Behind the Scenes: Developing Vanta™ Max and Core Handheld XRF
Recently we launched the latest generation of Vanta handheld XRF analyzers, the Vanta Max and the Vanta Core. These additions to the Vanta family incorporate advances in portable XRF to improve usability, connectivity, and productivity in the field and lab.
We sat down with Ted Shields, the Vanta series’ product manager, to go behind the scenes on developing the Vanta Max and Core XRF analyzers.
Q: What makes the Vanta Max and Core models so special?
Ted: Our goal was to make the Vanta analyzer better in as many ways as we could while keeping the electronic signal processing features that have made Vanta analyzer an industry leader in portable X-ray fluorescence. We had feedback from the field to make the handle more comfortable and the design less blocky. We listened and responded. We reengineered the placement of the battery. This enabled us to make a much more balanced instrument and have a smaller, more padded, and more comfortable handle. We also simplified the faceplate and the data port door for easier window changes and faster access to USB and SD card storage.
Q: What were the product design challenges you encountered?
Ted: We took this opportunity to redesign the look and feel of the user interface of the software as well. Much has changed since the original Vanta launch in 2016. The feature set has grown along with our understanding of what our customers want readily available. We needed to reorganize and adapt the user interface to make it easier to navigate. Since there’s one single code base for all the new models of Vanta series and all the varied calibrations and uses, the breadth of this part of the project was enormous. Through a lot of hard work and good organization, the team provided a user interface we are proud to have in our product launch.
Q: What were the engineering challenges you faced?
Ted: One of the biggest engineering challenges we faced is related to the calibration transfer. We assumed that none of the small design changes made to the front window would affect the analytical performance of the new Vanta analyzer compared to its predecessor.
While this is a major strength of the Vanta analyzer, the instrument is extremely sensitive. Moving the location of the Kapton window by less than a millimeter (with sample, tube, and detector positions unchanged) made the new Vanta analyzer slightly more sensitive on a few elements. That required a modification of the transferred calibration that was originally calculated on the data coming from the original Vanta analyzer.
Q: Are the Vanta Max and Core XRF analyzers rugged?
Ted: Yes, they have all the rugged features the Vanta series is known for. These XRF analyzers are IP rated, drop tested, and hot/cold tested. They have detector protection and the same industry-leading 3-year warranty as the predecessor models. These features are now combined with a range of ergonomic design improvements, including:
- Better balance reduces the strain from all-day use
- Smaller handle for a more comfortable grip
- Free-standing design for upright or side placement
- Padded grip to prevent slipping with damp hands
- Optimized door opening for one-handed access to the data port
- Redesigned trigger for easy testing
Q: What are the new productivity features?
Ted: The software interface has been improved so it is easier to use, offers enhanced readability, and maximizes the information on the display. The interface leads users through tasks for intuitive navigation. Its modern layout will appeal to smartphone users. With wireless connectivity enabled, users even have the flexibility to share the results on their smartphone, tablet, or PC using the new browser-based software option. Software updates are now automatic, so the analyzers always have the latest features.
Along with these new capabilities, the Vanta Max and Core analyzers feature our proprietary Axon Technology™ built into all Vanta series models for the same outstanding repeatability, resolution, and accuracy.
Q: What are common applications of the Vanta Core handheld XRF analyzer?
Ted: The Vanta Core analyzer offers analytical excellence and faster analysis, making it the standard choice for alloy identification and metals analysis. It also offers a flexible handheld solution for precious metals analysis (with quick conversion to a benchtop system with the Vanta Work Station).
There are a variety of applications for the Vanta Core handheld XRF analyzer. Some applications include:
- Alloy and metals ID: Handheld XRF is useful in many industries to identify alloys and metals, including scrap recycling, positive material identification (PMI), manufacturing, and inspection service providers.
- Academic: Colleges and universities typically purchase a handheld XRF to assist in their research and teaching for art, archaeometry, geology, chemistry, agriculture, and many other topics.
- RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances): Handheld XRF is a reliable screening tool for ROHS compliance, component verification, testing labs, hazardous materials, and batch control.
Q: What are the applications of the Vanta Max handheld XRF analyzer?
Ted: The Vanta Max analyzer offers the series’ highest analytical capabilities for robust analysis in the most demanding applications, such as mining exploration, soil testing, and environmental analysis.
- Geochemistry and mining: The mining industry can leverage the power of handheld XRF throughout the mining lifecycle, including in exploration, run of mine, testing labs, and drill core analysis.
- Environmental analysis: Handheld XRF is helpful for many facets of environmental analysis, including compliance, component verification and testing, and identifying hazardous materials in soil and other materials.
Q: What XRF accessories are available for the Vanta Max and Core analyzers?
Ted: The Vanta Max and Core analyzers are compatible with our wide range of XRF accessories, including our Vanta Work Station and the redesigned holster, soil foot, and field stand. Here’s how each accessory can benefit your work:
- Vanta Work Station: If you need a benchtop system, the Vanta Work Station provides a stable platform for enclosed testing and longer test times. It gives you the freedom to start a test in the Work Station and complete other tasks while the Vanta analyzer performs the analysis. You can be confident that the sample is stable and its position is reproducible, helping ensure high-quality data and efficient sample throughput.
- Vanta Soil Foot: Another great option for hands-free analysis. This XRF accessory provides a stable three-point support for the Vanta analyzer, making it convenient when you need to perform longer tests.
- Vanta Holster: Both parts practical and stylish, this accessory keeps your Vanta analyzer safely by your side as you move locations for testing. The holster has a strap with a fastener to secure the instrument, MOLLE/PALS webbing for additional attachment options, and brass shielding.
- Vanta Field Stand: Need to test small items, such as samples in cups or bags? This lightweight mobile test stand offers a shielded sample chamber. It is easy to pack and convenient to use when you are away from your office.
From left to right: the Vanta Soil Foot, Vanta Holster, Vanta Field Stand, and Vanta Work Station.
Marketing Specialist, Analytical Instruments
Michelle Wright has more than nine years of experience in marketing communications and works in the analytical instruments business at Evident to promote X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers. She works closely with product, engineering, and application groups to assist with launching new products, creating webinars, and writing application notes.