I. What is an XRF Standard?

An XRF standard (Certified Reference Material – CRM) is a sample with precisely defined elemental composition, accompanied by a certificate specifying concentration, measurement uncertainty, and traceability. It serves as a benchmark or “yardstick” for calibrating XRF analyzers.

XRF Standard and Certificate (Illustration)

These standards are designed to represent the actual materials that users analyze with XRF spectrometers. Common examples include pure metals (Au, Ag, Cu), alloys (steel, aluminum, copper, nickel), pressed powders for cement, soil, or minerals, polymer pellets, and thin films for coating analysis. The key principle is that an XRF standard must have a matrix similar to the real material to ensure calibration reflects accurate results.

>> Read more: What is an XRF Analyzer? Applications in Modern Jewelry Stores

II. Why Are XRF Standards Important in Analysis?

In practice, XRF results can be affected by factors such as matrix effects, sample thickness, surface condition, or environmental changes. Without XRF reference materials to verify and adjust the instrument, errors accumulate, and results become unreliable.

For example, a jewelry shop relying solely on the “factory settings” of its machine without calibrating against an XRF standard risks misidentifying gold karat—leading to major financial loss and damaged reputation.

Moreover, XRF standards help businesses comply with international standards, pass audits, and achieve ISO certification. Most importantly, they boost customer trust by showing results that can be verified against certified references, ensuring transparency and credibility.

III. 6 Cases When XRF Analyzers Need Calibration

Calibration cannot be accurate without an XRF standard. When a standard is placed in the device and the result deviates significantly from the certified value, recalibration is required.

In jewelry, many shops check their XRF machines daily using gold standards. In industry, QC labs often verify instruments once per production shift. Research laboratories follow stricter schedules with detailed calibration logs.

Situations requiring XRF calibration include:

1. Installing a new device or after maintenance/replacing X-ray tube or detector.
2. Moving equipment or changes in environment (temperature/humidity).
3. Switching to different materials (e.g., from alloys to gold/gemstones).
4. Results deviating from control samples or QC test failure.
5. After extended operation (daily/weekly/monthly, depending on use).
6. Before or during critical measurement batches (e.g., certification, import checks).

>> Read more: Enhancing Your XRF Instrument Investment: The Value of Preventative Maintenance

IV. How to Calibrate an XRF Analyzer Effectively

To achieve effective calibration, XRF standards (reference materials) must be selected and used properly. Standards should have a matrix similar to the actual material; for example, jewelry shops should use Au–Ag–Cu multi-karat sets. Only standards with clear certificates, full traceability, and international recognition should be used. 

When performing calibration, best practices include cleaning the surface of the standard to avoid oxidation, placing the sample properly and repeating measurements to minimize error, building calibration curves in the software and verifying them with independent standards, as well as maintaining control charts, recording calibration logs, and storing standards in a clean, dry place. 

On the other hand, mistakes such as using worn or oxidized standards, calibrating when the device is not stable, mixing matrices or applying the wrong standard, and relying on a single calibration point for all materials SHOULD BE AVOIDED.

V. Practical Applications of XRF Standards

Practical Applications of XRF Standards

XRF standards are widely applied in practice. In the jewelry industry, Au–Ag–Cu sets help ensure accurate karat measurement, distinguish between real and fake gold, prevent under-karat purchases, and protect store reputation. In industry, alloy standards such as steel, aluminum, nickel, or copper are used to verify material grades and control both input and output quality. In mining and geology, soil and ore standards enable quick field analysis of Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe and provide reliable verification in the laboratory. In cement and construction, standards for CaO, SiO₂, and Al₂O₃ are used to maintain quality control across production lines. In RoHS and coating applications, film or foil standards support the measurement of hazardous substances such as Pb, Cd, Cr6+, Br, and also determine coating thickness. Without XRF standards, analytical results lose the foundation of accuracy and reliability.

VI. DC Technologies – Solutions for XRF Standards and Genuine XRF Analyzers

DC Technologies

With over 25 years of experience, DC Technology provides comprehensive solutions from genuine XRF analyzers to internationally certified XRF standards. We supply a wide variety of reference materials: Au–Ag–Cu sets for jewelry; Industrial alloy standards; Soil, cement, and polymer standards; RoHS and coating standards.

Beyond supplying equipment, DC offers consultation to select the right XRF standard, support in calibration curve setup, training, and scheduled maintenance. With our support, businesses can ensure stable, accurate, and transparent results that meet international standards and strengthen customer trust.

When purchasing XRF analyzers from DC, customers are guaranteed:

- 100% genuine products.
- Official warranty and long-term technical support.
- Free training and on-site installation.
- Local professional technical team in Vietnam.
- Flexible payment and installment plans.

SPECIAL PROMOTION: DC is offering a trade-in program exclusively for XRF machines. Customers can replace outdated or unstable devices with the latest genuine, more accurate, and durable models. Eligible models for trade-in at DC include:

1. SpectraX 20 – Gold Testing Analyzer.
2. SpectraX 25 – Metal Analysis XRF.
3. SpectraX 30 – RoHS Analyzer.
4. SpectraX 55 – Coating Thickness Analyzer.

This program helps reduce initial investment costs and provides double benefits: avoiding waste and protecting the environment, while ensuring you always own the most advanced XRF testing equipment and standards. DC also offers full support—from consultation and installation to warranty and scheduled maintenance—so you can operate with peace of mind.

If you want to upgrade your equipment for better efficiency and stronger credibility, DC Technology – your trusted provider of genuine XRF analyzers and certified XRF standards – is the right choice.

Contact DC Technologies today for tailored solutions and special offers!

Website: https://dctech.com.vn/

Hotline: 0901 958 318

Showroom: 87 Nghĩa Thục, An Đông Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Tech Center: 4th Floor, HUTECH Building, Hi-Tech Park, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh

Hanoi Office: 22B Ơ2 Linh Đàm Peninsula, Hoang Liet Ward, Hanoi