ARL SMS-2300 automation of OES and XRF spectrometers

Importance of the Topic

Automation of optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers addresses growing demands in metals analysis for speed, consistency, and cost-efficiency. By reducing manual intervention, automated solutions minimize human error, ensure reproducible sample handling, and support stringent quality control in modern production environments.

Study Objectives and Overview

This document presents the design, performance, and application of the Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-2300 robotic automation system for OES and XRF spectrometers. It aims to illustrate how integrated robotics, sample preparation, and software controls deliver enhanced throughput, reliability, and ease of use in metals laboratories.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The ARL SMS-2300 uses a six-axis FANUC industrial robot with a 550 mm reach and 4 kg payload. Sample preparation options include milling, grinding, and cutting tailored to ferrous and non-ferrous materials. The system integrates with Thermo Scientific ARL iSpark OES spectrometers and ARL 9900 XRF analyzers. A centralized automation workstation manages multi-tasking—robot motion, instrument stand cleaning, and analysis scheduling—while statistical process control (SPC) tools monitor performance.

Main Results and Discussion

Key performance metrics demonstrate rapid sample turnaround of under 70 seconds per preparation cycle and sub-10 second transfer times. Automated cleaning and hidden-time operations maximize uptime. Selective standardization corrects only out-of-control channels, reducing calibration overhead. Vision-based surface inspection further accelerates sample quality checks. Overall, the system achieves consistent reproducibility (± 0.03 mm positioning), low maintenance, and a payback period driven by reduced labor and faster production feedback.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Increased laboratory efficiency through unattended operation and high sample throughput
• Improved analytical quality via automated SPC, standardization, and uniform sample handling
• Rapid return on investment by cutting rework, downtime, and operator costs
• Flexible deployment in central labs or on-stream “lab-in-a-box” installations
• Scalable platform covering single to multi-spectrometer configurations

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Ongoing developments may include advanced AI algorithms for adaptive spark positioning, deeper integration with manufacturing execution systems, expanded support for novel alloys, and remote monitoring via cloud connectivity. Further enhancements in sample preparation robotics and software updates will extend system longevity and adaptability to evolving quality standards.

Conclusion

The ARL SMS-2300 automation platform offers a robust, modular solution for high-performance metals analysis. By uniting precision robotics, flexible sample prep, and comprehensive software controls, it addresses critical industry needs for speed, reliability, and repeatability, fostering higher throughput and stronger quality assurance in metals production.

Instrumentation Used

• FANUC six-axis industrial robot (550 mm reach, 4 kg payload)
• Thermo Scientific ARL iSpark optical emission spectrometer
• Thermo Scientific ARL 9900 XRF spectrometer
• Automated sample preparation units (milling, grinding, cutting)
• Automation workstation with SPC and OXSAS analytical software