Certified Reference Materials for XRF: Selection, Use, and Best Practices
What Are Certified Reference Materials? Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are the foundation of accurate XRF analysis. Without properly selected and prepared CRMs, even the most advanced spectrometer and the most carefully maintained platinum labware cannot produce reliable results. Yet CRM selection and handling remain among the most overlooked aspects of laboratory quality assurance. A CRM […]
Understanding Matrix Effects in XRF Analysis: Causes, Corrections, and Best Practices
What Are Matrix Effects in XRF Analysis? If you’ve ever noticed that your X-ray fluorescence (XRF) results don’t quite match expected values — even when your instrument is properly calibrated — matrix effects are likely the culprit. Matrix effects are among the most significant sources of systematic error in XRF analysis, and understanding them is […]
Platinum Crucibles for Thermal Analysis: TGA, DSC, and High-Temperature Laboratory Applications
Learn why platinum crucibles are essential for TGA, DSC, and DTA thermal analysis. Compare alloys, temperature capabilities, and best practices for high-temperature laboratory applications.
Non-Wetting Agents in Borate Fusion: What They Do and How to Use Them
What Are Non-Wetting Agents? If you’ve ever struggled to remove a fused glass bead from your platinum crucible or mold, you’ve experienced the problem that non-wetting agents solve. These chemical additives — most commonly lithium bromide (LiBr) and lithium iodide (LiI) — reduce the surface tension between the molten flux and the platinum surface, allowing […]
Complete Guide to Claisse Fluxer Platinum Labware: Compatibility, Specifications, and Selection
If your laboratory uses a Claisse fluxer for borate fusion sample preparation, choosing the right platinum crucibles and molds is essential for accurate, repeatable XRF and ICP results. Claisse fusion machines — including the popular M4, TheOx, and LeNeo models — require precision-engineered platinum labware that meets exact dimensional and alloy specifications. In this guide, […]
Flux-to-Sample Ratios for Borate Fusion: A Practical Guide for XRF Labs
What Is the Flux-to-Sample Ratio? In borate fusion for XRF analysis, the flux-to-sample ratio is one of the most critical parameters affecting the quality of your glass discs. Get it wrong, and you’ll face cracking, incomplete dissolution, or poor analytical accuracy. Get it right, and you’ll produce clear, homogeneous discs that deliver repeatable results every […]
How Platinum Buyback Programs Work — And Why They Save Your Lab Money
Platinum labware is one of the most significant investments an analytical laboratory makes. A single crucible can cost thousands of dollars, and over time, labs accumulate worn, damaged, or obsolete pieces that sit unused in storage. What many lab managers don’t realize is that this idle platinum still holds substantial value — and a well-structured […]
Loss on Ignition (LOI) for XRF: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right
What Is Loss on Ignition and Why Does It Matter for XRF? Loss on Ignition (LOI) is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps in XRF sample preparation. It measures the mass lost when a sample is heated to high temperature, typically 950–1050°C. That lost mass includes water, carbonates, sulfides, and […]
5 Common XRF Sample Preparation Errors and How to Fix Them
Why XRF Sample Preparation Errors Cost More Than You Think Even experienced analysts run into XRF sample preparation issues that compromise results. A contaminated flux, a cracked bead, or an uneven melt can mean hours of rework — and in production environments, missed deadlines and wasted materials. The good news? Most sample prep errors follow […]
When to Replace Your Platinum Crucible: Warning Signs, Lifespan Factors, and Cost-Saving Tips
How Long Do Platinum Crucibles Last? Platinum crucibles are among the most durable pieces of laboratory equipment you’ll ever invest in. Under optimal conditions, a high-quality platinum crucible can last 5 to 15 years or more — processing thousands of samples before requiring replacement. However, “optimal conditions” is doing a lot of heavy lifting in […]