SciAps Handheld XRF Analyzers X-Series
An ultralight, ultra-compact, blazing-fast family of high-precision XRF analyzers.
Most under 3 lbs. with battery, in a durable, ergonomic frame you can run all day without fatigue. Every model shares one Android platform and the same batteries, chargers and accessories, so training and fleet management stay simple as you scale.
How X-ray fluorescence works
XRF aims a beam of X-rays at a sample and measures the secondary X-rays it fluoresces back. The tube knocks inner electrons out of the atoms at the surface; as outer electrons drop in to fill the vacancies, each element releases energy at a wavelength unique to it — its fluorescent fingerprint. A solid-state detector builds that into a spectrum and the onboard software converts it to composition, typically in seconds and often down to parts-per-million.
Because XRF is non-destructive, the sample comes away unmarked — which is why it's the technique of choice anywhere the part itself matters: verifying alloy grade on an in-service pipe, sorting scrap without cutting a coupon, screening goods for RoHS, or confirming precious-metal purity on finished jewelry. It covers magnesium and aluminum up through the heavy transition metals, rare earths, and precious metals. Place the aperture, pull the trigger, read the result — no digestion, no wet chemistry, no shipping samples to a lab.
Compare the X-Series
Every model runs the same platform — two cameras, a sunlight-readable touchscreen, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/GPS/USB, and Detector Protector options. What differs is the tube, the detector, and what each is tuned for.
| Model | Best for | Tube | Detector | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-555 | REEs, geochem, soils | 55 kV, 5 W Au | 50 mm² SDD | Only 55 kV handheld; best Cd/REE LODs |
| X-550 | Premium alloy/PMI, aluminum, lead paint | 50 kV, 500 µA, 5 W | 25 mm² SDD | Fastest aluminum; Aluminum App; DPT |
| X-505 | Alloy workhorse, mining, car cats | 50 kV, 200 µA, 5 W | 25 mm² SDD | Premium performance, lower price |
| X-200 | Everyday value, scrap, RoHS | 50 kV, 200 µA, 5 W | 25 mm² SDD | Great value, sustained-throughput design |
| X-50 | Economical common metals, car cats | 40 kV, 4 W (50 kV soil) | 7 mm² SDD | Best value, modern SDD |
| X-5 | Economical transition/heavy metals | 40 kV, 100 µA, 4 W | 7 mm² SDD | Precious metals, lead paint, RoHS |
Pick Your Perfect Analyzer
Six models, one platform. Answer a few questions about your work and we'll name the X-Series analyzer and configuration that fit — then send it to our team if it looks right.
What Sets the X-Series Apart
Two Cameras
Precise targeting, photo-documentation, and QR/bar-code reading on every model.
1 of 6: Two Cameras
Where the X-Series goes to work
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SciAps X-Series analyzer is the best value?
The X-200 matches the speed and precision of other brands' top-end guns at a lower price; the X-50 and X-5 are the most economical for common-metal ID. If you need fast light-element (Mg, Al, Si) performance, step up to the X-505 or X-550.
What's the difference between the X-550 and X-505?
Same detector, same transition/heavy-metal speed. The X-550 runs a higher-current tube (500 µA) for roughly 3× faster analysis of low-atomic-number elements (Mg, Al, Si, P, S) — the faster choice for aluminum sorting and sulfidic corrosion. The X-505 gets the same result a few seconds slower, for less.
Do all X-Series analyzers use the same accessories?
Yes — the same Li-Ion battery, charger, cables, cases, and most consumables (windows, wear plates, sleeves) across the line. That's what makes fleets easy to manage and the OneBox pairing with LIBS so efficient.
Get Both With OneBox
Pair the X-Series 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.
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