In response to manufacturers’ needs, Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) has added two new pieces of equipment to the trove of technology available for industry use at its expanding South Charleston location.
One is the Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 Plus, a compact yet powerful handheld material analyzer that uses X-ray fluorescence to identify the precise composition of metals and alloys in just seconds. This non-destructive device doesn’t just detect base metals such as aluminum, iron, steel and titanium— but also alloying elements such as chromium, manganese and nickel; heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury and bismuth; and even precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium.
“This analyzer eliminates the guesswork,” said Eddie Webb, MAMC’s Director of Manufacturing Services. “We work with clients who need to repair parts but don’t always know exactly what materials the originals were made from. We can make certain assumptions based on the appearance and weight of the originals, but educated guesses can be dangerous, especially in sectors such as automative and aerospace.”
The Niton XL2 Plus technology also is ideal for quality assurance and control. Manufacturers can use it to certify that incoming raw materials match specifications, or to verify metal composition before parts go into production. The analyzer is fully portable, so MAMC staff can perform on-site analysis at a client’s facility or at the South Charleston center.
The second new addition to MAMC’s South Charleston location is the Haas HL-50E, a high-speed, industrial-grade laser marking system. Using a fiber laser and infrared technology, the HL-50E delivers ultra-precise, permanent marks on a wide range of materials—including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, copper and tool steel, as well as non-metals such as hard plastics, marble and granite.
With its versatility and accuracy, the HL-50E can engrave everything from detailed serial numbers and barcodes to complex logos and even photo-like images. Its applications range from practical to decorative, making it useful for both industrial and branding purposes.
Manufacturers already are putting MAMC’s laser marker to work. For instance, South Charleston-based Walhonde Tools, which manufactures tools for the energy, construction and aerospace sectors, is using the Haas laser marker to add patent numbers and barcodes with the company website to its proprietary products. In addition, MAMC has produced test etchings for Toyota Manufacturing Innovation and Transformation’s Regional Fabrication Shop in Dunbar, which plans to use the HL-50E to laser-etch barcodes onto tooling for multiple Toyota plants in the United States, streamlining part tracking and reordering.
“Access to advanced technologies like these ensures our West Virginia manufacturers stay competitive,” said MAMC Director Derek Scarbro. “We’re continuing to invest in tools and capabilities that our industry partners tell us they need—often tech that’s not available anywhere else in the region.”
The addition of this equipment is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The investment is expected to help create or retain more than 100 manufacturing jobs and generate more than $31 million in private investment.
Further updates on new technology will be shared in next month’s newsletter.
June 23, 2025
