RMS Foundation
Bischmattstrasse 12
2544 Bettlach
Switzerland
Phone +41 32 644 2000
METHODS
Optical spark Emission Spectrometry (OES)
Our Optical spark Emission Spectrometer (OES) offers the possibility of rapid chemical analysis of metallic materials. As the elements C, S, N and O can be determined in addition to the metals, this method also allows carbon alloyed steels to be clearly identified. However, the analysis is not entirely non-destructive, as an arc is generated under argon shielding gas. This vaporizes material on the workpiece and creates a burn mark approx. 10 µm deep and 5 mm in diameter.
According to which standards do we test?
Whenever possible, we carry out our testing services in accordance with or based on these international standards:
- ASTM E415
- ASTM E1086
- ASTM E1251
- ASTM E2994
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Which devices do we use?
- Bruker Q4 Tasman
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For which material tests do we use this method?
We use optical spark emission spectrometry (OES) for the following tests, among others:
- Element composition of various metals
- Positive material identification (PMI) of metallic materials
- Clear identification of carbon-alloyed steels
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What you should know about this method?
For which materials is the method suitable?
OES is very well suited for metals,. Below are some examples with the elements that can be detected and quantified:
- High and low-alloy steels, cast iron: Al, As, B, C, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, N, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Ta, Te, Ti, V, W, Zn, Zr, Fe
- Pure titanium and titanium alloys (TiCP / Ti6Al4V / Ti6Al7Nb): Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, N, Nb, Ni, Y, O, Si, Sn, V, Ti
- Cobalt alloys (CoCrMo alloys): Al, C, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, N, Nb, Ni, P, S, Si, Ti, W, Co
- Copper alloys (brass alloys): Ag, Al, As, B, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Si, Sn, Zn, Cu
- Aluminum alloys: Ag, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, In, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, Zn, Zr, Al
What are suitable samples for this method?
Ideal for samples with a diameter of 15 - 120 mm and a height of up to 80 mm.
Various adapters allow us to analyze smaller sample dimensions, but with less accuracy/precision.
Various adapters allow us to analyze smaller sample dimensions, but with less accuracy/precision.
What is the measuring range?
Our test method can be used to quantify elements from the ppm range.
Are the analyses accredited?
Yes, the test methods according to ASTM E415, ASTM E1086, ASTM E1251 and ASTM E1251 are validated by us and accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025.
Who is your contact person?
Fabrizio Bigolin
Team Leader Analytics & Materials Testing
+41 32 644 2023
Team Leader Analytics & Materials Testing
+41 32 644 2023