Elemental analysis for today’s cost pressures

Mass spectrometry & spectroscopy

Elemental analysis for today’s cost pressures

04 Mar, 2026

Labs and manufacturing facilities everywhere are being asked to do more with less. Teams must increase throughput, maintain quality, and control costs at the same time. For elemental analysis, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) is an attractive option. It requires minimal sample preparation, uses low-cost consumables, delivers fast multi-element results, and is a simple technique with a long service life.

Rigaku’s NEX Series benchtop EDXRF portfolio is built for these pressures. From routine quality control checks on the plant floor to trace-level analysis of complex matrices in the lab, users can match instrument capability to application needs. Many customers also use NEX systems as a backup to WDXRF or alongside ICP, so that only the most demanding work goes to ICP, reducing overall cost per sample.

Here is a quick comparison of Rigaku’s benchtop EDXRF models: 

NEX QC II Series – Routine Measurements

For everyday quality control, incoming material verification, and at-line checks, the NEX QC II Series provides a practical entry point to EDXRF. These compact benchtop systems combine solid analytical performance with affordability and a low total cost of ownership.

  • Designed for routine measurements and daily quality checks
  • Standalone operation with embedded computer and built-in printer
  • Lightweight design that can be moved to remote locations or the field
  • Intuitive touchscreen interface for easy analysis and shortens training time
  • Small footprint, approximately 28.7 (W) x 46.5 (D) x 26.2 (H) cm for crowded labs or production lines

NEX DE Series – More Flexibility and Throughput

For QA labs and production environments where turnaround time and repeatability are critical, the NEX DE Series provides a mid-tier option with higher performance.

  • High-performance results when analysis time or sample throughput is critical
  • Designed for analytical QA/QC, forensics, pharmaceuticals, and screening of small parts or components
  • Strong performance for both bulk measurements and small spot analysis
  • Advanced software, including RPF SQX Fundamental Parameters with Rigaku Scattering FP and SureDI options that support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance
  • NEX DE VS model offered for small spot measurements
  • Compact footprint, approximately 35.6 (W) x 35.1 (D) x 26 (H) cm

NEX CG II Series – Research, Commercial Testing, and Advanced QA/QC 

At the top of the Rigaku EDXRF benchtop line, the NEX CG II Series is designed for research and commercial testing labs, as well as advanced QA and QC environments.

  • Excels with trace elements and variable base matrices
  • Well-suited for soils, plant materials, environmental and waste monitoring, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, trace heavy metals, and rare earth elements
  • 3D Cartesian Geometry optical kernel for very low limits of detection
  • Advanced RPF SQX FP with Rigaku Scattering FP and SureDI support for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance
  • Available as NEX CG II or higher-performance NEX CG II+ model
  • Larger yet still benchtop-friendly footprint, approximately 46.3 (W) x 49.2 (D) x 38.2 (H) cm

Rigaku offers one of the broadest EDXRF benchtop portfolios. Users can choose the right instrument for their applications and budget, and keep delivering reliable, high-quality data even when resources are limited. 

Contact the team or visit the website for more information.

ILM Guide 2026/27

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