Handheld & Benchtop XRF Analyzers for Precious Metals
Non-destructive, seconds-fast verification of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium – SciAps handheld and benchtop XRF let buyers, refiners, and jewelers confirm precious-metal content without damaging the piece, making valuable metals even more profitable. This page covers the SciAps analyzers used for precious-metal analysis, how each applies, and what they measure.
Why Precious-Metal Buyers Choose SciAps
Precious-metal transactions turn on trust and speed. SciAps XRF delivers Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd concentrations in seconds, non-destructively, with tools designed for transparency at the buy counter – in your hand or on the bench:
Handheld XRF
Seconds-fast Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd anywhere you buy – with a glass-topped test station both parties can watch, and dual cameras for aligning and documenting small items.
See detailsPortable Benchtop
The PowerHouse PM is a closed-beam benchtop for gold karating and small pieces: a 3 mm spot, a karat read-out in about one second, and Plating Alert Technology.
See detailsThe Analyzers for Precious Metals
Purpose-Built for Gold & Silver
SciAps optimized the X-5 for non-destructive testing of gold, silver, and other precious metals. Its powerful, miniaturized X-ray tube (40 kV) and advanced internal geometry deliver fast, precise Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd results, with a broad standard element package (more on request). A new test station analyzes small pieces in benchtop mode through a glass window so buyer and seller both see the test, while two integrated cameras align small items and capture full sample images for records.
Premium Precious Metals & Alloy
The X-550 pairs a full Precious Metals element package (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, plus Ru, Rh, Ir, and related metals) with the lightest, fastest alloy performance SciAps makes. It's the right choice for buyers and refiners who also handle heavy scrap and alloy sorting – one premium gun that verifies karat gold and PGMs in seconds and sorts aluminum, stainless, high temps, and red metals just as fast.
The Precious Metals & Scrap All-Rounder
The X-505 offers the same Precious Metals app and element suite in a slightly lower-priced package, trading only a few seconds of speed on challenging aluminum and light elements. A strong choice for operations that buy precious metals and process general scrap, with the Alloy app added alongside Precious Metals.
Economical Precious Metals & Car Cats
The X-50 runs a Precious Metals app with its 50 kV tube and modern SDD, delivering strong Au/Ag/Pt/Pd results at the most affordable price. A smart value option for buyers who also test catalytic converters or common alloys with the same instrument.
Portable Benchtop XRF for Gold & Jewelry
Closed-Beam Benchtop for Gold Karating
The PowerHouse PM is a battery-powered benchtop built for gold karating and precious-metals analysis, weighing 19.35 lbs. (8.78 kg) with the battery. It gives a karat read-out in about one second and separates low-karat alloys from 24-karat gold in as little as ten seconds, with Plating Alert Technology to flag plated or coated pieces. A 3 mm analysis spot and two cameras confirm exactly what's being measured, while an interlocked, fully shielded closed-beam design and leaded-glass window keep the operator protected. An enhanced library also supports luxury watch authentication and fraud detection.
Which Analyzer Is Right for You?
| Model | Technology | Best for | Also handles |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-5 | XRF | Dedicated precious-metals buyers (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd) | General non-aluminum alloys |
| X-550 | XRF | Precious metals + heavy scrap, maximum speed | Full alloy + aluminum sorting |
| X-505 | XRF | Precious metals + general scrap, one-gun value | All-around alloy analysis |
| X-50 | XRF | Best value; precious metals + car cats | PGM in catalytic converters |
| PowerHouse PM | Benchtop | Gold karating, jewelry and small items, closed-beam | Plating alert and luxury watch authentication |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does XRF testing damage gold or jewelry?
No. XRF is non-destructive – it reads the elemental composition at the surface without cutting, scratching, or dissolving the piece, so you can verify gold, silver, platinum, and palladium content and hand the item right back.
Which precious metals can the SciAps X-5 measure?
The X-5 is optimized for gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), and palladium (Pd), and its standard element package also reads related metals like ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, copper, zinc, and more, with additional elements available on request.
Can I test small items like rings and chains?
Yes. The X-5's test station analyzes small pieces in benchtop mode through a glass window, and a built-in micro camera helps align small items precisely, while a macro camera captures full sample images for your records or to share with customers.
Can I add precious-metal testing to an XRF I already own?
Often, yes – the Precious Metals application can be added to existing SciAps XRF analyzers. Contact the SciAps sales team to discuss updating your specific model.
Which SciAps analyzer should I choose for precious metals?
If precious metals are your sole focus, the X-5 is purpose-built and cost-effective. If you also handle scrap or alloys, the X-550 (fastest, premium) or X-505 (value all-rounder) add full alloy sorting, while the X-50 is the best-value pick for buyers who also test catalytic converters. For a closed-beam benchtop at the counter – small spots, karat values and a gold-plating warning – choose the PowerHouse PM.