Optical emission spectrometry in Asia’s metal industry: why more manufacturers are making the switch

In metal manufacturing, precision, speed, and reliability in material analysis are no longer optional, they are essential. Whether you're producing castings, refining alloys, or ensuring compliance with international standards, the ability to accurately identify and quantify elemental composition is critical. That’s where optical emission spectrometry (OES) comes in.

Across Asia, we are finding that a growing number of manufacturers are upgrading their analytical capabilities with advanced OES analyzers; investing in instruments that deliver consistent performance, flexible applications, and long-term value.

Optical emission spectrometry in Asia’s metal industry


Why manufacturers are upgrading their OES analyzers

1. Precision and accuracy in diverse applications

Manufacturers across Asia are choosing OES systems that offer high precision across a wide range of materials. For example:

  • One of the leading foundries specializing in producing castings, machinery and steel billets in Indonesia selected an OES system for its ability to deliver accurate results in both ferrous and non-ferrous materials, supporting critical performance to maximize yield.
  • A testing research organization that conduces fundamental, applied and development research in Japan emphasized the importance of precision in their selection, particularly for applications involving aluminum and iron.

These decisions reflect a broader industry demand for instruments that can handle complex material matrices without compromising on accuracy.

2. Flexibility and ease of use

Ease of integration into existing workflows is another major factor. Companies highlighted the flexibility of their chosen OES systems, especially for small-volume measurements and incoming material inspections.

This flexibility is particularly important for manufacturers dealing with a variety of alloys and needing to switch between applications quickly.

3. Portability for on-site testing

In sectors like oil and gas, where on-site verification is crucial, mobile and portable spectrometers are proving invaluable. Companies have adopted mobile OES instruments like the PMI-MASTER Smart to perform reliable positive material identification (PMI) in the field, ensuring material integrity without disrupting operations. OES excels at providing full chemistry of critical alloy elements at low detection limits that handheld XRF and LIBS analyzers can’t: carbon, phosphorus, sulfur, boron, arsenic and tin in low alloy and stainless steels, and nitrogen in duplex steels.

4. Long-term stability and cost efficiency

Several manufacturers cited long-term stability and low maintenance as key reasons for their investment. For instance:

  • An established pioneer in prefabricated steel reinforcement in construction industry in Singapore chose the OE750 for its consistent performance in low alloy steel applications, particularly under nitrogen conditions.
  • A supplier of high-quality wire rope for lifting, conveyor belt and automobile industry in Thailand valued the system’s ability to maintain accuracy over time, reducing the need for frequent recalibration or servicing.

These factors contribute to a lower total cost of ownership, making the investment more attractive over the long term.

5. Technical support and expertise

In-depth technical discussions and responsive support teams play a significant role in many purchasing decisions. Many companies appreciate the ability to engage with our knowledgeable experts who can explain the technology and tailor solutions to their specific needs. Our labs are equipped with streaming technology to connect you from wherever you are in the world to have one-on-one demos with our product experts.  

This level of support helps manufacturers feel confident in their investment and ensures a smoother implementation process.

Structuring your investment: what to look for

When evaluating an OES system, metal manufacturers should consider:

  • Elemental range and detection limits: Can it analyze the elements you need with the required sensitivity?
  • Sample throughput: How quickly can it deliver results?
  • Portability: Do you need a benchtop or mobile unit?
  • Software and data integration: Is it compatible with your quality management systems?
  • Support and training: Will you have access to local expertise and service?

By aligning your selection criteria with your operational needs, you can ensure a strong return on investment.

A smarter way to analyze metals

The shift toward advanced OES analyzers across Asia reflects a broader trend in the metal manufacturing industry: a demand for smarter, more reliable, and more versatile analytical tools. Whether you're a large-scale foundry or a specialized component manufacturer, investing in the right OES instrument for metal analysis can enhance your quality control, reduce costs, and improve customer confidence.

If you're considering upgrading your spectrometry capabilities, now is the time to explore your options. With the right system in place, you’ll be better equipped to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.




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Date: 15 October 2025

Author: Hitachi High-Tech

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