Alloy steel and stainless steel processors depend on Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) to protect value at every critical stage of production. From incoming raw material verification to grade confirmation before machining or heat treatment, and finally quality checks before dispatch, correct alloy identification is essential. This is especially true for nickel- and chromium-bearing steels, where even small chemistry errors can result in major financial losses.

Chromium (Cr) defines corrosion resistance and oxidation behaviour in stainless steels, while Nickel (Ni) plays a key role in stabilizing austenitic structures, improving toughness, formability, and resistance to thermal shock. In many grades, small deviations in Ni or Cr content can change the grade classification entirely, leading to processing issues, customer rejection, or downgraded material value.

Additional elements such as molybdenum (Mo) for pitting resistance, manganese (Mn) and silicon (Si) for deoxidation and strength, and trace elements like carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus must also be tightly controlled.

Processors in this segment need an OES solution that can accurately measure Ni and Cr across a wide concentration range, handle multiple alloys and stainless steel grades on a single instrument, and deliver repeatable results within narrow chemistry windows. Equally important is the ability to support future grade additions without instrument limitations.

For most alloy steel and stainless steel testing requirements, Gold Plus X provides reliable nickel and chromium analysis, stable performance, and confident grade verification. Where grade diversity is higher, throughput is heavier, or long-term expansion is planned, Gold Plus XL offers extended capability and long-term analytical security.

• Gold Plus XL
• Gold Plus X