Description
Is the X-50 Right for Your Work?
The X-50 is the right choice if:
- You need reliable RoHS screening of electronics, incoming components, or consumer products
- You want SDD detector performance without paying for a premium instrument
- Your team needs something straightforward - easy to deploy, easy to use on the floor
- You do not need to measure light elements like magnesium, aluminum, silicon, sulfur, or phosphorus
- Budget matters and you need a capable instrument, not the most capable instrument
Consider the X-200 or X-505 instead if:
- You need the fastest possible throughput in a high-volume inspection environment
- You are screening complex or mixed-matrix materials where tighter detection limits matter
- Weight and form factor are a priority for extended handheld use
- You need the narrowest possible beam for very small component work
Not sure which fits your situation? Contact us and we will help you decide.
What Makes the X-50 Work for RoHS
SDD detector at an entry-level price Most entry-level XRF analyzers use older Si-PIN detectors. The X-50 uses a silicon drift detector - the same detector technology found in higher-priced instruments. That matters for RoHS work because cadmium has a 100 ppm threshold, ten times stricter than lead. Older detectors struggle at that level. The X-50 does not.
50 kV tube configured for compliance screening The X-50 for RoHS runs a 50 kV X-ray tube with multiple primary beam filters. This provides the excitation energy needed to reliably detect the full range of restricted substances - lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and bromine - across both plastic and metal matrices in a single screening session.
4 mm native beam spot SciAps instrument geometry achieves a 4 mm beam spot without a collimator. Most handheld analyzers use a 6 to 8 mm beam. The smaller native spot allows more precise targeting of small components and connectors without blocking X-rays or increasing measurement time - a real advantage when working on populated boards or small parts.
RoHS app that adapts as regulations change The X-50 runs SciAps' configurable RoHS app on Android. It automatically identifies material type - no mode switching, no manual calibration changes. Pass/fail thresholds are fully adjustable. If regulations expand to include new elements like antimony (Sb) or nickel (Ni), you add them in software. No new instrument required.
Camera and barcode reader built in A high-resolution integrated camera captures sample images alongside results. A macro camera reads 2D and 3D barcodes for traceability. Both are included - not optional add-ons.
Hot-swap battery Li-ion battery with hot-swap capability means continuous inspection jobs without shutting the instrument down to recharge.
What You Can Screen With It
The X-50 handles the core RoHS compliance jobs well:
Incoming inspection - Screen connectors, cables, housings, fasteners, and metal parts at the point of receipt. Real elemental data at the dock, not lab turnaround time.
Electronics and circuit boards - Verify lead-free solder on assembled boards. The 4 mm beam allows more precise targeting than standard wide-beam instruments on individual joints and small components.
Consumer products and toys - Screen painted surfaces, plastic parts, metal components, and apparel hardware. The X-50 is accepted for screening under ASTM F963 (US toy safety), EU RoHS, and WEEE directives.
Supplier audits - At 3.1 lbs with battery, it travels. Carry it to supplier facilities for on-site spot-checking without shipping cases or setup overhead.
Halogen-free programs - Configure chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br) screening alongside standard RoHS elements. Threshold limits of 900 ppm Cl, 900 ppm Br, and 1500 ppm total halogens supported.
Restricted Substances and Thresholds
| Element | What It Indicates | RoHS Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | Solder, brass alloys, pigments | 1000 ppm |
| Cadmium (Cd) | Platings, pigments, stabilizers | 100 ppm |
| Mercury (Hg) | Switches, lighting components | 1000 ppm |
| Chromium (Cr) | Treated surfaces (total Cr; Cr VI requires wet chemistry) | 1000 ppm |
| Bromine (Br) | Proxy for PBB/PBDE flame retardants | 1000 ppm |
| Chlorine (Cl) | Halogen-free screening | 900 ppm |
Additional elements including antimony (Sb), barium (Ba), and nickel (Ni) can be added to the screening configuration as needed.
Compliance Standards Supported
- EU RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)
- China RoHS / ACPEIP
- WEEE Directive
- CPSIA (HR4040)
- ASTM F963 toy safety standard
- IEC 62321-3-1 and ASTM F2617-15
- Halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21
Technical Specifications
| Detector | 7 mm² SDD, 170 eV resolution FWHM at Mn K-alpha |
| X-ray tube | 50 kV for RoHS; Rh anode for alloy applications |
| Beam spot | Native 4 mm - no collimator required |
| Weight | 3.1 lbs with battery |
| Display | 3.5-inch color capacitive touchscreen |
| Processor | 1.2 GHz quad ARM Cortex A53; 2 GB RAM; 16 GB storage |
| Battery | Rechargeable Li-ion, hot-swap capable |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB; SciAps Profile Builder compatible |
| Operating temp | 10°F to 130°F at 25% duty cycle |
| Regulatory | CE, RoHS compliant, USFDA registered, Canada RED Act |
Rent Before You Buy
Not ready to commit? The SciAps X-50 is available to rent on weekly and monthly terms through Alloy Geek. Same instrument, fully configured for RoHS screening, shipped ready to use.
→ View Rental RoHS XRF Options
Why Alloy Geek
- Instruments inspected, tested, and verified before shipping
- Honest condition grading - no surprises on arrival
- Support from people who actually use XRF, not just sell it
Flexible options: buy outright, or ask about rent-to-own
Get the Right Analyzer for Your RoHS Work
Whether you are ready to buy, want to rent before committing, or just have questions about fit and configuration - we are here to help.
Request a Quote | View Rental Options | 919-400-1216 | sales@alloygeek.com