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How To: Add a Coating Model on Your Vanta Analyzer

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Did you know that you can use a Vanta XRF analyzer to accurately measure the thickness of a coating? If this is something you do regularly, setting up a coating model can help save you time. Creating the model is easy.

Select the right hand drop-down ‘gear’ symbol and select the ‘coating settings’ icon. When you do, you’ll see that silver (Ag) on copper (Cu) is the default. Select the ‘+’ icon to add a new model.

In the coating layer menu, write the name of the new model in the ‘name’ box. In this case, we’re calling it AgonCu5um. Below, there’s a drop-down menu that contains a list of elements from the alloy method beam 1 element suite. Select the appropriate element. In this case, we’re selecting silver on copper.

If your sample has multiple layers, select the ‘+’ icon to add another layer (you can create up to 3 layers). To remove a layer, simply double touch the trash icon.

It’s important note that when you’re using multiple layers, the analyzer counts the layer nearest the analyzer as the highest number layer.

Vanta measuring coating layers

Now we’re ready to conduct an optional one point calibration to help tune the analyzer to your sample. Press the ‘pencil’ icon. The default factor is set to 1, and the units are set to microns. Enter the target thickness for the standard of interest, and then select the ‘target’ icon to calibrate the instrument. The default time for the calibration is 10 seconds. Selecting a longer time will give you better precision. Select the ‘play’ icon to take the test.

Taking the test will recalculate the factor that has been set for the instrument and output the calculated thickness.

Without moving the sample, navigate to the live test screen and take a 10-second test. Notice that the coating name you selected appears at the top of the screen. The reported thickness will also show.

And that’s all there is to it!

Related Content

Through Thick and Thin: Using XRF to Measure Coating Thickness

Vanta Coating Mode Infographic

How to Add a Coating Template to Your Vanta Analyzer

Vanta Coating Mode Brochure


Get In Touch
Applications Scientist

Karen is an applications scientist based in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. She has been working with Olympus since 2014 and supports the Olympus X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction product lines to assist with the development of new products. She is dedicated to sustaining and improving XRF and XRD instruments and enjoys working with clients, research & development, and service. 


Karen has a Chemical Engineering degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts. 







febrero 23, 2018
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