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Spectral Analysis: An effective method for quality control
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Spectral Analysis – An Effective Method for Quality Control
Spectral analysis is crucial in the metal-processing industry for quality assurance, damage analysis, or checking goods received. We possess extensive expertise in metal spectral analysis and can assist with our advanced OES equipment.
What Is Spectral Analysis?
Spectral analysis is a materials-testing procedure used to determine the chemical composition of metals. The method is also referred to as optical emission spectrometry (OES) and plays an important role in the metal-processing industry.
In addition to quality control, the test procedure also has applications in the analysis of damage to metallic components, as well as in documentation and in providing the evidence needed to meet qualitative, normative, or legal requirements.
In the context of positive material identification (PMI), metal-processing companies also use spectral analysis to check components against materials-engineering criteria.
Spectral Analysis Explained
Spectral analysis takes advantage of the effect whereby photons are emitted during the vaporization of metallic materials. The tester begins by applying an electrode to the metal sample in order to heat it up to a temperature of several thousand degrees. As a result of the potential gradient between the electrode and the sample, an arc is then struck, leading to localized vaporization of the material.
The excitation of atoms in the material vapor forms a light-emitting plasma; it is this light emission that underpins the spectral analysis of metals: a diffraction grating separates the emitted light into its constituent spectrum and detectors measure the intensity of the various wavelengths. These intensity readings can ultimately be used to determine the concentration of metallic elements in the sample.
Materials Testing and Beyond
Spectral analysis allows metal-processing companies to determine the precise composition of different substances in a metallic sample. This allows the unambiguous identification of materials, or rather of their composition.
Another important application is in positive material identification (PMI); it is possible to avoid costly material mix-ups thanks to spectral analysis and to ensure the seamless traceability of components. Metal-processing companies use PMI testing primarily for safety-relevant components in order to reduce the risk of mix-ups with serious consequences.
The determination of material composition by spectral analysis is possible for a whole series of metallic elements and their alloys.
Metals and Their Alloys Suitable for Spectral Analysis
Spectral Analysis for Other Applications
Spectral analysis is a very popular technique with metal-processing companies, not least thanks to its versatility. The test procedure offers advantages in the following applications, among others:
- Testing material quality as part of receiving goods
- Analyzing damage to metallic components
- Testing metallic components prior to parts production
- Precision analysis in steel production
- Material analysis as part of quality assurance of final parts
- Preparing professional documentation, certificates, and evidence relating to material composition
Bossard – A Specialist in Spectral Analysis
As experts in fastening and materials technology, we offer spectral analysis-based testing to meet your needs. Our modern OES equipment in our test labs provides the following services:
- Spectral analysis of metals
- Preparation of certificates, evidence, and documentation
Get Access to Bossard's Test Laboratory
As experts in fastening and materials technology, we conduct a wide range of tests in our technical laboratories to support your quality assurance.
