Consumables  

CONSUMABLE MATERIALS

We offer accessories needed for sample preparation using X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) methods. Our company specializes in the production of equipment used to prepare samples for XRF analysis, such as gas fusion machines and hydraulic presses. Therefore, it is crucial for us to provide you with all the necessary materials and accessories to fully prepare your sample for analysis.

FUSION ACCESSORIES

An essential element of laboratory equipment that has a fusion machine for XRF sample fusion is platinum ware. Without crucibles and molds (casting molds), we cannot perform the fusion process. You will find crucibles and molds made of platinum-gold alloy not only for our gas fusion machines but also for other machines available on the market. We also supply crucibles for annealing, evaporating dishes, plastic boats, and other products needed for sample preparation.

Once we have a fusion machine and the appropriate platinum dishes for it, we also need a flux. A substance that allows us to melt the powdered sample into a so-called glass bit (disk). A whole range of various high-purity fluxes are available from us. Lithium tetraborate, lithium metaborate, and mixtures of these two compounds are the most popular fluxes. Sometimes, preparing a sample for XRF analysis using the fusion method requires the use of additional compounds such as oxidizers or surface tension reducers. We also have these products available as separate compounds or in ready-to-use fluxes.

PRESSING ACCESSORIES

To obtain a pressed pellet for XRF sample analysis, we need a die in addition to the press. The die is a mold that shapes our sample. Our dies are compatible not only with HERCULES presses but also with other presses available on the market. The most popular die diameters are 40 mm and 32 mm. The diameter of the pellets is adapted to the rings and collimator mask in XRF spectrometers. For a more specific group of customers, we can make dies of other diameters, e.g., 13 mm for making potassium bromide tablets for infrared spectroscopy analysis.

Most samples that we want to press are not sticky enough to obtain a stable pellet. A binder needs to be used, an additive to our sample that will not affect the analysis but will stabilize our pressed pellet. The binder is usually a polymer: cellulose or wax and their derivatives. This binder can be in powder or tablet form, which can also be added during sample grinding.

In addition to the binder, pressed samples can be stabilized using aluminum caps/molds. These caps, adapted to the die diameter, prevent the sample from crumbling at the edges and provide additional stabilization.

SAMPLE STORAGE

Fused or pressed samples can be used repeatedly for measurements, but to remain stable and in good condition, it is worth storing them in appropriate conditions. For this purpose, we offer you our own production desiccators. Equipped with a thermo-hygrometer and a drying agent, the desiccators allow for long-term storage of samples. Additionally, we have boxes for single pellets/tablets and colorful cabinets with drawers where you can organize, for example, fused calibration standards.