Portable Test Stand (PTS) or Desktop Test Stand (DTS)

The Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL5e Test Stand enables safe, closed-beam XRF operation with the Niton XL5e Handheld XRF Analyzer, improving safety, repeatability, and ease of testing for small samples, mining materials, soils, and plastics.

This product is offered in two selectable variants—the Portable Test Stand (PTS) and the Desktop Test Stand (DTS)—allowing users to choose the configuration best suited to their environment, compliance requirements, and application.

Don't forget your XRF Sample Cups and XRF Sample Film!

Analytical Benefits to Using a Test Stand

Using a test stand with the XL5e allows for:

• Closed-beam XRF operation to improve radiation safety
• Hands-free analysis of small, irregular, or loose samples
• Stable positioning for longer test times
• Improved repeatability for mining, soil, and plastics analysis

Test stands are especially beneficial when operating the XL5e in Mining, Soil, Plastics, or extended General Metals modes, where longer measurement times and consistent geometry improve data quality.

Available Variants

Portable Test Stand (PTS) — Field-Ready, Fully Shielded

The Portable Test Stand (PTS) is designed for mobile and field-based testing, offering a fully enclosed, shielded test chamber with a large sample volume suitable for rocks, soils, plastics, powders, and bagged samples.

PTS key features:

• Fully enclosed, shielded chamber for closed-beam operation
• Large sample chamber for bulk or irregular samples
• RFID-based safety system detects lid open/closed status
• Automatically disables X-rays if the chamber is opened
• Ideal for field work, mining, environmental, and plastics testing

The RFID safety interlock provides an additional layer of protection, particularly in multi-user or field environments.

Desktop Test Stand (DTS) — Bench & Laboratory Use

The Desktop Test Stand (DTS) is optimized for bench-top and laboratory environments, providing a compact, stable platform for closed-beam testing of smaller samples.

DTS key features:

• Compact footprint for desktop or lab benches
• Mechanical button-depressor safety design
• No RFID technology
• Suitable for controlled laboratory environments
• Preferred in applications where RFID is not permitted or desired, such as certain government or regulated laboratories

The DTS provides closed-beam capability using a purely mechanical safety interface, making it compatible with strict compliance or IT-controlled environments.

Applications

The Niton XL5e Test Stand (PTS or DTS) is commonly used for:

• Safe closed-beam XRF testing
• Small sample analysis (pellets, chips, powders, plastics)
• Mining and exploration samples requiring longer test times
• Soil screening and environmental samples
• Plastics analysis and compliance screening

Both variants support XL5e operation across:

• General Metals
• Light Metal Quick Sort (LMQS)
• Mining
• Soil
• Plastics

What’s Included

• 1 × Niton XL5e Test Stand (Variant selected at checkout: PTS or DTS)

Compatibility

• ✔ Thermo Scientific Niton XL5e Handheld XRF Analyzer
• ✖ Not marketed for use with other Niton analyzer models

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between the PTS and DTS?

The PTS is fully enclosed, field-ready, and uses RFID to automatically disable X-rays when the lid is opened. The DTS is designed for desktop or lab use and relies on a mechanical button-depressor without RFID. Both work functionally the same, but most stationary application prefer the DTS.

Why would someone choose the DTS over the PTS?

Some government or regulated laboratories prefer non-RFID systems. The DTS meets this requirement while still providing closed-beam operation.

Is the PTS suitable for field work?

Yes. The PTS is designed for portable use and includes full shielding and automatic X-ray shutoff for safe field operation.

Do I need a test stand to use the XL5e?

A test stand is not required for basic handheld operation, but it is strongly recommended for small samples, longer test times, and closed-beam safety.