Automation of multiple spectrometers and preparation machines offers new opportunities for users requiring more comprehensive and integrated automation solutions
Thermo Electron introduces its new ARL SMS-3000 automation system designed to run simultaneously with both its X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and optical emission (OES) spectrometers.
The ARL SMS-3000 is described as a high-end, affordable alternative to single spectrometer automation solutions.
The automation of multiple spectrometers and preparation machines offers new opportunities for users requiring more comprehensive and integrated automation solutions in the metals and mining industries.
The ARL SMS-3000 allows fast and automatic twin XRF and OES analysis by integrating the two analytical techniques in a compact system. This functionality is particularly relevant to high alloy, stainless steel, copper, brass and bronze applications where both techniques are required for a complete analysis.
The system also enables double OES configuration, which appeals to primary metals producers' laboratories.
In both cases, response times are dramatically shortened and heavier sample workloads can be easily accommodated.
By eliminating human intervention and integrating automation mechanisms, the ARL SMS-3000 reduces the cost of sample analysis; increases sample throughput and analysis dependability; and leads to higher quality results and better reproducibility, says the company.
In addition, Thermo's new automation speeds up the analysis, allowing for increased productivity and capacity in highly critical production control environments.
Simplified operation and reduced system complexity make the ARL SMS-3000 easy to maintain and service.
One screen provides access to the full range of sample tracking and automation user functions.
A single registration device and introduction location is used for all production samples, which are then automatically directed to the relevant system components.
Moreover, each instrument can be used off-line for manual work without interruption of the automatic system operation.
The ARL SMS-3000 features Thermo's CRS F3 robot, which can manipulate samples of up to 1.2kg at speeds up to 4m/sec.
Given the production sample weights, this means less solicitation and reduced wear, increased reliability and longer lifetime.
