Industry News

Stay informed with the latest developments in platinum labware, XRF analysis, sample preparation, and the scientific equipment industry. Insights and updates for laboratory professionals worldwide.

Latest Articles

Lithium Tetraborate vs. Lithium Metaborate: Choosing the Right Flux for Borate Fusion

March 30, 2026

A practical guide to selecting between lithium tetraborate, lithium metaborate, and pre-mixed flux blends for borate fusion XRF sample preparation — including how flux choice affects platinum crucible longevity.

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Preparing Sulfide Ores and Difficult Samples for Borate Fusion

March 26, 2026

Learn how to safely prepare sulfide ores and other challenging sample types for borate fusion XRF analysis — protecting both your results and your platinum crucibles.

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Troubleshooting Platinum Crucible Sticking and Cracking in Borate Fusion

Sticking, cracking, discoloration, and warping — learn what causes the most common platinum crucible failures during borate fusion and how to prevent them.

March 23, 2026

Understanding Matrix Effects in XRF Analysis: Causes, Corrections, and Best Practices

Matrix effects are among the most significant sources of systematic error in XRF analysis. Learn about absorption and enhancement effects, mathematical correction methods, and practical strategies for reliable data.

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Platinum Crucibles for Thermal Analysis: TGA, DSC, and High-Temperature Laboratory Applications

March 12, 2026

Explore why platinum crucibles are the preferred choice for thermal analysis methods including TGA, DSC, and DTA, and how to select the right crucible for your high-temperature laboratory applications.

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Complete Guide to Claisse Fluxer Platinum Labware: Compatibility, Specifications, and Selection

March 9, 2026

Choosing the right platinum crucibles and molds for your Claisse fluxer. Compatibility charts, specifications, and selection tips for every model.

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Non-Wetting Agents in Borate Fusion: What They Do and How to Use Them

March 10, 2026

Non-wetting agents like lithium bromide and lithium iodide prevent glass beads from sticking to platinum crucibles during borate fusion. Learn how they work, proper dosing, and troubleshooting tips.

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Flux-to-Sample Ratios for Borate Fusion: A Practical Guide for XRF Labs

March 6, 2026

Learn how to choose the right flux-to-sample ratio for borate fusion in XRF analysis. Covers common ratios for cement, mining, soils, and glass — plus troubleshooting tips when your glass discs crack or crystallize.

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How Platinum Buyback Programs Work — And Why They Save Your Lab Money

March 05, 2026

How platinum buyback programs work, what determines the value of your used labware, and how to maximize your return when recycling platinum crucibles and molds.

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Loss on Ignition (LOI) for XRF: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

March 03, 2026

What Loss on Ignition measures, why it’s critical for accurate XRF borate fusion analysis, and best practices for reliable LOI results.

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5 Common XRF Sample Preparation Errors and How to Fix Them

March 03, 2026

The most frequent XRF borate fusion problems — cracked beads, bubbles, wetting, contamination, and inconsistent thickness — and practical fixes for each.

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Platinum vs. Zirconium Crucibles: Which Is Right for Your Lab?

February 23, 2026

A comprehensive comparison of platinum and zirconium crucibles for analytical laboratories. Covers chemical resistance, temperature performance, lifespan, cost of ownership, and which material is the best fit for XRF analysis, borate fusion, and other applications.

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Borate Fusion for XRF Sample Preparation: How It Works and Why Platinum Crucibles Matter

February 19, 2026

A complete guide to the borate fusion technique for XRF sample preparation. Learn how lithium borate fluxes dissolve geological, mineral, and industrial samples into homogeneous glass discs — and why platinum crucibles are essential for accurate, reproducible results.

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Platinum Crucible Care and Maintenance: A Complete Guide to Extending Labware Lifespan

February 16, 2026

Learn proven maintenance techniques to extend the life of your platinum crucibles. Covers daily cleaning procedures, troubleshooting common problems like discoloration and pitting, alloy selection for longevity, and when it’s time to replace.

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How to Choose the Right Platinum Crucible Alloy for XRF Analysis

February 13, 2026

Selecting the right platinum crucible alloy is one of the most important decisions in XRF sample preparation. Learn the differences between pure Pt, Pt/Au, Pt/Rh, and custom alloys — and how to choose the best option for your lab.

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