Hitachi Vulcan Expert Handheld LIBS Analyzer
The Hitachi Vulcan Expert is a handheld metals analyzer that uses Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instead of X-rays. The operator squeezes the trigger and a second later has a result with grade identification and full chemistry across a wide range of alloys. Made by Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science and formerly sold by Oxford Instruments the Vulcan is built for metal recycling fabrication and quality control where fast repeatable sorting is the job.
Key Features Hitachi Vulcan Expert
- Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS): no X-rays so there is typically no need for radiation licenses or safety training classes
- Results in about one second: regardless of alloy type with the ability to analyze hundreds of samples a day
- Grade identification and full chemistry: identifies common alloys including aluminum, magnesium, titanium, cobalt, chromium, nickel, and copper alloys, plus stainless steels, tool steels, and low alloy steels
- Light-element capability: LIBS can analyze Al and Mg alloys which are difficult for many handheld XRF analyzers
- Built-in camera (Expert model): capture sample images along with results
- Extended grade identification (Expert model): also identifies Co, Cu, Pb, Sn, Ti, and Zn alloys
- Pre-installed grade library: up to 1,500 grades which you can modify or add to with your own custom grades
- Point-and-shoot operation: an intuitive user interface that greatly reduces user error and the instrument is ready to use out of the box
- Minimal sample impact: consumes less than a billionth of a gram of material in a typical test leaving an almost invisible mark
- Long battery life: up to 8 hours on one charge when analyzing a sample every 5 seconds with two batteries typically supplied
- Rugged construction: IP54 certified (NEMA 3 equivalent) MIL-STD-810G tested for vibration and drops sapphire glass protecting the measurement optics, and a laser scanning mechanism tested for 20 million cycles
- Data management: advanced reporting from the instrument cloud storage and the ExTOPE Connect mobile app for adding photos and sharing results instantly
Typical Applications
- Scrap metal sorting and recycling
- Positive material identification (PMI)
- Incoming goods inspection and QA/QC in fabrication
- Aluminum and magnesium alloy sorting
- Large inventory checks and verification
Why Choose It
The Hitachi Vulcan Expert delivers fast accurate alloy identification without the licensing, safety training, and regulatory overhead that X-ray analyzers can bring. Simple point and shoot operation, long battery life, and a rugged build make it a productive tool for busy yards and shops.
