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
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.
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
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
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.
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