Rigaku Katana hand-held analyzer achieves certifications

Rigaku Analytical Devices, Wilmington, Massachusetts, a supplier of hand-held and portable spectroscopic analyzers, has announced its hand-held laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analyzer, KT-100 Katana, has achieved MIL-STD-810G and IP-54 certifications.

The KT-100 is the world’s only hand-held metal analyzer to have achieved these specific certifications, according to the company, which says the rigorous durability tests prove its best-in-class capabilities for meeting the needs of those who require a rugged hand-held analyzer to rapidly and accurately identify alloy grades in the harshest environments.

Applications including scrap metal sorting, metal fabrication and positive material identification in petrochemical plants require fast, accurate and robust methods for alloy identification to ensure profitability and product quality, the company says. To guarantee protection against these dusty and harsh work environments, Rigaku says the KT-100 Katana underwent strict testing to the United States Military Standard MIL-STD-810G. The tests involved rigorous vibration, shock and drop testing, which focused on impact to every angle of the instrument to evaluate its durability and performance when exposed to environmental stress. As the first hand-held metal analyzer to have passed these tests and with an IP 54 rating for use in wet environments, KT-100 Katana is optimized for rugged use in scrap yards and fabrication shops, according to Rigaku.

“We are pleased to have achieved MIL-STD-810G certification for KT-100 Katana. Our focus when we developed Katana was to provide a rugged solution for superior light element identification that overcame current analysis and usability gaps and this successful testing proves that we have achieved this goal,” says David Mercuro, general manager at Rigaku Analytical Devices. “By enabling rapid alloy grade identification, regardless of location or environment, we continue to deliver cutting-edge technological advancements to our customers in the metals industry.”

Designed for on-the-spot metals classification, including aluminum grades, Rigauku says the KT-100 Katana has powerful analytical capabilities, offering results in less than two seconds with QuickID software, at the touch of a button. Katana offers unique auto surface preparation with its Drill-Down feature and is considerably smaller and lighter than other hand-held LIBS analyzers currently available, according to the company. With an extended battery life, Katana is more robust and less susceptible to fatigue and downtime, which is critical for on- and off-site operations. Furthermore, the GPS allows for instrument tracking, helping to protect investments.