Products

Merlin 4 (oes)

Precision you can trust, performance you can rely on.

MERLIN 4 delivers speed, accuracy, and stability – perfect for reliable quality control in metal industries.

Accurate

Precise results you can trust

Robust

Designed for optimised performance in rugged environments

Fast

Integrates seamlessly into fast paced quality workflows

Get in Touch

Complete the form and one of our specialists will be in touch to discuss your requirements.

Accurate

Precise results you can trust

Robust

Designed for optimised performance in rugged environments

Fast

Integrates seamlessly into fast paced quality workflows

MERLIN 4 1

The MERLIN 4 is a mid-range CMOS equipped Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES) designed for routine metals analysis, alloy/grade identification and quality control. It is available as a dedicated single-base instrument or a versatile multi-base system, and is widely used within the metal production and recycling industries. The MERLIN 4 Visible and MERLIN 4 Ultra models deliver fast, reliable routine quality control with straightforward integration into established inspection workflows.

Analytical Capability and Typical Uses

  • Metal alloy analysis across iron, aluminium, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, titanium, cobalt and magnesium bases.
  • Bespoke calibration programmes for multiple alloy families, enabling accurate in-process testing and final quality inspection qualification.
  • Routine elemental analysis, grade identification, QA/QC workflow integration.
  • Suitable for metal production, recycling and processing environments prioritising speed, accuracy and stability.
Merlin 3

What Differentiates MERLIN 4

Sealed, self-purifying optical system

The MERLIN 4 optical system is designed to maintain the most stable pressure and temperature conditions, whilst preventing moisture build up which would affect analytical results

Advanced CMOS detectors

Higher resolution, faster readout and lower power consumption paired with bespoke alloy calibrations for accurate, repeatable analysis

Efficient argon consumption

Low consumption across analysis, standby and sleep modes reduces running costs

Extensive grade and quality library

Effective inspection is supported by a comprehensive database including international standard grades such as AISI, ISO, DIN and GB

Intuitive software interface

One-touch analysis, report customisation, grade matching and QC features offer streamlined operation with minimal training required

View the MERLIN 4 Catalogue

DESIGNED FOR REAL-WORLD INDUSTRIES

Perform identification checks on incoming materials and final melts.

Maintain quality and improve production efficiency.

Consistent material analysis for reliable performance.

Maximise value with fast, reliable sorting and verification.

Ensure compliance with strict material specifications.

Merlin 4
Merlin 5

Instrument Design and Hardware Features

Push-button operation

Place the sample, secure with the clamp, and simply press the button for analysis – simple operation to support rapid routine workflows.

Sealed, self-purifying optical system

Designed to maintain stable pressure and temperature conditions to ensure optimal performance in industrial environments, with moisture and oxygen filters to optimise spark conditions.

CMOS detector technology

The MERLIN 4 Visible and Ultra models use a Paschen-Runge optical system to achieve wide elemental coverage. 400mm focal length and 2400 grooves/mm diffraction grating optimise spectral resolution, with additional CMOS detectors in the MERLIN 4 Ultra enabling detection in the UV range.

Low argon consumption

Whilst analysis and flushing of the optical system consumes 5L/min of argon, the instrument intelligently switches to standby mode between burns and sleep mode when not in use to reduce consumption to 0.1L/min, supporting efficient operation and low running costs.

3-sided open spark stand with XY sample clamp

Designed for straightforward sample placement and continuous use, the spark plate combines a corrosion-resistant surface with heat dissipation to support stable, high-throughput analysis. The sample clamp provides easy, repeatable positioning and secure sample alignment across routine and sustained testing.

Sample adaptors for difficult samples

Sample adaptor kits enable the MERLIN 4 to analyse a wide range of sample shapes and sizes, ensuring optimal burn conditions for rods, wires, and small samples. Wires as small as 1mm can be analysed, with adaptors designed for quick and easy use to fit into fast paced workflows.

Software, Diagnostics and Operating Workflow

The ARUN analytical software is designed as a simple, intuitive interface which requires minimal training but offers a multitude of functions:

  • On-screen automated grade identification, with a fully customisable grade and quality library
  • Quality control functionality to assess results against known specifications
  • Data export into a range of formats including PDF, csv, txt, and PNG
  • Self-diagnostic interface identifies environmental and hardware issues to support faster intervention and reduced downtime
  • Type standardisation interface for optimising performance with the user’s own samples
  • Password protected user profiles for controlled access to advanced functions
MERLIN 4 Diagnostic Screen

Technical Specifications

Specification
MERLIN 4 Value

Optical system

Paschen-Runge

Number of optical systems

1 (sealed optic configuration)

Detector technology

CMOS

Number of detectors

MERLIN 4 Ultra – 12
MERLIN 4 Visible – 11

Wavelength range

MERLIN 4 Ultra – 175-521 nm
MERLIN 4 Visible – 205-521 nm

Optic focal length

400 mm

Optic diffraction grating

2400 grooves/mm

Spark stand aperture

12 mm

Working temperature

10°C to 35°C

Working humidity

20-80%

Argon purity requirement

99.998% minimum, 99.999% ideal

Argon consumption

5 L/min during analysis; 0.5 L/min standby; 0.1 L/min sleep

Power supply

Line input 90 or 260 volts, AC 50-60Hz

EMC

IEC61000-4-2; IEC61000-4-4; IEC61000-4-5

Dimensions

65 x 39 x 79 cm

Weight

67 kg

Get in touch

Complete the form and one of our specialists will be in touch to discuss your requirements.

MERLIN 4 Knowledge hub

For over 40 years, ARUN Technology has been designing, manufacturing and supporting world-class OES and LIBS metal analysers.

Arun Datasheets

MERLIN 4 – Aluminium Datasheet

Arun Articles

Choosing the Right Optical Emission Spectrometer: ARTUS 8 vs MERLIN 4

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