SciAps Handheld XRF Analyzer X-50
The most economical handheld XRF — now with a modern SDD.
The re-engineered X-50 replaces legacy Si-PiN with a 7 mm² silicon drift detector, returning an initial result in about a second. A 40 kV tube for alloy and precious metals, or 50 kV for soil and mining, makes it the value choice — and a purpose-built favourite for catalytic-converter recycling.
One Analyzer, Endless Possibilities
The X-50 3.0 ships in application-specific builds sharing the same 7 mm² SDD — an Empirical configuration for custom calibrations is also available.
X-50 Mining
Full chemistry for exploration
The Mining App gives full chemistry with calibrations optimised for 30 elements, calcium through barium, including the pathfinders — As, Sb, Bi, Se, W, Th and U. The analyzer auto-calibrates against the external 316 stainless clip, so it holds its footing through a day of readings.
- 1Excitation source — 40 kV, 100 µA, 4 W, Rh anode
- 2Detector — 7 mm² SDD, 170 eV, 45k cps
- 3Calibrated elements — 30, Ca through Ba
Best Value in Handheld XRF
- 01
Best-Value Performance
Operates at rates 2× or higher than other economical-detector guns.
- 02
Modern SDD
The re-engineered X-50 replaced legacy Si-PiN with a 7 mm² SDD for better sensitivity and faster tests.
- 03
Car-Cat Specialist
A high-power tube and matrix-element measurement (Ce, La, Ba) make it a top pick for platinum-group-metal analysis.
- 04
Full X-Series Platform
Dual cameras, Android OS, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and accessories shared across the whole X-Series.
Standard Element Package
Need other elements? Just ask — we add or substitute elements frequently for specific applications.
| Application | Elements (single beam) |
|---|---|
| Mining | K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Sn, Sb, S, Ta, W, Au, Hg, Pb, Bi, U |
| Soil | Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Rb, Zr, Mo, W, Tl, Hg, Pb, Bi, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb |
| Alloy | Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, W, Ta, Hf, Re, Au, Pb, Bi, Ru, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb |
| Precious Metals | Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, W, Au, Ge, Ir, Pt, Pb, Bi, Zr, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb |
X-50 Specifications
- Weight
- 3.1 lbs. with battery
- Excitation source
- 40 kV, 100 µA, 4 W (Alloy/PM); 50 kV, 200 µA, 5 W (Soil/Mining)
- Detector
- 7 mm² SDD, 170 eV FWHM (Mn Kα), 45k cps at >90% live
- Analysis
- ~1 second initial, auto-updating every second
- Dimensions
- 9.38 × 11.15 × 3.34 in (238 × 283 × 84 mm)
- Display
- 3.5-inch color capacitive touchscreen
- Cameras
- Dual — targeting + macro documentation & QR/barcode
- X-ray filtering
- Single filter (alloy/mining/PM); multiple for soil, RoHS, car cats
- Calibration
- Fundamental parameters
- Power
- Li-ion, hot-swap (60 s max swap)
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB; SciAps Profile Builder & Cloud
- Temp. range
- 10°F to 130°F at 25% duty cycle
- Regulatory
- CE, RoHS, USFDA registered, Canada RED Act
Consumables and Accessories for the X-50
XRF Prolene Windows (24pk)Standard window; user-replaceableSKU 105-500034→
XRF Kapton Windows (25pk)Durable option for soil and mining workSKU 105-500035→XRF Soil Cups (25pk)Prepared mining and soil samplesSKU 105-500036→
XRF Soil FootStable in-situ ground contact for soil testingSKU 401-500367→XRF Hard Case with FoamRuggedized transportSKU 111-500018→XRF 316 RM Certifed Reference StandardCalibration verificationSKU 112-500063→Other Analyzers to Consider
X-5
The other economical model — lighter and focused on precious metals
View→
X-200
A larger 25 mm² detector and broader speed across every alloy family
View→
X-505
Premium light-element performance and the widest app range in the line
View→
X-550
The fastest aluminum sorting and lowest P/S test times
View→Where the X-50 goes to work
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the X-50 still use a Si-PiN detector?
No — the re-engineered X-50 3.0 uses a modern 7 mm² silicon drift detector (SDD), a significant upgrade over the legacy Si-PiN in sensitivity and speed, while keeping the economical price point.
Why is the X-50 popular for catalytic converters?
Its high-power tube delivers strong platinum, palladium, and rhodium detection limits, and it measures the matrix elements (cerium, lanthanum, barium) that correct for matrix effects — the key to accurate PGM values — all at a lower price than premium models.
What's the difference between the X-50 and X-5?
Both use a 7 mm² SDD and target economical transition/heavy-metal analysis. The X-50 offers soil and mining configurations with a 50 kV tube option and is the car-cat specialist; the X-5 is the compact, lightest option focused on alloy, precious metals, RoHS, and industrial lead paint.
Can the X-50 measure light elements like magnesium?
The X-50 does not measure Mg, Al, Si, S, or P, so it sorts aluminum by family rather than by fine chemistry. For light-element performance, step up to the X-505 or X-550.
Get Both With OneBox
Pair the X-50 with a SciAps Z-Series LIBS and cover every element and sample type — same batteries, cables, chargers, and accessories. LIBS analyzes what XRF can't (Li, Be, B, C, F, Na); XRF is great for transition and heavy metals.
Explore the OneBox