Positive Material Identification (PMI Test)
Positive Material Identification (often known as a PMI test) is one of the fastest and most efficient non destructive testing methods.
A PMI material test is a fast way of verifying the chemical composition of metals and alloys, positive material identification can be used to make sure that materials conform to correct standards and specifications. The most common method for PMI testing is handheld X-Ray Fluorescence, which is known for its portability and cost effectiveness, and allows a PMI material test to be carried out in the field or the production floor, as well as at SureCheck’s Cannock lab facility.
X-Ray Fluorescence
The X-Ray Fluorescence is one of the methods for conducting PMI testing that uses a small handheld gun. This gun works by exposing the sample to be identified to a beam of X-Rays. The atoms in this material absorb energy from these rays and become temporarily excited, which then emit secondary X rays. Because each chemical element emits X Rays at a unique energy, these are then picked up by the gun, allowing it to determine which chemical elements are present in the substance.
There are benefits to the X-Ray Fluorescence Testing used to carry out a PMI test. XRF guns are very easy to use, and does not require much in the way of preparation of the sample. However, there are limitations on the elements that can be measured via X-Ray Fluorescence.
Using our XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) handheld gun we can quickly and accurately identify a wide range of metallic alloys. Our class leading Niton XL2 Plus analyser delivers fast and accurate semi-quantitative results.
PMI testing can be offered at our client’s premises or at our PMI Test facility.


PMI Test Applications
A PMI material test can identify material grades of metallic materials including:
Stainless steels
Duplex Stainless Steels
Copper
Nickel alloys
Aluminium
Titanium
Exotic alloys
Precious metals