Rigaku KT-100S Handheld LIBS Metals Analyzer
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      Three Steps to a Quality Test Result with the Rigaku KT-100S Handheld LIBS Metals Analyzer

      Watch the video to learn three important steps to ensure successful analysis using the Rigaku KT-100S Handheld LIBS.

      HubSpot Video
      • Step 1: CLEAN. Ensure a clean window. Use a cleaning swab that came with the analyzer to clean the scanning window underneath the front plate on the nose of the analyzer. The analyzer has a default setting to remind the user to clean the window after every 25 tests. You can change this setting in your "Instrument Setup" menu seen below.
        Window Cleaning Reminder
      • Step 2: Prepare the sample surface to avoid surface contamination. LIBS is a surface technique that requires clean contact with the bare metal in order to provide quality results. If your samples are dirty, coated, rusted, corroded, painted, or you just can't make contact with a clean, bare metal surface, MAG recommends using a sample preparation technique to sand or grind the sample to prepare the surface for testing.
        • Protip: When deciding to sand or grind the surface of your metal sample, you have a number of grinding mediums to choose from. These grinding mediums can leave a residue on the metal that can contaminate the metal sample surface with the elements included in the grinding medium like Zirconium, Aluminum, or Silicon. MAG recommends using Zirconium or Aluminum-based grinding mediums as Silicon is found at lower levels in many different alloys and any contamination may lead to erroneous results. This often will depend on the metal base you are preparing to test so be sure you know what you are working with in order to ensure the best results. As always, if you are not sure which grinding medium to use, contact the support team at MAG to help you determine which grinding medium is best for your samples.
      • Step 3: Ensure complete contact with the metal surface. The metal sample surface needs to flush against the front plate and covering the laser window for the duration of the test for a quality test result.
        Step 3 Sample AlignmentFront Plate Diagram
        • Protip: LIBS is a surface technique that requires complete contact with the metal in order to provide quality results. If the analyzer moves or does not stay in contact with the sample during the entire test, you may get an erroneous result.
      • So remember these 3 steps and you will be well on your way to successful metal testing.
        • CLEAN - Ensure the analyzer window is clean
        • PREP - Ensure the sample surface has been prepared for testing
        • CONTACT - Ensure the sample surface is in complete contact with the analyzer