OPTICAL EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY (OES ANALYSIS)

MES offers OES analysis for rapid metal alloy verification. Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) is an analytical tool that offers fast, accurate elemental analysis for metal composition. OES data is useful for material certification, quality checking, or to identify an unknown material.

Our modern Spectro and Hitachi brand analyzers determine all of the elements used in the metal industry, including trace analysis of carbon, phosphorous, sulfur and nitrogen. During the analysis, the atoms in a sample are excited by energy that comes from a spark formed between sample and electrode.

THE OES ANALYSIS PROCESS

Samples may be submitted to the lab precut into sample coupons, or as whole components. Our on-site machine shop will cut and prepare the samples, as needed. These samples are placed onto the electrode stage for measurement using a plasma spark.

The energy of the spark causes the electrons in the sample to emit light which is converted into a spectral pattern. By measuring the intensity of the peaks in this spectrum, MES can provide quantitative metal analysis of the material composition with uncompromising accuracy.

The carbon percentage can be a critical factor in the evaluation of steels. MES utilizes the combustion technique for carbon content testing of inorganic samples. The Leco combustion technique provides accuracy and precision down to 1% of the true value.

OES ANALYSIS REPORTING

Results are presented in a table, with each element broken down by weight percentage. Our chemists will compare the results to the appropriate UNS, ASTM, ASME, MIL or other specification for matching your material to the correct alloy.

OES Analysis Lab

CAPABILITIES

  • Steels, aluminum, and zinc alloys

  • Uncompromised analytical accuracy

  • Rapid turnaround

  • Wavelength range from 130 nm – 780 nm

SPECIFICATIONS

  • ASTM E1251 - Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry of Aluminum/Alloys

  • ASTM E1086 - Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry of Austenitic Stainless Steel

  • ASTM E415 - Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel

  • ASTM E1019 - Determination of Carbon, Sulfur, Nitrogen, and Oxygen by Combustion

SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS

  • 1″x1″x0.2″ Plate or 1″ round

  • MES has machining capability