SciAps Handheld XRF Analyzer X-505
Premium alloy performance at a lower price — the workhorse of the premium X-Series.
At 2.98 lbs., the X-505 runs a 50 kV, 5 W tube and a 25 mm² silicon drift detector, verifying alloy grade and chemistry in 1–2 seconds. It matches the X-550 on transition and heavy metals — the only difference is a few extra seconds on the light elements.
One Analyzer, Endless Possibilities
The X-505 is one analyzer, configured for the work you do. Toggle to the build that matches your samples — every one shares the same 2.98 lb. body, Android software, and accessories.
X-505 Mining
Geochemistry on rock faces and core
The Mining App carries optimised calibrations for 36 elements, from magnesium through uranium, for rapid geochemical analysis across a wide range of geological materials. Micro and macro cameras pinpoint the exact spot tested on a vein, an inclusion, or a rock face — and document it.
- 1Excitation source — 50 kV, 200 µA, 5 W, Rh anode
- 2Detector — 25 mm² SDD, 135 eV, 250k cps
- 3Calibrated elements — 36, Mg through U
- 4Best for — Exploration and grade control
The Flagship Build, at a Lower Price
- 01
The Same Hardware as the Flagship
The same rugged, mostly-metal frame and the same 25 mm² silicon drift detector as the X-550 — the difference is tube current, not build quality.
- 02
2.98 lbs., All Day
Ultralight and balanced rather than nose-heavy, so a full shift of testing doesn't cost you an arm.
- 03
Reaches Awkward Welds
A slender snout and narrow footprint get into the test locations that defeat bulkier guns, with a rear-facing display you can still read at the point of test.
- 04
Doesn't Quit in the Heat
Excellent thermal handling for continuous testing in the hottest climates — no drift, no waiting for the gun to cool down.
- 05
Shares Your Fleet's Kit
The same batteries, chargers, cables, cases and consumables as every other X-Series analyzer, so a mixed fleet carries one set of spares.
- 06
Lowest Service Costs
SciAps builds its own tubes and detectors, which keeps repairs component-level and the cost of ownership down over the life of the instrument.
X-505 Specifications
- Weight
- 2.98 lbs. (1.35 kg) with battery
- Excitation source
- 50 kV, 200 µA, 5 W X-ray tube (Rh; Au on some apps)
- Detector
- 25 mm² SDD, 140 eV FWHM (Mn Kα), 250k cps
- X-ray filtering
- 6-position filter wheel for beam optimization
- Dimensions
- 8.5 × 9.5 × 2.4 in
- Display
- 2.7-inch color capacitive touchscreen, rear-facing
- Cameras
- Dual — targeting + macro documentation & QR/barcode
- Calibration
- Fundamental parameters; Compton Normalization for mining/soil
- Power
- Li-ion, hot-swap (60 s max swap)
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, GPS; 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-505
XRF Prolene Windows (24pk)Standard window; user-replaceableSKU 105-500034→XRF Turnings Kapton Windows, 3mil (25pk)Tougher window for scrap and turningsSKU 105-500039→
XRF Wear PlateNose protection in abrasive environmentsSKU 104-500449→XRF Soil Cups (25pk)Prepared mining and soil samplesSKU 105-500036→XRF Hard Case with FoamRuggedized transportSKU 111-500018→
Zebra Printer KitInstant grade and chemistry labelsSKU 109-500001→Other Analyzers to Consider
Where the X-505 goes to work
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the X-505 and the X-550?
They share the same 25 mm² detector and the same speed on transition and heavy metals. The difference is tube current: the X-550 runs 500 µA against the X-505's 200 µA, roughly 3× the power in the low-voltage beam, so the light elements resolve faster. In practice: 0.3% magnesium in an aluminum alloy takes about 2 seconds on the X-550 versus 7 on the X-505 (sorting 356 from 357), and 0.1% silicon in steel for sulfidic corrosion takes about 6 seconds versus 16. Phosphorus, sulfur and the low-Z majors in mining samples follow the same roughly 3× pattern. Everything else is equal — the X-505 reaches the same answer a few seconds later, at a lower price.
Can the X-505 sort aluminum alloys?
Yes. It was engineered for good magnesium and silicon sensitivity and sorts most aluminum grades well — just a few seconds slower than the X-550's Aluminum App. For high-volume aluminum sorting, the X-550 is faster.
Is the X-505 available for catalytic converters and gold?
Yes — the X-505 offers a Car Cat app for platinum, palladium, and rhodium, and the detectORE app for in-field gold and silver, alongside alloy, mining, soil, RoHS, and precious-metals configurations.
Does the X-505 support custom calibrations?
Yes — the Empirical app lets you define beam conditions and elements and build custom calibrations in SciAps Profile Builder, so the X-505 can handle proprietary or unusual materials beyond alloys, ores, and polymers.
Get Both With OneBox
Pair the X-505 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