SciAps Handheld LIBS Analyzer Z-902
The world's first handheld analyzer to deliver carbon content — now better.
Two spectrometers extend the range to 190–620 nm with on-board argon purge for high-precision analysis. Factory-calibrated for 15–20 elements and configurable to measure the emissions of any element, the Z-902 comes as Alloy for scrap and PMI, Carbon for the only rock-solid in-field carbon analysis on the market, or Lithium for brines and battery metals.
One Analyzer, Three Configurations
The Z-902 is one dual-spectrometer analyzer. Toggle to the configuration that matches your work — alloy chemistry for scrap and general PMI, carbon for steel grading, or lithium for brines and battery metals.
Z-902 Carbon
The world's only handheld carbon analyzer
The key to rock-solid, in-field carbon analysis for alloys — a powerful laser, on-board argon purge, and a dedicated high-resolution spectrometer (190–230 nm) built for carbon. Identifies stainless and low-alloy steels with carbon down to 70 ppm and instant carbon-equivalent (CE) calculations, in the most usable analyzer on the market at just 4.35 lbs.
Where It's Used
- PMI & NDT — grade 300-series stainless into L/H/S, CE for welding, MTR validation, vessel re-rating.
- Pipeline integrity — grading, carbon equivalents, validating MTRs.
- Steel production — incoming scrap screening, in-process QC, EAF heat compliance.
- Refining & petrochemical — sulfidic corrosion to API 939 (0.05% Si in ~3 seconds), flow-accelerated corrosion, and residuals.
- 1Spectral range — 190 – 420 nm (190–230 nm dedicated)
- 2Carbon LOD — ~70 ppm
- 3Weight — 4.35 lbs. (1.97 kg)
Why the Z-902 Carbon Delivers
High-Purity Argon Purge
Opti-Purge puts argon only where it's needed — ~1,000× less than spark OES.
Analysis Averaging
Multi-shot averaging with automatic outlier rejection on every test.
High Pulse Energy & Frequency
5–6 mJ at 50 Hz burns off surface contamination before the read.
Micro-Camera & LED Spotlight
See exactly where the laser will strike — a good burn every time.
Laser Raster
Six locations per 3-second test, averaged across the grain structure.
Pennies per Test
Roughly 1–6 cents per test, against ~25 cents on spark OES.
Z-902 Specifications
- Weight
- 4.35 lbs. (1.97 kg) with battery
- Spectral Range
- 190–420 nm (Carbon) · 190–620 nm (Alloy)
- Dimensions
- 10.75 × 2.875 × 8.625 in
- Display
- 2.7-inch high-brightness color touchscreen, rear-facing
- Atmosphere
- SciAps Opti-Purge inert argon environment
- Laser Raster
- On-board Y stage for targeted analysis or averaging
- Sample Viewing
- Integrated camera + macro camera for QR/bar codes and documentation
- Power
- On-board rechargeable Li-ion, internal or external charging, AC power
- Connectivity
- Android — Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB-C
- Grade Library
- 500+ grades, multi-library support, editable
- Data Storage
- 32 GB SD card
- Regulatory
- CE, RoHS, USFDA registered; Class 3b laser, Class 1 operation with sample sensor
Factory Calibrations
Consumables and Accessories for the Z-902
Z902 Test StandDock the analyzer for benchtop testing of small samplesSKU 116-500227→
LIBS Wear Plate - Z901, Z902Replaceable nose wear plateSKU 401-500402→
LIBS Black Silicone Sleeve, Z902Protective sleeve sized for the Z-902SKU 116-500207→
LIBS Argon Canister Carbon Analysis (10pk)Argon for carbon analysis — roughly 100 tests per canisterSKU 105-500045→
LIBS Argon Canister Standard Analysis (10pk)Argon for standard alloy analysis — roughly 600 tests per canisterSKU 105-500044→
LIBS Grinder KitSurface prep — carbon analysis needs a prepared surfaceSKU 105-Grinder-Kit→
LIBS Splatter ShieldKeeps splatter off the window on dirty samplesSKU 103-500027→
LIBS Laser Safety GlassesEye protection for Class 3B operationSKU 105-SG-1064→Other Analyzers to Consider
Z-901
Lighter single-spectrometer alloy LIBS, or CSi as a carbon add-on to an XRF
View→
Z-903
Extends to 950 nm for every element from hydrogen to uranium
View→
Z-70
Economical air-burn LIBS when the job is purely alloy sorting
View→
X-550
Pairs with the Z-902 Carbon for scrap and PMI in a single OneBox
View→Where the Z-902 goes to work
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a handheld analyzer really measure carbon?
Yes. The Z-902 Carbon was the first handheld to do it and remains the only one that measures carbon reliably in the field. It combines a 5–6 mJ laser, on-board argon purge, and a dedicated high-resolution 190–230 nm spectrometer to reach roughly 70 ppm carbon, with instant carbon-equivalent calculations. XRF cannot measure carbon at all.
What is the difference between the Z-902 and the Z-901?
The Z-902 adds a second spectrometer, extending the range from 200–420 nm to 190–620 nm, which is what makes the dedicated Carbon and Lithium configurations possible. The Z-901 is lighter at 3.87 lbs. versus 4.35 lbs. and costs less, so it suits alloy work that doesn't need carbon or the wider element range.
Can the Z-902 separate L and H grade stainless steels?
Yes — that separation depends entirely on carbon content, so it needs LIBS. The Z-902 Carbon grades 300-series stainless into L, H, and standard, calculates carbon equivalents for welding, validates MTRs, and supports vessel re-rating.
How much does each test cost to run?
An argon canister delivers roughly 600 tests in general alloy mode and about 100 in carbon mode, which works out to roughly 1–6 cents per test. Spark OES runs closer to 25 cents, because Opti-Purge uses about 1,000× less argon.
Does the Z-902 need sample grinding?
Not for general alloy work — a 50 Hz laser fires 10 surface-cleaning shots in 0.2 seconds, so it burns through dirt, oil, and coatings on scrap. Carbon analysis is the exception and does need a prepared surface, because the measurement is far more sensitive to surface condition.
Get Both With OneBox
Pair any Z-Series with SciAps' industry-leading XRF for optimal analysis across every element and sample type — same batteries, cables, chargers, and accessories.
Explore the OneBox