Process Energy Dispersive XRF (EDXRF) Spectrometer - NEX LS

The Rigaku NEX LS features an advanced third-generation energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technology, thereby representing the next evolution of scanning multi-element process coatings analyzers for both web or coil applications.

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF)

To deliver superior analytical performance and reliability, the EDXRF measuring head assembly was derived from the established Rigaku NEX Series high-resolution benchtop instrumentation. Through this technology, the Rigaku NEX LS is capable of delivering rapid, non-destructive, multi-element analyses of the coat weight, coating thickness and/or composition of elements ranging from aluminum (₁₃Al) through uranium (₉₂U).

Coating Thickness and Composition

The Rigaku NEX LS is designed to service web and coil applications and perform the analysis of the multi-element composition, coat weight or coating thickness. The measuring head, which is mounted on a rigid beam, is equipped with a linear traversing mechanism that is positioned over a roller to ensure the constant distance between the head and surface. As necessary, the elemental composition of a coating can be directly measured, whereas the coat weight, or coating thickness, can be measured either directly in which the counting rate for an element is proportional to thickness, or indirectly by measuring the attenuation of a specific substrate element, which the counting rate is negatively correlated to thickness.

Silicon Release Coatings

Benchtop EDXRF spectrometers have been used for many years to evaluate release coatings, converters and vacuum formed plastics by manufacturers and other industries that utilize silicone oils as barrier layers, release coatings or denesting agents. For more stringent control tolerances, the real-time scanning provided by the EDXRF technology for silicone coatings analysis is a much better tool.

Silicone coatings are applied to both plastic and paper substrates to modify the release characteristics of a product, such as labels or packaging. If too little silicone is applied, or if any areas of the web where the silicone coating is missing, the adhesive release properties can be negatively affected, or the denesting characteristics of the vacuum formed plastic can be compromised, thereby leading to complete rejection or of the product or disruption in the manufacturing and other downstream processes. Similarly, the application of too much silicone can lead to an increase in the cost of the manufactured roll, a reduction in profitability and even adversely impact the acceptance and performance of the end product.

Product Features

Silicone release coaters

Converters

Silicone on plastic or paper

Vacuum formed plastics

Denesting silicone coatings

Specialty plastics

RoHS compliance

Conversion coatings

Metalized plastic

Top coatings on metal coil

Fire retardants on fabric

Rigaku NEX LS Scanning Multi-element Coating AnalyzerPlay

Video credit: Rigaku