XRF Scientific: A Reference Material Manufacturer

As defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), reference materials are “sufficiently homogeneous and stable with respect to one or more specified properties, which has been established to be fit for its intended use in a measurement process”.

Here we will outline the role of reference material manufacturers, what we produce, while outlining the difference between reference materials and certified reference materials.

What is a Reference Material Manufacturer?

A reference material manufacturer develops reference materials according to standards set out by the ISO.

The ISO published a guide on what standards reference material producers (RMPs) must adhere to if they are producing reference materials (non-certified), as well as additional standards for producers to follow for their materials to be considered certified.

A reference material manufacturer will also be measured against the following factors:

• Management system functionality
• Technical ability of staff
• Reference materials are stable and uniform
• Distribution process

If a manufacturer is producing certified reference materials, they will have to follow an additional set of standards to ensure the highest quality of materials and maintain trust and credibility.

As an RM manufacturer, XRF Scientific holds an ISO 9001:2015 certificate, ensuring we provide high-quality products and services to our customers. We aim to keep our customers and staff satisfied and continuously strive to improve our processes.

What’s the Difference Between Reference Materials and Certified Reference Materials?

The difference between reference materials and certified reference materials (CRMs) is that CRMs have been accredited against the highest level of standards available. CRMs are put through a process that determines the accuracy of their property values.

Although reference materials are not certified, they are the next best option after CRMs and are frequently used in spectroscopic applications because they provide vital spectral data.

Whether you need to be using reference materials or certified reference materials will depend on the application you will be using them in. In some applications, the standards required will be far higher, and CRMs would be necessary. Reference materials are a more cost-effective option and are more widely available.

XRF Scientific Reference Materials

XRF Scientific provides equipment and materials for industrial and laboratory use worldwide. The reference materials we provide include:

• Fused calibration beads: These can be customised for your needs and are either single or multi-element standards of fused borate beads.
• Certified reference materials: These materials are used for quality control in laboratories and exploration companies.
• Synthetic iron ore reference materials: These materials enable analysts to calculate iron ore sample composition. They are also used for calibrating XRF spectrometers.

For more information on our reference materials, please reach out to a member of our team via our contact form.