The Craftmans Shop > New from Old
Tidying Up An Analoy 1401 Alloy Analyser
vtsteam:
If the pencil leads don't work out, I've purchased from this source before (for making graphite pistons):
https://www.graphitestore.com/Graphite/Plates-rods-and-tubes/Graphite-fine-extruded/custitem_shape/Rod
awemawson:
Thanks Steve. I don't see why they shouldn't work. No doubt the binders etc will be different but they are probably organic.
Googling carbon arcs it seems that graphite vapourises at the arc temperatures so that is probably why it's easier to strike and draw an arc than with the tungsten point.
Pleasingly I did a test on some zinc billets today that I had from some previous work and it reported 100% zinc - of course it should, but this is the first test on a non aluminium based sample that I've done.
vtsteam:
Wasn't doubting an experiment in advance of results, I'm looking forward to the test. Just providing a source of reasonably priced graphite rods that I know of.
Speaking of pure zinc and aluminum ingot tests, is there a supplied standard sample or test method used to calibrate these analyzers? In reading about spectrographic analyzers for metallurgy online, I read that they need frequent calibration.
Even if not, comparing test readouts for the two type ingots will help show whether any new electrodes produce different readings than the original included ones. Clays vary in metallic composition, and I wonder if various binders have any effect. If they do, and it's minor they could probably be compensated for.
Of course, I'm speaking from a personal scrap melting, ludicrously non-analytical perspective, but I am nevertheless curious about analysis -- that to me would be a great boon. I would not refuse the kind of kit you have!
ps, my guess is that dissolution of the carbon in graphite contributes to the plasma in a way that tungsten does not. And that eating away of the electrode is a desirable quality.
awemawson:
As I understand it, each probe head was individually calibrated and the appropriate settings put in a custom EPROM. The instructions emphasise that they are not as accurate as lab instruments and always refer to them as Alloy Identifiers rather than analysers.
One of my two instruments has a group of test samples (about 1.5" square) of different alloys for comparisons.
I'll be attacking the second instrument in the next few days, as I recall they have slightly different firmware but I'll bore you with reports as I progress.
vtsteam:
not boring.... :coffee:
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