Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-3500 system Automation of twin OES and XRF spectrometers

Significance of the Topic

Automation solutions play a critical role in metals and mining industries by improving throughput, consistency, and safety in sample analysis. Combining twin optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) systems into a unified automated workflow addresses the rising demand for rapid, reliable process control and quality assurance in metallurgical laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

The document presents the Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-3500, a turnkey automation system designed to integrate two OES and XRF spectrometers with up to two sample preparation machines. Key aims include reducing manual intervention, optimizing sample throughput, and lowering total cost of ownership by consolidating instrumentation, robotics, and software into a single platform.

Methodology and Automation Approach

• Centralized sample introduction with optional magazine handling up to 32 production samples.
• Automated routing of samples between two spectrometers and preparation units to maintain continuous operation.
• Use of sequential or parallel workflows to support combined OES/XRF measurement when multiple analyses per sample are required.
• Intelligent scheduling and priority handling within the SMS software to minimize response times.

Used Instrumentation

• ARL SMS-3500 automation system featuring a 6-axis FANUC robot with 1 614 mm reach and 10 kg payload.
• Optical emission spectrometers: ARL iSpark metals analyzers.
• X-ray fluorescence spectrometer: ARL 9900 series or ARL PERFORM’X.
• Sample preparation units: Haas Mini Mill with ARL PrepControl™, ARL iSpark AutoStand, and optional fusion or pellet press modules.
• SMS software suite for unified control of OES, XRF, sample preparation machines, and robot scheduling.
• Optional vision system, surface labeling, radioactivity detection, and cooling stations for hot samples.

Main Results and Discussion

The integrated system demonstrates significant improvements in laboratory efficiency by eliminating separate duplicate automation lines. Typical sample handling times range from 5 to 8 seconds for robot transfers and preparation tasks, while simultaneous dual-spectrometer operation ensures rapid analysis of diverse alloys. The high-precision robotics and brushless AC-servo motors deliver reliable uptime with minimal maintenance.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Reduced footprint and capital expenditure by sharing a single robot and magazine across two spectrometers.
• Enhanced throughput and priority sample processing for 24/7 operations in primary metals production.
• Flexible integration of multiple sample preparation methods to support ferrous, non-ferrous, and powder analyses.
• Standardized software interface streamlines operator training and workflow management.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging advancements may include expanded machine-learning-based sample evaluation, further miniaturization of robotics, and enhanced connectivity for real-time process analytics. Integration with industrial IoT platforms and advanced scheduling algorithms will drive next-generation laboratory automation, offering predictive maintenance and adaptive workflows.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-3500 establishes a new benchmark for integrated spectroscopic automation by delivering a scalable, reliable, and cost-effective solution. Its unified approach to twin OES/XRF analysis and flexible sample preparation capabilities meets the evolving demands of modern metallurgical laboratories.

References

No references were provided in the original specification.