Major Software Upgrade for Handheld XRF Analysers

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., (USA) has recently announced Niton Data Transfer (NDT©) Software Release 6.4 for its handheld Thermo Scientific Niton XL3 Series analysers. This significant upgrade introduces features such as TestAll technology, live spectra and peak identification, Simplified Chinese language support, and a new Consumer Goods screen.
The new NDT TestAll Technology automatically selects the correct analytical mode for consumer goods analysis and its Live Spectra and Peak ID enables identification of non-standard elements found in samples; for mining, environmental and archaeometry applications. This software now includes Simplified Chinese, added to existing support for English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. The Consumer Goods Menu includes TestAll technology, metals and minerals, plastics and painted products modes (calibration upgrade requires a small fee). Support for Small Spot Focus in Mining Applications allows isolation
and analysis of veins and inclusions in mineral samples. Whilst support for Small Spot Alloy Helium Mode enables analysis of light elements in welds and inclusions.
In addition to these capabilities, Software Release 6.4 allows users to customize the displayed Sigma value to meet preferences, view the camera image from a stored reading, normalize out the light element content of an alloy and view data in either parts per million (ppm) or percent (%) for precious metals (alloy) and bulk (soil) mode.
"Complex testing scenarios, lot-centric manufacturing processes,
government-regulated testing and the diverse requirements of compliance
certifications make it essential for todays analytical instruments to provide flexible, sophisticated and easy-to-use data analysis and presentation tools," said Paul Martin, Thermo Fisher`s director of product management for the Niton Analysers business unit. "With the latest release of our NDT software, we are providing capabilities that can help make our customers more successful." Martin continued, "For example, TestAll technology, with its automatic mode selection,
automatically determines whether lead is present on the surface of the sample undergoing testing or in the substrate. It eliminates the guesswork in consumer goods analysis for faster, more efficient screening."
For existing customers with XL3 Series instruments, the upgrade is available at no charge via a simple software download, which comes complete with documentation. To take advantage of the new features, customers must have purchased the appropriate calibrations.