Thermo Scientific Niton XL5e Handheld XRF Analyzer Collection

High-Speed Metal & Alloy Sorting for Scrap, PMI, and Manufacturing

The Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL5e Handheld XRF Analyzer is a high-performance, lightweight handheld XRF designed for fast, accurate metal and alloy identification in scrap recycling, manufacturing, fabrication, and positive material identification (PMI). Built on Thermo Fisher’s proven XL5 platform, the XL5e delivers lab-quality elemental analysis in seconds—including rapid sorting of aluminum and magnesium alloys using Light Metal Quick Sort (LMQS) mode.

This collection features new and configured Niton XL5e analyzers, along with compatible accessories and application-specific configurations tailored for metal and alloy sorting.

Why Choose the Niton XL5e for Metal & Alloy Sorting?

Fast Alloy Identification—Right at the Scrap Pile

Powered by a 5W X-ray tube (up to 500 µA) and a high-resolution SDD with a graphene window, the XL5e delivers real-time elemental results across a wide alloy range—from magnesium through uranium. Most ferrous and non-ferrous alloys are identified in 1–2 seconds, enabling rapid sort decisions without slowing throughput.

Light Metal Quick Sort (LMQS) Mode

The XL5e includes LMQS mode, purpose-built for recyclers who need speed and accuracy when sorting aluminum and magnesium alloys. By optimizing low-voltage excitation for light elements such as Mg and Si, LMQS enables identification of many aluminum alloy grades in 1–3 seconds, even when grades differ only by tenths of a percent in composition 

LMQS is especially effective for:

• Finder Aluminum Sorting for alloys such as 1100 vs 6063
  
• High-volume aluminum scrap operations
• High-volume aluminum manufacturing operations

Built for Real-World Scrap & Industrial Use

The XL5e combines compact geometry, ergonomic design, and IP54 environmental protection, making it ideal for demanding environments such as scrap yards, mills, foundries, and fabrication shops.

An integrated smart cooling system automatically activates when internal temperatures exceed 60 °C, allowing longer duty cycles and continuous operation without sacrificing portability or reliability.

Common Metal & Alloy Applications

The Niton XL5e is widely used for:

• Scrap metal sorting (ferrous & non-ferrous)
• Aluminum & magnesium alloy identification
• Stainless steel grade verification (300 & 400 series)
• Nickel-based and high-temperature alloys
• Copper, brass, and bronze sorting
• PMI in manufacturing, fabrication, and welding
• Incoming material verification & QA/QC

With factory libraries based on SAE, AISI, ASTM, AA, DIN, and GB standards, users can also edit, clone, or create custom alloy libraries to match their operation.

Technical Details

• Analytical range: Mg–U (light elements through heavy metals)
• X-ray source: Ag anode tube, 6–50 kV, up to 5 W
• Detector: High-speed SDD with 1 µm graphene window
• Spot size: 8 mm collimation
• Weight: ~2.8 lb (1.3 kg) with battery
• Environmental rating: IP54 (dust & splash resistant)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB-C, Bluetooth
• Data storage: ~130,000 readings with spectra

Available Modes/Calibrations

• General Metals - for general alloy sorting and metals analysis
  • Elemental Range of General Metals Mode: Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, Pb, Bi
• Light Metal Quick Sort (LMQS) - for fine sorting of aluminum alloys
• Mining - for testing ore, rocks, powders, etc. 
  • Elemental Range of Mining Mode: Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Au, Hg, Pb, Bi, Th, U
• Soils - for trace testing and environmental compliance soil testing
  • S, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, Cs, Ba, Au, Hg, Pb, Th, U
• Plastics - for testing of metals in polymers
  • Elemental Range: Al, Cl, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Sr, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Au, Hg, Pb, and Bi in polymers
• Additional elemental additions are available in these modes but only upon request. Please disclose all elements you are looking for at time of purchase. 

Who This Analyzer Is For

The Thermo Scientific Niton XL5e is an excellent choice for:

• Scrap yards processing high volumes of aluminum and mixed metals
• Manufacturers needing fast PMI without lab delays
• Foundries and mills verifying alloy chemistry
• Fabricators and weld shops checking material compliance
• Operations that want XRF precision with LIBS-like speed for light metals

Available in This Collection

This collection may include:

• New Thermo Scientific Niton XL5e analyzers
• Application-specific configurations for metal & alloy sorting
• Batteries, chargers, test stands, and safety accessories
• Backscatter shields and sample positioning tools
  
• Niton XL5e Training Modes

If you’re unsure which XL5e configuration fits your operation, Alloy Geek can help match the analyzer to your material mix, throughput, and compliance requirements.

Looking for the Right Handheld XRF?

The Niton XL5e delivers an outstanding balance of speed, accuracy, and portability for modern metal sorting operations—especially where aluminum and light alloys matter most.