KOSOM5 Spark Direct-Reading Spectrometer Officially Launched: Full-Spectrum Technology Empowers the Field of Metal Analysis

March 18, 2024

Recently, the field of metal materials analysis welcomed a new product—the KOSOM5 Spark Direct-Reading Spectrometer—which made its official debut. As a next-generation direct-reading spectrometer that integrates full-spectrum detection, intelligent control, and efficient analysis, the KOSOM5 offers new solutions for metal material composition analysis in industries such as metallurgy, foundry, mechanical manufacturing, and aerospace, thanks to its technical specifications and broad material compatibility.

Full-Spectrum Technology Covers Multiple Scenarios in Elemental Analysis

The KOSOM5 is equipped with full-spectrum direct-reading spectroscopy technology, utilizing a Paschen-Runge optical configuration. It features a 2,700 lines/mm holographic diffraction grating with a focal length of 500 mm, covering a spectral range from 160 nm to 500 nm and achieving a resolution better than 0.01 nm. This optical system design ensures precise detection of elements ranging from trace elements to major elements, enabling rapid quantitative analysis of various metal matrices—including iron, aluminum, copper, nickel, cobalt, magnesium, titanium, zinc, lead, tin, and manganese—as well as their alloys.

In terms of detector configuration, the KOSOM5 employs a multi-CCD detection module, with the number of detection channels flexibly customizable according to customer needs, overcoming the spatial arrangement limitations of traditional photomultiplier tubes. This design not only makes elemental analysis more flexible but also provides users with room to expand the range of analyzable elements in the future without the need for additional hardware investment.

Fully Digital Solid-State Excitation Source Ensures Stability and Efficiency

The excitation source is one of the core components of a direct-reading spectrometer. The KOSOM5 is equipped with a fully digital solid-state spark source, featuring a continuously adjustable excitation frequency of 20–1,000 Hz and a maximum excitation current of up to 90 A. The fully digital solid-state circuit design ensures highly stable excitation energy, unaffected by fluctuations in the power supply system, with a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) exceeding 5,000 hours.

In terms of actual analytical efficiency, the KOSOM5 requires only 15–30 seconds per analysis. Its combined high- and low-frequency excitation design, coupled with a spark duration adjustable from 10 to 10,000 μs, allows it to accommodate metal samples of various materials and forms. Whether for rapid analysis at the furnace or precise laboratory testing, it delivers fast response times and accurate results.

Open-Style Excitation Station Compatible with Diverse Sample Forms

The KOSOM5 features an open-style spark excitation station capable of supporting samples weighing up to 50 kg, enabling the analysis of metal specimens of various shapes and sizes. Equipped with sample fixtures and spacers in multiple sizes, it supports direct analysis of non-standard samples such as rods, wires, and irregularly shaped pieces.

In terms of argon gas management, the KOSOM5 is equipped with an intelligent tidal flushing system. Startup time from a cold start (after 12 hours of shutdown) does not exceed 30 minutes, while a warm start takes only about 5 minutes. The ultra-low standby flow rate is less than 60 ml/min, effectively reducing daily operating costs. The tungsten electrode, combined with an integrated lens isolation valve design, further ensures long-term stability of excitation conditions and ease of maintenance.

Intelligent Software Platform Enhances Analytical Efficiency

The KOSOM5 is equipped with analysis software developed on the Windows operating system, featuring a user-friendly interface and intuitive operation. The software includes a built-in database of elemental spectral lines, a reference material database, and historical data management functions. It automatically corrects for summation and multiplication interferences between elements, significantly improving the accuracy of analytical results.

The instrument features automatic optical path calibration, effectively addressing pixel drift and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the optical system. The software also supports multiple languages (Chinese, English, Russian, and German), meeting the localization needs of users worldwide. Network connectivity and remote control capabilities enable integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), driving the evolution of metal analysis from standalone operation toward digitalization and intelligent operations.

Application Scenarios Cover the Entire Metal Industry Chain

The KOSOM5 direct-reading spark spectrometer covers the entire metal materials supply chain, from R&D to production. In the metallurgy and foundry industries, it can be used for rapid analysis at the furnace side to monitor changes in elemental composition in real time during the smelting process; in the mechanical manufacturing sector, it can be used for incoming material inspection and finished product release to ensure products comply with grade standards; in the aerospace and automotive manufacturing sectors, it can be used for composition verification and process control of critical materials such as high-temperature alloys and lightweight aluminum alloys; in the metal recycling industry, it can rapidly sort scrap steel and aluminum and identify alloys. Furthermore, the KOSOM5 demonstrates strong versatility and reliability in research institutes, commodity inspection agencies, and third-party testing organizations.

Market Outlook

As the global manufacturing industry continues to upgrade toward high-end and intelligent production, the analysis of metal material composition