When jewellers or loan companies ask me about XRF machines, 9 out of 10 times the first doubt is:
“Sir, how accurate is this machine? And what’s the difference between one model and the next?”
It’s a fair question. Accuracy means trust. If your machine says 22K but in reality it’s 21.7K, the mistake directly hits your profit, your customer’s trust, and sometimes even your reputation in the market.
Let’s break it down in the simplest possible way.
Think of the detector inside the machine as its eye. The sharper the eye, the more detail it can see.
| Model | Detector Type | Fine Gold | K Gold >18K | K Gold <18K |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karat Prime | Gas Proportional Counter | ±0.1% | ±0.3% | ±0.5% |
| Aurum5 / Aurum6+ | Si-PIN Detector (USA) | ±0.02% | ±0.15% | ±0.2% |
| Aurum5 Pro i-Series & MC | Si-PIN Detector (USA) | ±0.01% | ±0.1% | ±0.15% |
| Aurum5 FSDD i-Series & MC | FSDD Detector (USA) | ±0.01% | ±0.1% | ±0.1% |
| Aurum5 FSDD Pro i-Series | FSDD Detector (USA) | ±0.01% | ±0.1% | ±0.1% |
👉 What this means in real life:
For retail counters, even ±0.2% accuracy is enough to avoid disputes.
For hallmarking or bullion, even a 0.05% mistake could mean lakhs lost — that’s where FSDD models come in.
| Model | Detector Type | Silver Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Karat Prime / Karat Pro | Gas Proportional Counter | Not Applicable |
| Aurum 5 / Aurum 6 / Aurum 6+ | Si-PIN Detector (USA) | 0.2~0.5% |
| Aurum 5 Pro i-Series & MC | Si-PIN Detector (USA) | 0.2~0.5% |
| Aurum 5 FSDD i-Series & MC | FSDD Detector (USA) | 0.1~0.3% |
| Aurum 5 FSDD Pro i-Series | FSDD Detector (USA) | 0.1~0.3% |
Important Note: XRF does silver too, but accuracy is slightly lower than with gold. For exact silver hallmarking, melting & chemical methods are still common. Silver accuracy is subject to its homogeneity, Period.
“It’s not only the machine. The way gold is made, prepared, and tested also affects results.”
Modern fakes often use heavy gold plating or alloys that look deceptively real. Lower-end machines may miss these if plating is thick. Higher-end detectors like FSDD can “see through” more, reducing your risk of buying trouble. Combination of precision hardware and Fundamental Parameter Algorithm (FP2.0) ensures detection of Hi-tech fakes.
Plain jewellery / melted samples → highest accuracy.
Old gold with solder, gemstones, or bimetal items → trickier, results may vary. Always test multiple spots or melt small scrap to be sure.
Flat, filed, or scraped surface = better reading.
Melted & homogenised samples (with torch or furnace) = most reliable.
Complex pieces like chains or bangles → test 3–4 different spots.
Don’t rely on just one spot.
Average multiple spots, or exclude readings that look odd.
Follow the method taught during installation — shortcuts = errors.
Dust-free environment (Air-conditioned, because India is a tropical weather country)
Stable power supply
Proper servicing
Just like a car, even the best Mercedes needs upkeep. A well-maintained XRF keeps its accuracy consistent for years.
| Type of Buyer | Recommended Models | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Jewellery Retailer | Karat Prime / Aurum 6 | Reliable, quick, perfect for retail transactions. |
| Cash-for-Gold / Loan Company | Aurum 6 / Aurum 6+ | Detects impurities, avoids loss in old gold. |
| Large Retail Chain / Testing Center | Aurum 5 Pro i-Series & MC | Handles volume, better precision, flexible reporting. |
| Hallmarking, Bullion, Exporters | Aurum 5 FSDD i-Series / Pro | Maximum accuracy, trusted for compliance & trade. |
💡 Tip: Don’t buy the highest model just because it exists. Buy the model that matches your business risk.
“Best accuracy for jewellery retailers vs hallmarking centers.”
“In simple terms: Karat Prime gives ±0.3% accuracy, Aurum 6 (Si-PIN) improves this to ±0.15%, while Aurum 5 FSDD reaches ±0.1% or better. For most retailers, Aurum 6 is enough. For hallmarking and bullion, only FSDD models deliver the precision required.”
No. For retail, a Si-PIN model like Aurum 6 is more than enough.
Because they’re designed for industries where even 0.05% error costs lakhs — like hallmarking or bullion.
It’s excellent, but remember: no single method is foolproof. That’s why many bullion players combine XRF with density and conductivity checks for total safety.
XRF does silver too, but accuracy is slightly lower than with gold. For exact silver hallmarking, melting & chemical methods are still common.
“Best accuracy for jewellery retailers vs hallmarking centers.”
“In simple terms: Karat Prime gives ±0.3% accuracy, Aurum 6 (Si-PIN) improves this to ±0.15%, while Aurum 5 FSDD reaches ±0.1% or better. For most retailers, Aurum 6 is enough. For hallmarking and bullion, only FSDD models deliver the precision required.”
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