Thermo Fisher

ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer

Precision OpticsProduced 1982–Thermo Fisher ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer family

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The Thermo Fisher ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer is a multi-channel optical emission spectrometer. The Thermo Fisher ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer was first launched in 1982. The Thermo Fisher ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer uses a one-meter Paschen-Runge vacuum polychromator.^[1]

ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer — Inventory photo — Fig. 01ARL 3460 Metals AnalyzerInventory photo^[2]

Produced

1982–

Power

Max 3.5 kVA^[1]

Vacuum

Edwards vacuum (2022)^[2]

Optics

130 to 780 nm^[1]

What it is

The Thermo Fisher ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer is a spark optical emission spectrometer for metals analysis.^[2]^[1]

How it works

The ARL 3460 uses a Paschen-Runge vacuum polychromator with up to sixty channels, a one meter focal length, and photomultiplier tube detection.^[1]^[3]

The ARL 3460 uses a cast iron optical body with temperature control and an argon-flushed, water-cooled sample stand with closed-loop cooling.^[1]^[3]

Where it fits in the process flow

The ARL 3460 is used for primary metal production, foundries, forges, mini-mills, casting operations, incoming material control, and metals quality control and research laboratories.^[1]^[3]

The ARL 3460 is configured and calibrated before delivery so that it can be used as a turn-key instrument for sample analysis on the installation day.^[1]^[3]

Applications

The ARL 3460 is used for fast metals analysis in production and laboratory settings.^[1]^[3]

The ARL 3460 is used for nitrogen analysis in steels and oxygen analysis in steel and copper alloys.^[1]^[3]

What do the numbers mean?

Power & electrical1

Electrical power: Max 3.5 kVA^[1]

Vacuum & pumping3

Edwards vacuum (2022)^[2]
Spectrometer design: Paschen-Runge vacuum polychromator made of special cast iron and temperature controlled to ±0.1° at 38°C^[1]
Vacuum system: Edwards vacuum (2022)^[2]

Optics & imaging3

Instrument type: Multi-channel optical emission spectrometer^[1]
Detector type: Photomultiplier tube 28 mm, 10-stage side window tubes, fused quartz, glass or MgF2 windows^[1]
Line selection range: 130 to 780 nm^[1]

Control & software2

Software: Windows 10^[2]
Spectrometer control: ARL MMB 386 microprocessor utilizing CMOS technology with Status Measuring Card^[1]

Dimensions & facilities3

Primary slit width: 20 μm^[1]
Overall dimensions: 166.5 x 91 x 119 cm or 65 x 47 x 36 inches, including excitation stand^[1]
Weight: 450 kg or 992 lb approximately^[1]

Configuration & options8

Focal length: 1 m^[1]
Maximum channels: 60^[1]
Secondary slit widths: 20, 25, 37.5, 50, 75, 100, 150 μm^[1]
Grating types: 1080, 1667 or 2160 gr/mm^[1]
Sample stand: Argon flushed, water-cooled table with self-contained, closed loop cooling system^[1]
Programmable attenuators: Up to 24, available as an option^[1]
Dynamic range: 106:1^[1]
Argon consumption: 3.5 l/min during analysis, 0.35 l/min stand-by^[1]

Vintage & configurations

1982Production start^[1]
The first model of the Thermo Scientific ARL 3460 was launched in 1982.

Documented models & variants

Designation	Generation	Vintage	Changes	Source
ARL 3460 Advantage	—	—	Designed for foundries and metal processing industries dealing with cast iron, steel, aluminum, copper, nickel or cobalt products; factory calibrated for most accurate and uncompromising analytical performance.	spekom.pl^[3]

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ConfigurationEdwards vacuum (2022)^[2]
Spectrometer designPaschen-Runge vacuum polychromator made of special cast iron and temperature controlled to ±0.1° at 38°C^[1]
Electrical powerMax 3.5 kVA^[1]
Vacuum systemEdwards vacuum (2022)^[2]

Where are the manuals?

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Not publicly documented

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Frequently asked questions

What type of analyzer is the ARL 3460?

The ARL 3460 is a spark optical emission spectrometer for metals analysis.^[2]^[1]

What metallurgical environments is the ARL 3460 used in?

The ARL 3460 is used in primary metal producing plants, foundries, forges, mini-mills, casting operations, incoming material control, and metals QC and R and D laboratories.^[1]^[3]

What optical architecture does the ARL 3460 use?

The ARL 3460 uses a Paschen-Runge vacuum polychromator with a one meter focal length and up to sixty channels.^[1]^[3]

Not publicly documented

The following facts about the ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

The control-system platform and OS era of the ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer are on record.
Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician
The process node or technology generation of the ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer
No publicly hosted manuals, SOPs, or datasheets for the ARL 3460 Metals Analyzer are on record.
Answerable by: university cleanroom staff or an OEM application specialist