Since TAZ GmbH was founded in 1995, we have provided our customers with comprehensive support when operating their spark and glow discharge spectrometers with regard to the use of certified reference samples. While initially reference samples were primarily of interest for production control, attention is now increasingly being paid to ensuring that these are also valid in the context of an audit. Ideally, these are certified, traceable reference samples.
As part of the accreditation of our TAZ Servicetechnik GmbH & Co KG, as an accredited calibration laboratory for spark spectrometry according to DIN EN ISO 17025, a pure iron sample for the standard-compliant determination of the background would have been very helpful. Unfortunately, we did not have a homogeneous pure iron sample with minimal impurities.
So, in cooperation with the company SUS Nell, we started a whole series of preliminary tests to produce a batch of purest iron with as few impurities as possible. After about a year, this material is now available to us. As part of the accreditation of TAZ GmbH, as a manufacturer of reference samples according to DIN EN ISO 17034, we will now certify our pure iron sample, taking into account the traceability to SI units.
The homogeneity investigation is carried out using high-resolution GDMS analyzes of defined sections. A specially developed software from a large cooperation partner may be used for the evaluation with regard to homogeneity.
In order to ensure the widest possible range of applications, different analysis methods are used in the subsequent round robin test. Above all, ICP/MS, GDMS and hot extraction with carrier gas or optionally downstream mass spectrometry are planned here. If the very low concentrations allow it, ICP/OES or AAS may also be used for certification.
The interlaboratory comparison is evaluated and the certificate is issued taking into account the DIN EN ISO 17034 and ISO Guide 30 – 33, 35 standards. Specially developed software is used to identify any outliers using extensive statistical test methods. The certificate of our CRM TAZ 1768 is created with information from the participating laboratories and their validated analysis methods with measurement uncertainty information and with all other standard-compliant data.
With the help of such a sample as a certified reference material with information on traceability to SI units, one can
- determine the repeatability and measurement uncertainty in the absolute trace range with high-resolution spectrometers and / or
- determine the detection limit of each element by measuring 3 times the standard deviation with benchtop devices or with mobile spectrometers.
We hope to be able to offer you a pure iron sample with proof of traceability in the accredited area next year with our new TAZ 1768 and to be able to continue to look after you to your complete satisfaction.
Here you will find the certificates of our already available certified reference samples:
1.7131 – 16MnCr5
1.3503 – 100Cr6
1.0503 – C45
1.4301 – X5CrNi18-10
1.4571 – X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2
1.4404 – X2CrNiMo17-12-2
If you are interested, we are at your disposal at any time.
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