What is the typical turnaround time from submitting a sample to receiving an OES test report?

Standard Service Timeline

Our standard turnaround time for Optical Emission Spectroscopy analysis is 3-5 business days from receipt of the sample to issuance of the report. This timeframe encompasses sample registration, verification of suitability, surface preparation when necessary, instrumental analysis, data validation, and comprehensive reporting. For samples requiring minimal preparation, such as properly machined coupons from Aluminum Alloys or Stainless Steel components with pre-prepared surfaces, results can often be delivered within 2-3 business days.

Factors Influencing Turnaround Time

Sample Preparation Requirements

The condition of submitted samples significantly impacts processing time. Samples arriving with properly prepared surfaces (milled, ground, and cleaned) can proceed directly to analysis. Those requiring preparation in our laboratory may add 1-2 business days to the timeline. Complex geometries from processes like Binder Jetting or components with specialized Surface Treatment often require additional preparation to create suitable analysis surfaces. Materials that are difficult to prepare, such as certain Superalloy compositions, may extend the preparation phase.

Analysis Complexity and Validation

Standard OES analysis for common alloy verification is typically completed within one business day. However, complex analyses, such as those requiring method development for novel materials, results verification using complementary techniques, or extensive data interpretation for failure investigation, may extend the timeline. For critical applications in the Aerospace and Aviation, or Medical and Healthcare sectors, where result accuracy is paramount, we allocate additional time for rigorous data validation.

Expedited Service Options

Priority OES Analysis

We offer expedited OES service with 24-48 hour turnaround for urgent projects, subject to laboratory capacity and applicable expedited service charges. This option is particularly valuable for Rapid Prototyping validation or manufacturing quality control where production decisions depend on timely material verification. Priority scheduling ensures that critical samples from industries such as Automotive or Consumer Electronics receive immediate attention while maintaining our strict quality protocols.

Batch Processing Efficiency

For projects involving multiple samples of similar material types, we offer batch processing with reduced turnaround times per sample. This approach is particularly efficient for qualifying material batches for Powder Bed Fusion production or verifying the composition of Titanium Alloy across multiple build plates. The standardized analysis parameters for similar materials enable optimized instrument time and streamlined reporting.