SPECTROMAXx With iCAL 2.0 ARC/SPARK OES Analyzer

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, a unit of Ametek Inc., has introduced the eighth generation of its SPECTROMAXx with iCAL 2.0 ARC/SPARK OES Analyzer — improved with innovative new capabilities and advancements in performance to achieve fast, accurate elemental analysis precisely tuned for material control and foundry applications.

The newest generation instrument features outstanding speed; quick and simple standardization; reliable and accurate results; minimal gas consumption; and a low cost of ownership for a more intelligent elemental analysis of incoming source materials, for in-process testing and traceability, and for final quality inspection.

The new SPECTROMAXx analyzer’s even faster measurement times and low consumables consumption provide greater productivity, analytical performance, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness than ever before.

The new SPECTROMAXx achieves record-setting speed with optimized spark parameters for a 12% reduction in measurement times. (Example: low-alloy steel takes 3 seconds less than with previous models.) The ultrafast information enables users to quickly react to changing process conditions for substantial savings in both time and energy costs.

The new analyzer features SPECTRO’s proprietary iCAL 2.0 calibration logic, which needs only 5 minutes and a single sample per day rather than the 30 or more minutes needed by conventional analyzers. SPECTROMAXx with iCAL 2.0 compensates for most changes in environmental temperature or pressure without requiring reruns, unlike conventional instruments. Moreover, SPECTRO’s SPARK ANALYZER Pro software features a simplified operator view and programmable application profiles to ensure ease of use for less experienced personnel. The result is enhanced stability, productivity and savings.

Greatly reducing a substantial operational expense, SPECTROMAXx minimizes the use of costly argon gas without sacrificing analytical performance.

The SPECTROMAXx analyzer’s low maintenance requirements deliver higher availability, while advanced diagnostics with critical status indicators make maintenance easier and prevent downtime. AMECARE services help promote uninterrupted performance and maximize ROI with machine-to-machine support that allows proactive alerts, backed up by an on-request PC connection with a remote SPECTRO service expert.

Advanced OES technology enables SPECTROMAXx to precisely detect and analyze samples containing free graphite, with results comparable to those achieved by combustion analysis. The analyzer can monitor carbon during the pre-spark phase to detect free graphite and minimize its effects by selecting analytical conditions. This approach also uses a statistical method to detect bad samples automatically.