld XRF analyzer can identify karats and percentage of gold and percentage of silver, platinum and palladium in less than 5 seconds as well as perform a complete analysis in less than 10 seconds. Since the handheld XRF displays the value to one hundredth of a decimal point, you will not only be able to identify if the precious material you are buying is below karat, you will also be able to identify by exactly how much.

This non-destructive method can analyze gold (Au), silver (Ag), Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd) and many more precious metal and base metal alloys: karat gold, low grade gold, gold plated, gold plated, silver grades, platinum alloys.

Using handheld XRF analyzers to test and analyze precious metals encompasses a multitude of advantages. Precious metals are not exposed to harsh chemicals during testing and analysis.

4. What is XRF?2024-11-27T07:38:28+00:00

The non-destructive analytical method known as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is used to ascertain the elemental makeup of materials. By exposing a sample to high-energy X-rays, which excite the sample’s atoms and cause them to generate X-ray fluorescence light, XRF analysis is carried out. The elemental makeup of the sample is then ascertained by measuring and analyzing this fluorescence emission. A vast range of materials, including metals, minerals, ceramics, polymers, and more, can be subjected to XRF investigation. In fields including mining, metal refining, manufacturing, and environmental analysis, it is frequently employed.

5. What elements can XRF detect?2024-11-27T07:38:40+00:00

The handheld XRF analyzer is able to detect the following elements in materials: Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Gallium, Germanium, Zirconium, Niobium, Molybdenum, Ruthenium, Rhodium, Palladium, Silver, Tin, Antimony, Hafnium, Tantalum, Tungsten, Rhenium, Platinum, Gold, Latin Plumbum, Bismuth, Magnesium, Aluminium, Silicon, Phosphorus and Sulphur. Other materials the XRF analyzer can detect are: plastic, soil, ore, ceramic, paint, paper, etc.

6. How Accurate is an XRF?2024-11-27T07:39:07+00:00

XRF analysis provides a fast, accurate and most importantly a nondestructive method to test the purity and composition of metals, alloys, geochemical materials, etc. Generally, heavier elements are slightly more accurate than lighter ones. Accuracy in the range 0.1 to 100% is higher than the range of 1ppm to 1000ppm. Accuracy is generally better for metals than for minerals and plastics. Accuracy will also be better if a powder sample has low particle size or if a massive test sample is flat. The accuracy of the difference between XRF value and assay can be as good as 0.2 to 0.5% for gold in jewelry. Accuracy can also be improved by adjusting the response of the instrument for a given type of material using reference samples. There are additional reasons to use XRF analyzers and not chemicals like nitric acid when it comes to analyzing precious metals such as jewelry. The traditional acid test for gold involves placing a small drop of strong acid onto the metal’s surface. This type of testing could leave a mark on the jewelry which is dangerous to the skin. Acid testing is not accurate and does not give the exact karat in gold testing.

7. Are the X-rays in XRF harmful to the human body?2024-11-27T07:39:11+00:00

If not handled carefully, X-rays from XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) equipment can be damaging to the human body. The risk is quite minimal, though, because these devices only produce a small, well regulated amount of X-rays. Additionally, the majority of contemporary XRF devices have security mechanisms that reduce the possibility of being exposed to dangerous X-rays. To protect the operator and others around them, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s safety instructions when using an XRF equipment.

Are handheld XRF analyzers suitable for remote mining operations?2024-11-29T06:33:05+00:00

Yes, handheld models are durable and portable, making them ideal for remote and rugged mining environments.

Are software or analytics tools subscription-based?2024-11-29T03:19:10+00:00

Advanced software and analytics tools are offered as subscription-based services. 

Are the products certified to international quality standards?2024-11-29T08:14:52+00:00

Yes, the products comply with international standards like CE and RoHS, ensuring safety, environmental friendliness, and performance reliability. 

Are there recycling programs for older devices?2024-11-29T04:17:36+00:00

Yes, recycling programs for outdated equipment are available to promote sustainability.

Are troubleshooting guides available for the products?2024-11-29T07:48:25+00:00

Yes, comprehensive troubleshooting manuals and technical support are provided for all products. 

Are XRF analyzers compatible with accessories or software?2024-11-27T05:50:20+00:00

Yes, they are compatible with accessories like calibration standards, sample cups, and software for reporting and data analysis. 

Are XRF analyzers easy to use for non-technical staff?2024-11-27T06:14:34+00:00

Yes, they have user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible with minimal training. 

Can non-metallic materials be analyzed using XRF analyzers?2024-11-27T06:05:09+00:00

While XRF is mainly used for metals, certain models can analyze non-metallic materials like ceramics or plastics, provided they contain detectable elements. 

Can older models be upgraded with new features?2024-11-29T04:58:12+00:00

Yes, many models offer hardware upgrades and software updates to incorporate new functionalities.

Can products be shipped internationally?2024-11-29T07:04:54+00:00

Yes, the products are shipped worldwide, adhering to all international shipping regulations.

Can XRF analyzers be integrated with other lab equipment?2024-11-27T06:35:00+00:00

Yes, they support integration with laboratory systems and other devices for seamless workflows. 

Can XRF analyzers detect counterfeit gold or silver?2024-11-29T06:09:14+00:00

Yes, they are highly effective in identifying counterfeit precious metals. 

Can XRF analyzers detect impurities in gold alloys?2024-11-27T05:45:16+00:00

Yes, they can identify impurities and trace elements in gold alloys, ensuring accurate purity evaluations. 

How can customers request a product demonstration?2024-11-29T07:31:43+00:00

Customers can contact the sales team directly or submit a request via the official website. 

How do XRF analyzers determine the purity of precious metals?2024-11-27T05:10:17+00:00

XRF analyzers use X-ray fluorescence technology to excite atoms in a sample, causing them to emit characteristic “fluorescence” X-rays. By analyzing these emissions, the device identifies and quantifies the elements present. 

How does XRF analysis compare to traditional testing methods like acid or fire assays?2024-11-27T06:00:47+00:00

XRF analysis is faster, non-destructive, and more precise than traditional methods, which often involve sample destruction or time-intensive procedures.

How is environmental safety ensured during testing?2024-11-29T06:47:27+00:00

Devices are designed to minimize environmental impact through eco-friendly standards and non-destructive testing methods.

How much training is required to operate an XRF analyzer?2024-11-28T11:28:21+00:00

Basic training covering device handling, software usage, and safety precautions is sufficient for most users.

How quickly can XRF analyzers provide results?2024-11-28T11:10:18+00:00

Most XRF analyzers deliver results in seconds, making them ideal for fast-paced industries. 

Is calibration necessary before using the device?2024-11-28T10:45:35+00:00

Regular calibration ensures optimal accuracy, though some models feature automatic calibration for user convenience. 

Is on-site technical support available?2024-11-28T10:16:06+00:00

Yes, both on-site and remote troubleshooting support is offered. 

What are the differences between handheld and desktop XRF analyzers?2024-11-28T10:06:28+00:00

Handheld XRF analyzers are portable and ideal for on-site testing, while desktop models are more robust, offering higher precision for laboratory settings. 

What are the limitations of XRF technology?2024-11-28T09:53:57+00:00

XRF cannot detect very light elements like hydrogen or helium. Additionally, uneven surfaces or coated samples may lead to less accurate results. 

What is the accuracy range of XRF analyzers for gold testing?2024-11-28T09:28:54+00:00

Depending on the detector type and calibration, XRF analyzers typically achieve an accuracy of ±0.1% to ±0.01%. 

What is the minimum or maximum size of objects that can be tested with an XRF device?2024-11-28T09:20:21+00:00

Handheld devices are versatile and suited for various object sizes, while desktop models are designed to accommodate larger or heavier samples. 

What is the primary function of XRF analyzers?2024-11-28T09:07:55+00:00

XRF analyzers are designed to test and determine the purity and composition of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum using non-destructive testing methods for fast and accurate results. 

What is the typical lifespan of an XRF analyzer?2024-11-29T06:11:44+00:00

With proper maintenance, XRF analyzers can operate reliably for several years. 

What maintenance is required for XRF analyzers?2024-11-29T07:51:51+00:00

Regular calibration, cleaning, and software updates are recommended to ensure long-term performance. 

What safety measures should be followed when using an XRF analyzer?2024-11-28T08:30:09+00:00

XRF analyzers incorporate safety features to minimize X-ray exposure. Operators should follow manufacturer guidelines, avoid direct exposure to the X-ray beam, and wear appropriate safety gear. 

What sets your XRF analyzers apart from competitors?2024-11-28T08:15:25+00:00

The focus on precision, user-friendly designs, and excellent after-sales service distinguishes the products in the market. 

Which industries benefit the most from XRF analyzers?2024-11-28T07:32:22+00:00

Industries such as mining, jewelry manufacturing, precious metal recycling, pawn shops, and quality inspection bureaus extensively use XRF analyzers for their precision and efficiency.

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