APPLICATION NOTE

X-SUPREME8000
X-Supreme8000 for the
rapid quality control of Si
and Zn coating weight on
automotive condenser parts
BACKGROUND
The manufacturing of automotive heat exchangers for air-conditioning
condenser units often involves the joining of corrugated aluminium fins
with extruded aluminium multiport tubes. This is done by flux brazing. Two
elements in the flux provide critical properties: Silicon is added to ensure
proper metal bonding, while zinc helps protect the final product against
corrosion that could be caused by exposure to rain, high temperatures and
road salts.

Incorrect amounts of Silicon in the flux would lead to poor bonding in the
brazing, and in a deficient product. If too little Zinc is present, the desired
anti-corrosion properties may not be met; if too much is added, the flux may
burn through the aluminium in the brazing process, and the final product
would be rejected. It is therefore critical to control the levels of these two
elements in the coating flux to ensure a consistently high product quality.

The requirement for a rapid, simple test (carried out by non-laboratory staff)
on site makes energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry
the ideal analysis technique.

Benchtop EDXRF analysers such as the Hitachi X-Supreme8000 are found

in many manufacturing facilities and development labs with the instruments
often operated by production staff on a 24/7 basis. Combining a field-
proven X-ray tube and Hitachi’s high resolution silicon-drift detector (SDD),
the X-Supreme delivers fast and accurate results day after day. Its intuitive
user-interface ensures it is easy of use, while its well-established reliability
ensures cost effectiveness and minimum downtime.

1
 SAMPLE PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION
Traditional methods of analysis usually require skilled laboratory staff, long sample
preparation times and potentially hazardous chemicals, and they are ultimately
destructive in nature. In contrast, the X-Supreme is very easy to use. There is little
sample preparation: simply cut the aluminium tube to size and place it on the
analyser’s sample tray. Close the lid, enter the sample label, and press the Start
button. Results are available in only 2 minutes.

Up to 10 samples can be loaded at a time, leaving you free to carry out other tasks.
With the sample spinner, a larger surface of the sample is analysed to average out
any potential surface heterogeneity, and to deliver a consistent, reproducible result.

Note: if the samples are small (less than 25mm in diameter), they need to be inserted
in our small sample holder to ensure a consistent sample area is measured. If
samples are likely to vary in size, then you must use the small sample holder for all
samples, including calibration samples.

PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS

The X-Supreme can be used to determine the coating composition of single and
multiple elements simultaneously. The data shown in this section demonstrates
the excellent performance the analyser delivers. A simple empirical calibration was
created for Zn and Si coating weight, by measuring a series of known samples to
establish the relationship between Si and Zn weight and their X-ray signals.

Each sample was measured for 120 seconds.

Note: Users can develop their own calibrations as required, with the assistance of our applications engineers when/if needed.

The mid-range precision was determined from 10 repeat measurements of a known sample.

Table 1. Typical calibration performance for this application

Analyte Calibration range Standard error of calibration Measurement time Mid-range precision
(g/m2) (g/m2) (s) (95 % confidence)
(g/m2)
Si 1.5 – 4.5 0.1 0.08
120
Zn 11.2 – 18.4 0.2 0.13

Graphs 1 and 2: Calibration curves for Si and Zn coating weight on Aluminium

Calculated coating weight, g/m2

Calculated coating weight, g/m2

Given coating weight, g/m2 Given coating weight, g/m2

2
SUMMARY
Once calibrated (a simple procedure), Hitachi High-Tech’s X-Supreme8000
provides accurate and repeatable analysis of the flux coated on Aluminium
multiport tubes. Its ease of use and ruggedness make it an ideal tool on the
shop floor for process and quality control. With results available in minutes,
the flux’s chemistry can be checked rapidly, allowing the rejection of parts that
do not meet specifications before they are used in the manufacturing process,
maximising productivity and savings costs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Parameters used for this application:

Analyte X-ray tube

voltage (kV)
X-ray tube
current (µA)
Filter Measurement
path
Measurement
time (s)
ORDERING INFORMATION
Si 5 600 none air 60

Zn 20 20 A4 air 60 The minimum needed for this application is:

For more details, please contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science | X
 -Supreme fitted with a Ti X-ray tube and a
representative. high-performance SDD

| Sample spinner
Visit www.hitachi-hightech.com/hha for more information.
| 
Setting-up samples to future-proof the
calibration: SUSI10B and SUZN05B

If you test samples <25mm in diameter, you will

also need:

| Sample holders: P/No. 54-L235

| 
Safety windows: P/No. 54-LX6879-2 to
centre the sample holders on the tray

This publication is the copyright of Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science and provides outline information only, which (unless agreed by the company in writing) may
not be used, applied or reproduced for any purpose or form part of any order or contract or regarded as the representation relating to the products or services concerned.
Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science’s policy is one of continued improvement. The company reserves the right to alter, without notice the specification, design or
conditions of supply of any product or service.

Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science acknowledges all trademarks and registrations.

© Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science, 2018. All rights reserved.