PMI (Positive Material Identification) testing is a type of non-destructive testing used to determine the chemical composition of materials, primarily metals. It’s particularly useful for confirming that the materials used in manufacturing or construction meet the required specifications, or for identifying unknown materials to avoid using the wrong metal for critical applications.

There are different methods for performing PMI testing:

1. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF): This is one of the most common methods. It involves shining X-rays onto a material, which causes the elements within the material to emit fluorescent X-rays. The emitted X-rays are analyzed to determine the composition of the material.

2. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS): This technique involves using a laser to create a plasma on the surface of the material, and the emitted light from the plasma is analyzed to identify the material’s composition.

PMI is widely used in industries like aerospace, petrochemical, power generation, and manufacturing, where ensuring the right material is used is crucial for safety and performance. It’s especially valuable for verifying alloy grades, detecting contamination, and confirming whether materials comply with industry standards.