Light-Metal Sorting and Rugged Engineering in Handheld XRF Instrumentation

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is a technique that is used to determine the elemental composition of materials (1). XRF is used in various application areas, including automotive and aerospace, construction and environmental engineering, consumer goods inspection, oil and gas, mining and exploration, and metal identification and recycling, to name a few (1).

Currently, XRF instruments are being miniaturized so analysts can conduct their analyses on-site. As scientific research becomes more complex, customer needs are also evolving. To discuss all of these trends in XRF instrumentation, Spectroscopy sat down with John Margeson, a Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific in the company’s Tewksbury headquarters. This interview comes directly after Thermo Fisher Scientific announced the launch of a new Niton™ XL5e Handheld XRF Analyzer (2,3).

In Part I of our conversation with Margeson, he discussed the current state of handheld XRF instrumentation (4). In that video segment, he covered topics such as customer feedback and how instrument manufacturers, such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, are addressing their concerns when developing new portable XRF devices should make.

Part II focuses on how Thermo Scientific’s Niton handheld XRF analyzers are engineered to meet the demanding needs of high-volume scrap recycling. He highlights Light Metals Quick Sort (LMQS), a specialized analytical mode that optimizes the core metals algorithm for light elements such as aluminum. Because different aluminum grades appear identical but carry very different values, fast and accurate identification is critical. LMQS reduces analysis time from about 10 seconds to just 2 seconds per scan, dramatically increasing throughput and return on investment over an entire work shift (3).

Margeson also discusses hardware innovations in the XL5 analyzer designed for rugged, continuous use. He explained how a powerful tube and advanced detector improve performance, while a newly integrated, field-serviceable external fan manages heat during prolonged operation without compromising durability (3). Combined with IP54 protection against dust and water splashes, Margeson explained how these features ensure reliable performance in harsh recycling environments (3).

This video interview with John Margeson is the second part of our conversation. You can view the first part of our conversation in the literature (4).

References

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Handheld X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy Learning Center. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Available at: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis-learning-center/elemental-analysis-information/xrf-technology.html (accessed 2026-01-28).
2. Wetzel, W. Thermo Fisher Expands Handheld XRF Line with New High-End Analyzer for Field Use. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/thermo-fisher-expands-handheld-xrf-line-with-new-high-end-analyzer-for-field-use (accessed 2026-01-27).
3. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Available at: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-metal-manufacturing-inspection-recycling-solutions/niton-xl5-handheld-analyzer.html?erpType=Global_E1 (accessed 2026-01-27).
4. Wetzel, W. Addressing Industry Challenges in Handheld XRF Instrumentation. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/addressing-industry-challenges-in-handheld-xrf-instrumentation (accessed 2026-01-28).