Sampling unit
This is the second phase of the process where the following functions are performed:
- Initial testing of precious metal articles by means of approved touchstone techniques or through the use of the X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometry.
- Taking samples from the articles brought to the office by using one of the following approved methods:
- Scraping
- Cutting
- Drilling
The number of samples to be tested are categorised by type, weight, size and by the number of articles submitted for testing. Samples should be a representative of the majority of articles from which they are taken, as this will give more comprehensive and accurate results. The samples taken are then referred to the Calibration & Analyses Unit.
- Sorting out the approved articles and referring them to the Hallmarking Unit and returning disapproved articles, after dismantling them, to their owners.
|