Spectrometric analysis and chemical analysis

Spectrometric analysis determines the chemical composition of a metallic material. In a spark spectrometer, a spark is struck on a ground surface of the part, the vaporised metal emits light, and the spectrum gives the content of carbon, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, vanadium and other elements in per cent. RS Randack has been carrying out chemical analysis in its own materials laboratory since 2023.

Heat analysis and product analysis

The heat analysis (cast analysis) comes from the steel mill and is stated on the mill certificate for the heat. The product analysis is determined on the delivered material or on the finished part and confirms that the part actually comes from this heat. At RS Randack, it is carried out at the customer’s request, always for material delivered in the quenched and tempered condition, and whenever a value is missing from the steel mill’s certificate.

Material verification (PMI) and sorting

The spectrometer can be used to test a bar against a reference bar: if the composition differs, the bar belongs to a different heat or a different material. This is how deliveries consisting of several bundles are checked at incoming goods inspection, and how parts can be assigned to their heat even without marking.

What the analysis does not replace

The chemical composition says nothing about the heat treatment. Strength and toughness are verified by tensile test, hardness testing and Charpy impact test; the analysis proves the material, the mechanical tests prove its condition.