Material Analysis · Composition & Elemental

X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF)

Characterise major and minor elements, selected trace elements, and bulk composition or spatial screening where configured using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.

  • Major and minor elements
  • Selected trace elements
  • Bulk composition or spatial screening…
  • EDXRF
Configure & Book Check Sample Requirements
Representative X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy equipment selected for the TESTDOG service catalogue
Price
from£30
per sample, excl. VAT
Turnaround
5 working days
Preparation and scope dependent
Available platforms
Bruker S8 TIGER Series 3Malvern Panalytical ZetiumRigaku ZSX Primus IVThermo Fisher ARL PERFORM'X
Typical outputs
Elemental concentration tableXRF spectraCalibration, preparation, and QC summaryProcessed spectra

Why this service

What XRF can help you understand

X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy is selected when the project needs defensible information on major and minor elements, selected trace elements, or bulk composition or spatial screening where configured.…

01

Major and minor elements

EDXRF

02

Selected trace elements

WDXRF

03

Bulk composition or spatial screening where configured

micro-XRF mapping or coating analysis

Choose the scope

Start from the question, not the tool

The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.

EDXRF

major and minor elements

Best used when
major and minor elements
Typical result
Elemental concentration table
Preparation note
Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.

Common outputs

A result package matched to the decision you need to make

Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.

StandardElemental concentration table

Elemental concentration table reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.

StandardXRF spectra

XRF spectra supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.

OptionalCalibration, preparation, and QC summary

Calibration, preparation, and QC summary provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.

OptionalProcessed spectra

Processed spectra included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.

Example results

What XRF results can look like

XRF result: The plot shows xRF spectra: characteristic emission lines of zinc and copper, XRF spectrum of a ZnO:10%Cu sample
XRF spectrum

The plot shows xRF spectra: characteristic emission lines of zinc and copper, XRF spectrum of a ZnO:10%Cu sample.

Mateusz Mientki et al. · source · CC BY

Sample requirements

What to provide before work begins

Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.

Suitable sampleSubmission requirementPlanning note
Powder / particlesProvide a dry, homogeneous and clearly labelled sample in a sealed container.Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.
Film / coatingProvide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked.State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Device / assemblyProvide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits.Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Solid / componentProvide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified.Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.

Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.

Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.

Questions and answers

Common planning decisions

Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.

What should I send for X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy?

Provide powder / particles, film / coating, device / assembly, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.

Which analysis option should I choose?

Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For major and minor elements, start with EDXRF; add WDXRF when comparison or quantification is required.

How long will the test take?

Typical turnaround is 5 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.

What can limit the result?

Light-element sensitivity and trace limits depend strongly on configuration. Particle size, mineralogy, surface roughness, and matrix effects affect quantification.

Configure the service

Send the information needed to scope XRF correctly

  • Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
  • Feature or decision the result must address
  • Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
  • Preferred output and reporting depth
XRF analysisfrom£30

Typical turnaround: 5 working days

Configure & Book