Mobile Metal Analyser now features Spectro Metal Database

Spectro Analytical Instruments now offers direct access to its SPECTRO Metal Database on the latest versions of its SPECTROTEST -- the most powerful mobile metal analyser in the SPECTRO product line. Users will not only save time conducting metal assessments but will no longer need to purchase various catalogs of metal standards. Stored in the SPECTRO Metal Database are specifications for more than 150,000 metal alloys according to international standards for steels and non-ferrous metals.

The Metal Database serves as a universal tool for providing detailed information about metal alloys and their mechanical properties. Among its strengths is the ability to search for suitable alloys, to identify unknown materials based on the chemical content, and to export material specifications for use on a particular spectrometer. The software supports users working with the SPECTRO iSORT, xSORT, SPECTROTEST (additional direct access), SPECTROMAXx and SPECTROLAB. All new SPECTROTEST (TXC03) analyzers have a test version of the SPECTRO Metal Database pre-installed.

“For many using the SPECTROTEST, elemental content is not always a prime interest. For rapid inspections of incoming and outgoing goods, it is often sufficient to know whether or not the tested metal corresponds to given specifications, the delivery note is correct or the steel accurately identified,” explains Marcus Freit, Spectro Product Manager for mobile metal analysers.

Even previous versions of the SPECTROTEST could answer many of these questions using pre-installed grade libraries, in which common grades are stored. The materials library could also be extended with customer-specific entries.

With the new SPECTRO Metal Database, this has been made even easier. With unknown alloys, it is possible for users to search for materials. Pressing a key starts the extended material search from the measuring screen. It is then possible to determine within which material specifications the analysis fits. By importing materials from the list of results, the alloys can be quickly and simply entered into the library on the SPECTROTEST.

Introduced in 2012, the current version of the SPECTROTEST mobile metal analyser provides outstanding analytical performance. Designed for high sample throughput, the SPECTROTEST analyser offers a light weight ergonomic design and user-friendly operation. Its highly efficient plasma generator delivers several hundred measurements from a single battery charge. The instrument features a pluggable probe with an optional integrated UV optic that can be used in spark and arc mode.

In the arc excitation mode, the SPECTROTEST is used for, among other things, the identification of low alloy steels based on the carbon content, and in spark excitation mode, for the analysis of carbon, phosphorous and sulphur together with the identification of duplex steels based on the nitrogen content along with other applications. Its iCAL (intelligent calibration logic) logic system monitors the state of the measuring system during operation. Proper standardisation of the SPECTROTEST is ensured with a single iCAL control sample.