Established in 1945, Wiedemann-Technik has evolved from a small craft business into a leading manufacturer of industrial stainless-steel components. Operating from a 9,500-square-meter facility in Husum, Germany, the company employs 230 people who specialise in producing a variety of stainless-steel products, including floor inlets, drainage systems, doors, windows, machine frames, and external drainage parts. Wiedemann’s products, known for their high standards of hygiene and corrosion resistance, are widely used in the global food industry, plant construction, and building services engineering.

A key focus for Wiedemann is ensuring the reliability and quality of their products. The company conducts rigorous daily testing on Cr/Ni steels, including crucial identification and sorting of 304/316 stainless steel alloys. Molybdenum content, which significantly affects product properties, is promptly and accurately assessed.

Lars Meyer, Wiedemann’s Head of Technology, sought an efficient, high-throughput analyser for quality control that was compact, handheld, and non-destructive. The company selected Hitachi’s Vulcan handheld LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) analyser, which allows for 100% inspection in just one second.

LIBS is a non-destructive analysis technique that uses a high-energy laser pulse to vaporize a tiny portion of the sample’s surface, creating a plasma. As the plasma cools, it emits element-specific light, which is collected and analysed to determine the composition of the sample. LIBS devices are fast, easy to use, and highly portable, making them ideal for on-site measurements.

The Vulcan has been in use at Wiedemann for over a year, proving to be an invaluable tool in quality control. Its ergonomic design and user-friendly interface enable employees to perform measurements efficiently across various stages, including incoming goods, outgoing goods, and on-site at customer locations. The speed and simplicity of the LIBS device have significantly enhanced Wiedemann’s quality control processes, ensuring their products continue to meet the highest standards.

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