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Photos, estimated weight, location, material form and any markings or documents.
Material analysis & identification
Identify an unknown metal or alloy
Not sure which metal or alloy you have? M. Vangelen Recycling assesses unknown and specialist metal lots and, where suitable, uses handheld XRF to support identification. Send clear photos, estimated weight, origin and any markings for an initial assessment.
Maastricht region · Benelux & international
When to analyse
When is material analysis useful?
Not every lot needs to be measured immediately. For traceable material, a grade, certificate, part number or clear marking can already provide valuable information. Analysis becomes particularly useful when the alloy is unknown, different grades look similar or commercial sorting remains uncertain without additional verification.
Photos and available documentation are therefore a good first step. They often allow us to determine whether an XRF measurement is useful and what information is still missing.
- Unknown alloy without a certificate or clear marking
- Mixed lot containing several metals or grades
- Nickel-, cobalt- or copper-based alloys that look similar
- Specialist lot that should be separated more accurately before sale
XRF in practice
What handheld XRF can — and cannot — tell you.
For many metals, handheld XRF can quickly give an indicative view of relevant alloying elements present at the measurement surface. This makes it highly useful for initial identification, sorting and commercial assessment.
Results still need context. Paint, plating, coatings, oxidation or contamination can affect a surface measurement. Very light elements such as beryllium are not directly determined by common handheld XRF; carbon and boron also require another analytical technique. If a certified laboratory result or critical grade separation is required, additional analysis may be necessary.
- Fast, non-destructive indication of many alloying elements
- Interpret results together with origin, markings and material form
- Surface condition and coatings can affect measurements
- Not a substitute for a laboratory certificate when one is required
Process
From an unknown lot to a clear next step.
Initial assessment
We determine what can already be inferred from provenance and documentation and whether measurement is useful.
Identification where suitable
For suitable lots, handheld XRF can support first-stage sorting and alloy identification.
Commercial next step
Once identification is sufficient, we discuss value, any further analysis and delivery or logistics.
Where analysis helps
Common material-identification questions
Material analysis is especially useful when visual identification is insufficient. These pages provide more context for each material family.
Practical questions
Questions about metal identification and XRF
Can XRF identify every metal exactly?
No. Handheld XRF is highly useful for many metals and alloys, but not every element or grade can be established reliably by XRF alone. Provenance, certificates, surface condition and sometimes additional analysis remain important.
Can I send photos first?
Yes. Send overview photos, close-ups of markings, estimated weight, material form and provenance. We can often determine first whether further identification is needed.
Is on-site analysis possible?
For suitable lots, this can be discussed. Whether it is useful depends on the material, quantity, location and the question the analysis needs to answer.
Can sellers outside the Benelux contact you?
Yes. International enquiries are welcome. First send photos, weight, location and available material information; we can then discuss practical options for assessment, delivery or logistics.
Unknown lot?
Identify first, then assess commercially.
Send photos, weight, location, provenance and any available material information. We will advise the most logical next step and whether XRF or another form of analysis is required.