Growing concerns over construction steel quality and stricter inspections of steel manufacturing facilities have prompted businesses in the steel industry, foundries, and metal processing plants to place greater emphasis on quality control from the earliest stages of production.
Checking only the dimensions, weight, or external appearance of steel may no longer be sufficient. The chemical composition of the metal is a critical factor that affects material properties, production consistency, and the ability to manufacture products that meet required specifications.
This is particularly important for manufacturers of reinforcing steel bars that must comply with Thai Industrial Standards TIS 20-2559 and TIS 24-2559. Accurate elemental analysis has therefore become an essential part of the quality control process.
Why Is Boron Analysis in Steel Receiving Greater Attention?
Boron is an element that may be present in steel in very small quantities, yet it can significantly affect the material’s properties. It must therefore be carefully monitored in certain steel manufacturing processes.
The appendices of TIS 20-2559 and TIS 24-2559 specify that steel containing Boron at a concentration of 0.0008% by mass or higher falls within the relevant criteria for alloy steel.
A concentration of 0.0008% is equivalent to approximately 8 ppm.
This means that the analytical instrument must be capable of accurately distinguishing low Boron concentrations around the 8 ppm level. A deviation of only a few ppm could affect the interpretation of the results or the classification of the material.
Why Do In-House Test Results Sometimes Differ from Laboratory Results?
One challenge faced by steel manufacturers and foundries is that chemical composition results obtained from in-house instruments may not always match the results reported by an external laboratory.
For example:
- An in-house Boron analysis indicates that the concentration is below the level requiring close monitoring.
- The same sample is sent to an external laboratory, but the reported result is different.
- Repeated in-house measurements produce widely varying results.
How Can Inaccurate Results Affect a Manufacturing Facility?
In metal quality control, a difference of only a few ppm can have a greater impact on production and business operations than expected. Potential consequences include:
- Reduced customer confidence
- Products failing acceptance inspections
- Samples having to be submitted for repeated analysis
- Production delays while waiting for test results
- Adjustments to the chemical composition or complete product remanufacturing
- Increased raw material, energy, and labour costs
Using the appropriate analytical instrument does more than simply identify the chemical composition of a metal. It also helps reduce operational risks and improves the overall efficiency of the quality control system.
The OE750 Optical Emission Spectrometer is designed for the chemical analysis of metals using Spark Optical Emission Spectrometry, or Spark OES. It is suitable for applications requiring the control of low Boron concentrations in steel, as well as the detection of residual elements that may be introduced through scrap metal or recycled raw materials.
The Chemical House & Lab Instrument team is ready to provide consultation on metal chemical composition analysis and recommend analytical instruments that are suitable for each facility’s raw materials, products, and manufacturing processes.
Contact Us or Request a Sample Analysis
Tel: 02-184-4000
E-mail: info@chemihouse.com
Line Official Account: @chemihouse_th
