Thursday, July 21st, 2011
I recently read a blog post at EBN Online by Dawn Gluskin of Soletec Electronics that listed ten ideas that can help supply chain professionals avoid conterfeit components. Since Quickshot XRF has added the QSX-82D for RoHS testing and composition analysis, we have been working with a number of independent distributors, circuit board manufacturers, etc to help them meet in-house screening/inspection requirements. I thought the blog entry would be of interest to those visitors to our site and it can be reviewed in full here.
The blog includes tips like ‘making certifications a requirement’, ‘working with distributors that are aligned with industry organizations’ and ‘identifying distributors that have systems in place to screen for counterfeit parts’ among others.
Part of in-house screening may include x-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology; like the QSX-82D from Quickshot XRF. In these situations, XRF Spectrometers are used to detect poor quality or counterfeit components by measuring the elemental composition of materials present in the parts and then comparing them with an authentic part. While counterfeit parts may pass electronic functionality tests, critical elements may be missing or replaced with lower cost elements that can compromise the parts performance in various situations.
With an appropriate x-ray fluorescence analyzer, distributors can verify components for RoHS and material composition; providing assurance to their clients that they are providing complient electronic components. Review that blog and contact Quickshot XRF if you have a need for in-house screening solutions.
Monday, July 18th, 2011
As many of you know, when gold prices spiked their was an increase in gold buy-back organizations starting up. Many serious gold buyers turned to x-ray fluorescence technology to separate themselves from other gold buyers. This is one major benefit of XRF but if the wrong system is selected then the accuracy and range of metals may not meet a buyers interest.
When the interest in x-ray fluorescence was growing, many sales organizations suggested proportional counter detection systems (aka ‘prop count’) to meet gold buy-back interests. They promised accuracy across a range of precious metals…but that is simply not what a ‘prop-count’ system can offer.
At QSX Instruments Inc, we have been able to help gold buyers that purchased ‘prop count’ systems to upgrade their technology and obtain the accuracy, ease-of-use and range of metals that make XRF Technology a true benefit to their operations. One current client offered the following statement on his upgrade to an Si-PIN Detection System (the QSX-295T Precious Metal Analyzer):
“Even though the price was right, the low-cost proportional counter system that we were using was not giving me the return that I thought it would because the technology is limited to yellow gold. The upgrade to a QSX-295T with the better detection system (Si-PIN) has allowed me to see much better accuracy on gold plus the additional precious metals I need to know about (silver, etc) to get the best return on my investment in XRF. The Quickshot XRF staff made the upgrade process simple and the investment to upgrade has been well worth it.”
Rick P.
Owner / Buyer
Michigan Gold Buyer Organization
You can request literature to learn more about the difference in performance that detection systems can offer (request 79T v 295T comparison) or contact a QSX Instruments technical advisor to discuss your current buy-back operation and, possibly, XRF Analyzer.
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
The technical staff of Quickshot XRF recently developed an overview of the steps required to prepare soil and ore samples for XRF testing. Request this piece of literature from Quickshot XRF; below is a brief summary.
Simple preparation of geological samples on site (in-situ) can yield data that is appropriate for some needs (surveying, etc). This fast and simple preparation includes the selection of an appropriate sample and simply cleaning off the sample in order to obtain proper results. The quality of data required for a users need will determine if this approach is acceptable.
If the quick preparation noted above is not sufficent for a users need, then a more thorough sample preparation will be needed. This approach will require access to additional accessories but should allow the user to obtain more detailed and accurate results.
The steps to follow (detailed in the available preparation overview) will include:
- Drying the Sample: be certain that a geological sample is properly dried
- Grinding: a grinding mill is required to create a thin powder for analysis
- Final Preparation: based on a users access to additional machines, timing, etc can be as simple as packing into sample cups or more involved, like using a press machine and pressing into ‘cake’ like pieces
Again, more details on sample preparation can be requested but the critical idea is that the approach to sample preparation is dependent upon what an XRF users data quality objectives are. For top results, a thorough sample preparation procedure should be utilized.
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
A new video is available that provides a demonstration of the desktop analyzer (QSX-82D) in action. The video was taped as a quick follow-up to the previous blog post that highlighted the differences between Quickshot XRF’s handheld and desktop analyzers in RoHS testing. Recorded by an Application Specialist after a web-cam demonstration of the system, it offers an overview of the QSX-82D taking a measurement then pulling the data to generate a report. It is a fairly brief video and highlights the analyzers streamlined software and report functionality.
Currently, the video is not on the Quickshot XRF Youtube page but can be requested through a sales associate through the Quickshot XRF Contact Page. It may be added to our Youtube page in the future.
It should be noted that we also have a video of the Handheld XRF Analyzer in action in case you are comparing the operation of the desktop analyzer and the handheld system.
Monday, June 13th, 2011
Quickshot XRF recently released the QSX-82D, a desktop x-ray fluorescence analyzer that was developed specifically for RoHS testing needs. With the release of this system, organizations have both a desktop and a handheld system from Quickshot XRF to consider when looking to add in-house RoHS testing capabilities. Both systems present different benefits that will meet various end-users interests and this blog touches on a few benefits of each.
Concerns over the difference in accuracy and repeatability of the two systems are topics that most organizations want to discuss. This is, essentially, a non-factor as both technologies offer the ability to read at PPM levels well below RoHS requirements. Although, the increased sensitivity the desktop system provides allows it to outperform the handheld when testing metal samples for hazardous substances.
We ran some tests on a sample piece using both systems and a summary of those tests follow:
Average Reading (in PPM)
note that the largest difference between average results was only 4.28 PPM; in Bromine
Standard Deviation
fairly tight repeatability from each analyzer
Handheld XRF (QSX-HH)
This very popular option from QSX Instruments Inc can provide a good screening device when companies require portability. Many organizations like that it is available for rent; which provides the option to credit the entire rental fee to the purchase price - making it a popular way to try XRF Technology for an extended period of time before making the full investment.
Top Benefits of Handheld XRF
- Portable Testing; good for incoming inspection interests
- No Limit to Sample Size; a benefit for testing larger boards that can’t be destroyed
- Cost; only QSX Instruments offers a handheld system at thsi price for RoHS testing
Desktop XRF (QSX-82D)
This system was developed for organizations that have a need to test smaller components for RoHS compliance. The camera system allows for focus on a specific area and the image is included in reports. Many users of desktop systems appreciate that the software operates on a computer (not a PDA like handhelds) making it easier to navigate and the reporting capabilities are much more impressive.
Top Benefits of Desktop XRF:
- Software; easier to navigate than handheld and better report functions
- Color Camera System; insures proper sample alignment
- Multiple Filters and Collimators; increased sensitivity and detection limits
At the end of the day, QSX Instruments can not offer a standard answer for what system is the better option. The decision must be based on the individual organizations testing needs and situation, but both systems can provide accurate information with different benefits. Feel free to contact a QSX Instruments associate to discuss your testing interests, concerns and the benefits of each analyzer style.
