Contract laboratory XRF
Outsource your X-ray fluorescence analysis now!
Do you require professional, fast, and cost-effective X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF)? If so, we recommend working with the reliable contract laboratory CRB.
XRF laboratory outsourcing is worthwhile, for example, in the following cases:
- Lack of XRF capacity or equipment in-house: CRB provides you with precise results without you having to invest in equipment, personnel, or maintenance yourself.
- Defective, outdated, or underutilized XRF technology: Our contract laboratory performs analyses cost-effectively and on schedule, even with fluctuating quantities.
- Dissatisfaction with your current X-ray fluorescence analysis provider: Benefit from fast processing, transparent prices, and personal support from our laboratory specialists—including direct communication with the testers at CRB.
- Emergencies or need for weekend analyses: If you need immediate analysis—for example, in the event of production disruptions or quality deviations—we offer flexible appointments, even outside regular opening hours.
- Sensitive or location-bound analysis objects: With our mobile XRF device, we analyze materials directly at your site—ideal for large-format, historical, or non-shippable samples such as organ pipes, art, or collectibles.
Whether as a permanent outsourcing solution or to relieve your laboratory at short notice, we adapt flexibly to your requirements.
CRB is your reliable XRF contract laboratory
Our contract laboratory for X-ray fluorescence analysis is operated by experienced specialists and equipped with state-of-the-art technology: a fully automatic, wavelength-dispersive stationary device (“Axios” from Malvern Panalytical) and an energy-dispersive handheld device (“S1 Titan” from Bruker).
We analyze a wide range of samples, such as oxide raw materials and materials, geological samples, waste materials, metals, and much more. We are also equipped to test larger sample series.
Thanks to our accreditation in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, which has been in place since 1995, we guarantee our customers the highest quality and reliability in our analysis results. In addition, we regularly participate in interlaboratory tests in the field of X-ray fluorescence analysis to verify and demonstrate that we adhere to the highest quality standards in our laboratory.
Laboratory outsourcing for XRF:
We test your materials quickly and cost-effectively
If you only need X-ray fluorescence analysis occasionally, it is not worth purchasing expensive equipment, hiring additional specialist staff, and renting premises. Streamline your laboratory services and benefit from the efficient and cost-effective analysis services of our outsourcing laboratory. We put our many years of experience in X-ray fluorescence analysis at your disposal to test your samples.
The advantages of the CRB outsourcing laboratory at a glance:
- Enormous cost savings: You save on laboratory space, the purchase, operation, and maintenance of analytical instruments and other laboratory equipment, energy costs (up to approximately $35,000 per year for a stationary device), as well as personnel recruitment and employment.
- Highest analysis quality: As an accredited laboratory, we offer you reliable X-ray fluorescence analyses with high precision and accuracy down to the trace element range.
- Comprehensive expertise: Trust in more than 30 years of experience in XRF and materials analysis.
Speed: We deliver results quickly, as an immediate service if desired. - Wide range of elements: We test your samples for up to 70 elements—from fluorine to uranium—in a single measurement run, suitable for product and raw material monitoring or the examination of unknown materials.
- Various preparation techniques: Depending on your requirements, we use different methods of sample preparation, such as fusion digestion, powder pressing, and non-destructive measurements.
Benefit from our many years of experience and state-of-the-art technical equipment. We look forward to your questions.
XRF ring tests prove the high quality of our analysis services
Only external monitoring of laboratory services allows conclusions to be drawn about the accuracy and comparability of measurement results. Since our laboratory was founded in 1992, we have therefore regularly participated in interlaboratory tests to ensure the quality of our testing procedures. We consistently achieve top marks, confirming the high precision of our X-ray fluorescence analysis.
Frequently asked questions about XRF and laboratory outsourcing:
How does X-ray fluorescence analysis work?
X-ray fluorescence analysis is an established method for testing materials. The principle in brief: The sample is bombarded with X-rays, which excite the elements in the sample to emit fluorescent radiation. The elements emit radiation of a specific energy/wavelength, the intensity of which is proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample.
Depending on the device design and the type of fluorescence detection, a distinction is made between energy-dispersive and wavelength-dispersive spectrometers.
What are typical applications for XRF?
XRF is used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the chemical composition of solid and liquid materials. It is used in science and research, but also in many industrial areas for product and raw material control and process control.
Important areas for the use of XRF are:
- Metal processing companies
- Refractory and glass industry
- Manufacturers of inorganic binders (cement, gypsum, lime)
- Producers of coarse and fine ceramics
There are also some exciting special applications: XRF handheld devices can be used to detect heavy metal contamination in soil on site, clearly identify scrap and precious metals, or confirm the authenticity of paintings by analyzing their colors.
What are the advantages of X-ray fluorescence analysis?
In a nutshell: XRF is fast, sensitive to detection, has a wide range of elements, and is cost-effective!
After preparing the material as a powder pellet or melt, up to 70 elements can be analyzed in a single measurement run. And that with high precision and a detection sensitivity of just a few mg/kg. Depending on the measurement task, such an analysis takes between 10 and 60 minutes, so that even larger sample series can be analyzed in a very short time with our automatic sample changer.
With our handheld device, non-destructive, spatially resolved measurements of even small samples are possible. If the samples are even smaller, X-ray microanalysis using a scanning electron microscope is used.
Due to these advantages, XRF is suitable for a wide range of applications in industry, where many measurements are necessary at regular intervals for quality control of raw materials and other materials.
For which types of samples is XRF suitable?
This testing method is suitable for a wide range of elements and materials, including metallic materials, alloys, minerals, ceramics, plastics, glass, and many more. Contact us to find out if we can analyze your sample.
How long does an X-ray fluorescence analysis take?
The standard turnaround time for samples is five business days. If you require faster results, you can add a 24-hour service, rush processing, or material testing outside of our normal business hours (weekends, holidays, weekdays from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.) when you submit your sample.
The exact duration of an analysis depends on the type and number of material samples you want to have analyzed. However, we strive to provide you with results as quickly as possible. Contact us for an accurate estimate of the analysis time for your order.
How safe is X-ray fluorescence analysis?
X-ray fluorescence analysis is a safe method that does not release any radiation that is harmful to the human body. Our laboratory staff are trained and adhere to all safety protocols to ensure their safety and that of your samples.
How much does X-ray fluorescence analysis cost?
The price for XRF depends on how complex the sample preparation is and what type of analysis is required. Including sample preparation (grinding, drying, loss on ignition determination), the prices for an analysis range from €112.00 (12 elements from a fusion digestion) to €172.00 (50 elements from a powder pellet). However, we also offer single-element determinations with prices starting at €53.00.
We offer volume discounts on analysis costs for larger sample series. Further cost information can be found in our price list.
What is a contract laboratory?
A contract laboratory supports a client in carrying out the necessary analyses, such as material testing. Contract analysis allows companies to expand their own laboratory capacities without having to purchase equipment or hire additional specialist staff. This saves clients money and allows them to concentrate on other areas of their business.
When does lab outsourcing pay off?
Lack of space and budget for laboratory equipment, lack of personnel or expertise, too little time to perform analyses in-house—there are many reasons to use the analysis services of an external laboratory. Laboratory outsourcing makes sense both for regular analysis requirements and large sample series, as well as when material testing is only required occasionally and it is not worthwhile purchasing your own equipment, etc.
Contact us today to learn more about our services in the field of X-ray fluorescence analysis or to place an order. We look forward to helping you with your analysis needs.