The handheld XRF and LIBS devices make it relatively easier to analyze samples on the move. As a result, the flexibility, reliability, and sheer power of desktop bulk analyzers can be easily overlooked. For 45 years, LAB-X has been an established name among laboratory instruments across the world, and the latest in this tried and tested series of products has just been introduced. Matt Kreiner, the XRF expert, examines why people are very interested in the LAB-X-5000 from Hitachi High-Tech.
.jpg)
One Touch Measurement
No lab instruments can be as user friendly as the LAB-X-5000. To get straight down to business, you can simply load the sample, press the green START button, and the analysis will appear within seconds. There are no additional buttons to press, no complex menus, and no queries to respond to. Similar to pulling the trigger on a handheld analyzer, the basic process has been simplified at the press of a button.
Large Touch Screen
When compared to its predecessor, the LAB-X3500, the LAB-X5000 has a more compact footprint and now also features a 7 inch touch screen. This screen displays the results and makes it easy to refine the testing method – if required – with just a few taps of the on-screen options. The industrial grade touch screen has been extensively tested for physical and chemical resistance, ensuring its capability to resist solvents and other corrosive substances that are common in the testing environment.
Improved Data Handling
An Ethernet connection and a USB port come as standard, and Wi-Fi is available as an option. With the LiveConnect cloud service, it is possible to combine the LAB-X5000 with a QA/QC data system. Data updates from a number of analyzers in various locations across a large facility, or from a fleet of devices from facilities worldwide can be instantly received by a QA or QC manager. This makes it easier to institute global, 100% PMI analysis.
Pass/Fail Setups for Ease of Use
Users can run routine pass/fail testing using the available software. In addition, the LAB-X5000 includes a feature known as SmartCheck for tests with complex criteria. For example, when a test involves three elements, and one is not identified in a sample, this would normally mean that operators need to contact their manager to know what exactly has to be done. In such circumstances, SmartCheck can be set to instruct the operator – perhaps a fail on one element means production can continue, or maybe not. Now, the device can be used by anyone thanks to the powerful and intuitive software on board.
Flexible and Programmable
Settings have been pre-loaded in the LAB-X5000 benchtop XRF analyzer for its most common applications, such as testing sulfur in wood preservatives, lubricants, petroleum, and silicone on film and paper. The optimized software and hardware configuration of LAB-X5000 enables operators in many industries to start testing from the get-go. However, with the sophisticated features in the LAB-X5000, the users can calibrate test criteria for any individual context. The high-resolution detector makes it possible to analyze more elements in less time when compared to the previous models. This makes it much more efficient and flexible when examining and developing techniques for testing complex minerals and other materials.
Tried and Trusted
The tradition of safety and reliability observed in the past models is continued by the LAB-X5000 instrument. The sample cup is still located into the sample holder, which rotates round into the rear of the device where the detector and X-ray tube perform the analysis safely within the housing. Then, the sample rotates back to the insertion location for removal. If an accidental spill occurs during loading or unloading, the detector and X-ray tube are protected from damage. Moreover, this version of the LAB-X has been tested more extensively than any other previous model. The primary filter mechanism has underwent 1.2 million cycles, the START button has been pressed 400,000 times, and the turntable has endured 700,000 cycles. Vibration tests, drop tests, chemical tests and all sorts of test have been performed on the LAB-X5000.
The LAB-X5000 benchtop XRF analyzer takes everything that makes LAB-X an excellent instrument for quality control testing and adds novel features to make it more flexible, faster, and user-friendly. So, perhaps this is the key reason to get excited about the LAB-X5000.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science.
For more information on this source, please visit Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science.