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Ready to ShipA pmi testing machine is used to conduct positive material identification tests on all metals and alloys. These machines employ several techniques, from radiation to magnetic fields, to determine the metal composition.
Some of the materials and alloys these machines test include:
Based on this function, almost every manufacturing or construction industry that deals with metal regularly uses these machines. Mining, oil and gas extraction, aerospace, auto, and shipbuilding are some of the most prominent industries using these machines.
However, it is crucial to remember that different pmi machines work better with some methods than others. Therefore, when sourcing these machines, buyers should choose one that suits their clients' business requirements while ensuring quality and endurance.
Taking the following points will guarantee the buyer gets a quality machine:
pmi tester machines come in several types based on the testing method they employ. Below are the most widely used ones:
Handheld X-ray fluorescence
These machines identify metal composition using X-ray fluorescence. The machine sends X-rays to the metal, and as the pmi testing steel interacts with these rays, it gives off fluorescent rays. What follows is a detailed analysis of these rays, which identifies the metal and its alloy concentrations.
This method does not damage the metal, making it suitable for field operations. Also, it accurately identifies exact metal compositions, which is ideal for industries that need quality control.
Optical Emission Spectroscopy
OES machines use an electrical charge to explode the metal surface. This explosion causes what is referred to as optical emission. A spectroscope analyzes the emission to determine the alloy composition. PMI machines applying this method often come with advanced detectors and analysis software to ensure accurate results.
Since applying this method requires an arc to be generated on the metal surface, the OES machine is not suitable for thin metals. Furthermore, it cannot be used on non-metals or coated metals.
Digging
With this approach, a small amount of material is scraped off from the metal surface to a shallow depth. Then the material is analyzed for composition. Since this method is destructive and only samples the surface, it is best suited for quality control. Moreover, it is perfect for identifying surface contaminants.
Magnetic
Like coating and digging, magnetic pmi testing is destructive. It uses a magnetic field to identify metals with magnetic properties, such as iron and nickel alloys. This method leaves no visible damage on the metal.
X-Ray diffraction
This technique uses X-ray to analyze the crystal structure of the metal. The machine sends X-ray beams through the metal, and the interaction of the rays with the atomic structure of the metal produces a pattern that can be analyzed. It is suitable for identifying non-magnetic alloys and measuring the thickness of oxide layers.
For metals to be effective, it is critical first to understand their compositions. This is especially true when selecting and working with alloys, as added metals determine their properties. For instance, stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion, contains at least 10% nickel.
This machine ensures accurate identification of metal composition, so the right metals are selected for the right functions. In addition to its accuracy, it has several key features, including:
High resolution enables the machine to detect even the tiniest amounts of elements. This is important in industries where even the slightest mistake can come with costly consequences. Usually bundled with accurate detection limits, high resolution improves the machine's overall performance.
Often, these detectors are made from semiconductors, scintillators, or gas-filled chambers, selected based on their clients' needs. For instance, while scintillation detectors that employ crystals to detect radiation are suitable for hand-held pmi test equipment, gas-filled chambers, which are cheaper and smaller, are best for portable machines.
It is the software that processes the raw data captured by the detectors to get useful results. Sophisticated software can effectively and quickly analyze complex spectra and capture many samples, so look for it when selecting pmi testers for customers.
These machines must reliably perform in challenging and sometimes dangerous environments. As such, their components have to be exceptionally durable. For example, long-lasting sensors and detectors withstand heat, pressure, and corrosion. This enables the tester to work efficiently without frequent repairs.
Material Identification Testers operate under potentially hazardous conditions since some elements they analyze emit harmful radiation. To minimize risk, some machines come with lead shielding and safety alarms.
Although it may be tempting to buy the first quality machine available, several factors come into play when selecting the ideal pmi tester. These factors should be carefully considered to ensure the metal testers provide accurate results and satisfy customer requirements.
Here are those factors:
These testers come in handy across multiple applications, including aerospace, construction, and electronic manufacturing industries. Each of these industries requires the machine to identify different metal compositions.
For instance, although the aerospace industry opts for materials with lightweight and great strength, such as titanium and aluminium, it still needs to know the exact composition. This is where the pmi testing machines come in. They help the metal industry to select and apply such materials effectively.
Therefore, understanding the industries in which the clients operate will enable wholesalers to make more informed choices. Besides, knowing the application will allow one to select a technique that effectively fulfills the testing requirements. Also, it will help one decide between a portable and a benchtop machine.
There are several types of metals, from ferrous to precious and each possesses unique properties. Furthermore, they are widely applied in different industries. For instance, titanium, which is strong yet lightweight, is commonly used in aerospace and biomedical applications. On the other hand, nickel, a corrosion-resistant metal, is often employed in chemical processing and aerospace engineering.
As discussed earlier, metals interact differently with pmi testing machines. Some are easily magnetic while others are X-ray fluorescence. Some pmi tester machines are specifically designed to identify certain metal types. For example, copper and carbon steel are primarily tested using handheld XRF, while nickel and titanium are better assessed with optical emission spectroscopy.
These two factors are important and deciding which pmi tester to purchase. For example, do customers want a portable machine that easily fits in their work van or truck? If so, handheld pmi testers will do just that. Although not as accurate as the benchtop pmi tester, these machines' accuracy is sufficient for most field jobs. In addition, they are relatively cheaper than the laboratory testers.
If clients do not mind the price and want a machine that can perform complex analysis with high accuracy, go for a benchtop tester. These stationary machines are designed for industrial or laboratory use. They often incorporate advanced features not found in portable machines.
These requirements include the material's thickness or surface condition, testing speed, and the required elemental range. These factors influence the choice of technique and equipment. They also directly impact the machine's accuracy and effectiveness.
For example, documentation and reporting requirements determine the software quality. On the other hand, the nature of the atmosphere surrounding the testing area influences portability. If the working conditions are difficult to work in, it is better to go for a handheld tester that can fit in confined spaces.
A. Most pmi test machines do not damage the metal. However, a few destructive techniques, such as digging and magnetic methods, damage the metal. Fortunately, this technique is hardly used. Moreover, there are several other non-destructive techniques that effectively identify the metal composition.
A. PMIP machines can last anywhere from 5-10 years with proper maintenance. Machines that are overused or subjected to harsh conditions may wear out sooner.
A. The maintenance practices to be done on these testers include regularly inspecting the detectors, cleaning the test area, and covering the machine when not in use.
A. Unfortunately, these testers are only designed to identify metallic materials. However, there are very few techniques that can identify metals with thin coatings of non-metallic materials.
A. The choice of method depends on the client's requirements and the industry's needs. Destructive methods, such as magnetic and coating PMI testing, are typically employed in quality control. In contrast, non-destructive techniques, including XRF and OES, are preferred in field operations.
