Applied Rigaku Technologies, a division of Rigaku Corporation, has introduced its new NEX QC II Series benchtop X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers for industrial quality control at Pittcon 2026, held from March 7–11 in San Antonio. The launch marks the company’s latest advancement in compact elemental analysis systems designed for manufacturing and laboratory environments.
The NEX QC II Series represents the second generation of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analyzers developed on the established NEX QC platform. The systems are engineered to deliver rapid and reliable elemental analysis while requiring minimal operator training. According to the company, the analyzers are intended for use across plant floors, manufacturing lines, quality control laboratories, and field environments where fast analytical results are essential for production workflows.
The new series introduces several design and performance enhancements aimed at industrial users. The analyzers support non-destructive elemental analysis across a wide range of elements, from sodium (Na) to uranium (U). The instruments incorporate graphene window silicon drift detector technology to improve sensitivity, with the higher-end NEX QC II+ model offering an upgraded detector configuration that enhances resolution and performance for light-element analysis.
To support continuous operation in industrial environments, the NEX QC II Series includes reinforced detector window protection and a compact, fanless enclosure designed to withstand demanding production conditions. The instruments also feature a redesigned touchscreen user interface intended to simplify training and enable faster operation by plant and laboratory personnel.
The systems have been developed with a smaller footprint and include an integrated printer, eliminating the need for an external computer. Flexible data management options are also supported, including USB export, network connectivity, and on-device reporting. These capabilities are designed to support compliance requirements, audits, and routine documentation in industrial quality assurance processes.
“This second-generation NEX QC II Series was developed for real-world industrial environments,” said Robert Bartek, President of Applied Rigaku Technologies. “We’ve delivered higher analytical performance in a smaller footprint while maintaining the rugged industrial design and straightforward operation our customers depend on for consistent, day-to-day production use.”
The product line consists of two models: the NEX QC II and the higher-performance NEX QC II+. While both systems share the same compact design and operational simplicity, the NEX QC II+ offers enhanced detector capabilities suited for more demanding analytical applications.
The analyzers are designed for low maintenance and extended service life. They use low-power X-ray tubes and require minimal consumables, helping reduce operational costs and system downtime. The instruments can analyze a wide range of sample types, including solids, liquids, powders, and thin films.
According to Rigaku, the NEX QC II Series supports multiple industrial applications, including petroleum and fuel analysis, coatings and surface treatments, wood preservatives, and recycling materials such as refuse-derived fuel and used oils.
