Inside NDT Ireland: Volume 2

Latest Industrial Inspection News 

As part of our continued commitment to delivering high-quality NDT solutions, we’re pleased to introduce our new range of consumables from SREM Technologies – the Fluxo range. 

SREM Technologies is a well-established manufacturer specialising in non-destructive testing consumables, with a strong reputation across Europe for producing reliable, high-performance products for magnetic particle inspection and penetrant. The Fluxo range is particularly recognised for its consistency, sensitivity, and compliance with industry standards, making it a trusted choice for critical inspection applications. 

To support the launch, we recently received our first stock into the Mason Technology office, where my colleague Stephen Smith and I had the opportunity to get hands-on with the new range. In addition, we kicked off the Year by distributing customer trial hampers, giving many of our customers the chance to evaluate the Fluxo products in their own working environments. 

The feedback so far has been extremely positive, and we look forward to supporting our customers with these new consumables as part of our expanding NDT offering. 

Spotlight: How Vanta XRF Technology Is Transforming Jewellery Authentication 

The rise of counterfeit jewellery continues to challenge buyers, sellers, and precious‑metal professionals alike. As markets expand—both physically and online—misrepresented gold pieces and falsely labelled alloys have become increasingly common. Traditional verification methods, long relied upon for quick assessments, are no longer enough to guarantee authenticity. With the price of gold rising well above the $5000 mark in recent months, the cost of misidentifying a counterfeit item is greater than ever. 

Why Traditional Methods Fall Short

Many jewellers still begin with visual inspection or density‑based evaluation. While a trained eye and a jeweller’s loupe can occasionally catch obvious red flags, counterfeit pieces are now produced with a level of sophistication that can defeat even experts. Density checks, once considered a reliable indicator, also fail when legitimate gold is alloyed with varying compositions—making weight a poor proxy for purity. Hallmarks can be forged, and nitric acid testing, though widely used, damages surfaces and remains imprecise. 

These limitations have driven the industry toward solutions that deliver clarity without compromise. 

Vanta XRF: A New Standard in Precious Metal Verification

X‑ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis has emerged as one of the most powerful tools for detecting authenticity in gold, silver, platinum‑group metals, and beyond. Unlike acid tests, XRF is fully nondestructive, preserving both the value and condition of the item being tested. It works by sending X‑rays into the metal and analysing the resulting fluorescent signal to determine the exact elemental breakdown. 

For jewellers, refiners, appraisers, and pawn professionals, this means instant, trustworthy results—even when dealing with heavily alloyed pieces, gold‑plated items, or metals designed to mimic the density or appearance of real gold.  

Broader Benefits for the Jewellery and Precious‑Metal Market

One of the standout advantages of XRF is its ability to detect gold plating – one of the most common forms of counterfeit Jewellery fraud. Visual and acid‑based tests routinely fail to reveal plating, particularly when a thin outer layer masks an inexpensive interior metal. The Vanta GX precious metals analyser can identify every metal present, eliminating guesswork and significantly reducing the risk of misrepresentation.

The technology also enhances consumer safety. Certain metals, such as nickel, can cause allergic reactions, while others may be hazardous when worn on the skin or used in piercing applications. An accurate material profile helps retailers maintain compliance and protect customers from unexpected health risks.

Worth Its Weight in Gold: Detecting Counterfeit Jewelry with XRF

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