Compare Metal Alloy ID Methods - XRF, TE, and Spot Test Kits
|
|
XRF |
Thermoelectric |
Spot Test Kit |
|
Cost |
~$40,000 |
~$4,000 |
~$400 |
|
Speed |
10 seconds |
1 second |
1 minute |
|
Permits/licensing required? |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Mandatory State and Federal Audits? |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Variety of Alloys |
Most metals, limited metal “conflicts” |
100 metals with some limitations. Excellent for chrome nickel alloys. Click here for list. |
1000 metals with some limitations. Excellent for chrome nickel alloys |
|
Contains radiological material? |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Good for plated coatings? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Sorts between Stainless Steel 304 vs. Stainless Steel 316? |
Yes |
No – see spot test kit |
Yes |
|
Sorts steel containing sulfur? |
Yes |
No – see spot test kit |
Yes |
|
Ability to identify elements in soil and rock? |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Ample for very small materials (such as fine wires or small fragments)? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Adequate for hard to reach or narrow spaces? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Save and Export Results? |
Yes |
Yes |
No |