XRF Microspot: Advanced Technology at Your Desk
What Is XRF, and Why Is It Important in Industry?
If you work in manufacturing, quality control, research and development, or any industry involving materials, you may have heard of XRF.
XRF stands for X-ray fluorescence, a spectroscopic analysis technique based on the interaction between X-rays and atoms.
This article introduces XRF-based analysis, its use in measuring coating thickness and composition, and our Microspot XRF analyzer.
XRF-Based Analysis
XRF is a widely used and recognized industrial analysis technique. It offers fast, nondestructive, easy-to-use analysis with minimal sample preparation. XRF can analyze solids or liquids and detect elements from 13 Al to 92 U in the periodic table.
How XRF WorksIt relies on X-ray fluorescence. An atom is excited by an X-ray source with energy greater than that of an electron in its outer shell. The electron is ejected, leaving a vacancy. An electron from a higher shell then fills the vacancy and emits a photon at a specific wavelength, known as X-ray fluorescence. Because this wavelength is characteristic of each element, the elements in a sample can be identified by measuring the wavelength and intensity of the fluorescent X-rays.
Applications in Coating Thickness and Composition Measurement
XRF can measure the thickness and composition of metallic or nonmetallic coatings on materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, gold, silver, nickel, and chromium.
Coating thickness and composition measurements are important in many industrial applications, including:
Microspot XRF for PCBs, Semiconductors, and Electronics
- PCB / PWB Finishing: Control of the finishing process determines board spacing, reliability, and service life. Hitachi High-Tech Micro XRF products help maintain tight process limits for high quality and to avoid costly rework.
- Plating Electrical and Electronic Components: Components must be plated to specification to provide the required electrical, mechanical, and environmental properties. X-Strata series products can control top, intermediate, and plated layers on leadframes, connector pins, wires, and terminals.
- IC Substrates: As semiconductors become smaller and more complex, analysis instruments must measure thin layers in small areas. Hitachi High-Tech benchtop analyzers are designed to provide high-precision analysis and repeatable sample positioning for demanding applications.
- Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS, ECS): Combining imported and locally manufactured components into a final assembly involves multiple inspection points, from incoming inspection and in-process control to final quality control. Our benchtop XRF products let you analyze components, solder, and finishes throughout the facility, supporting quality at every step.
- Photovoltaics: Demand for renewable energy continues to grow, and photovoltaics play an important role in harnessing solar power. Thin-film solar-cell quality partly determines how efficiently this energy is collected. Use Microspot XRF to ensure consistent, accurate plating for maximum performance.
- Restricted Materials and High-Reliability Screening: In complex global supply chains, it is essential to verify materials received from suppliers. Use our XRF analyzers for this screening.
Microspot XRF for Metal Finishing
- Corrosion Resistance: Check coating thickness and composition to ensure product performance and service life in harsh environments. Both small bolts and large assemblies can be measured with ease.
- Wear Resistance: Prevent product failures by ensuring the thickness and uniformity of critical components operating in abrasive environments. Complex shapes, thin or thick coatings, and finished goods can all be measured.
- Decorative Finishing: When a flawless finish is the goal, quality control throughout production is essential. Our range of inspection instruments lets you reliably check the substrate and intermediate and top layers.
- High-Temperature Resistance: Parts operating in the most extreme conditions require tight controls. Ensure coating specifications are met to prevent recalls and failures with potentially catastrophic consequences.
To ensure coating quality and performance, thickness and composition must be measured accurately and reliably. XRF is ideal for this task because it measures both quickly and nondestructively.
Microspot XRF Analyzer
Microspot is a compact, easy-to-use XRF analyzer for fast, high-precision measurements of coating thickness and composition. It connects to a computer or smartphone via USB or Bluetooth and can run for hours on a rechargeable battery.
Microspot offers the following advantages over other XRF analyzers:
- Compact Size:At just 1.5 kg and 18 x 8 x 6 cm, Microspot is convenient to carry and use anywhere.
- High Sensitivity:Its high-power X-ray source (50 kV, 10 mA) and high-resolution X-ray fluorescence detector (150 eV) can detect trace elements and very thin coatings.
- High Accuracy:Automatic alignment and smart calibration help eliminate factors that affect measurement results, such as sample angle and distance.
- Fast Measurements:A measurement takes only 10 to 60 seconds, depending on the sample and quality requirements.
- Easy to Use:Its intuitive, user-friendly interface makes it easy to set measurement parameters, view results, store data, and export reports.
