Company Profile
Mr Peter Glörfeld founded the company in 1977 as a sole proprietorship and transformed the institute into a limited liability company in 1994, since when it has operated under the name Institut für Materialprüfung Glörfeld GmbH. From the very beginning, the independence and neutrality of the company was of crucial importance. At the turn of the year 2021/2022, Mr Glörfeld sold the company to viridiusLab AG, based in Vienna.
The corporate objectives will continue unchanged and the cooperation with the other laboratory companies of viridiusLab AG will result in new fields of work, also with regard to joint collaboration. The resulting synergies will be optimally utilised by merging into joint systems. With the support of viridiusLab, we are able to broaden our range of services and utilise future-oriented technologies.
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Our Main Areas of Responsibility are
Chemical analysis of ores, metals, concentrates, recycling materials of all kinds, in particular the determination of the precious metal content of gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru), rhenium (Re) and osmium (Os). This is accompanied by analyses for copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), bismuth (Bi) and cadmium (Cd). Other elements such as iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), molybdenum (Mo), lithium (Li), cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn) are increasingly in demand and can be analyzed using current methods.
We also analyse rare earth elements such as lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), samarium (Sm), neodymium (Nd), etc.
We have also been analysing pure metals for several years and determining the impurities there using ICP mass spectrometry.
For ultra-pure metals, coatings and metals that are difficult to analyse, we work together with our partner company Elmaspecs GmbH in Willich, which supports us with Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS) in the trace and ultra-trace range.
Most of our customers come from industry, the metal and raw materials trade, recycling companies, research institutes, universities and private customers. If you would like to have raw or partially prepared material analysed for its contents, we can use our preparation to produce one or more analysis samples and provide them to you for further use.
Samples Processed
We can process samples of up to several tonnes and produce homogeneous materials for precise analyses.
Years of Experience
Since 1977, we have relied on the highest precision and expertise in chemical analysis and material testing.
Industries Served
Our services support numerous industries, including the metal trade, recycling companies, research institutes and universities.
Independence
As an independent and neutral company, we guarantee objective results and transparent expert opinions.
Mission and Values
Our mission is to contribute to quality assurance in the industry through maximum precision, independence and scientific excellence. We stand for transparency, innovation and expertise in order to deliver reliable test results that support companies, research institutions and courts in making well-founded decisions. As experts in precious metal analyses and special materials, we set standards in the industry and are involved in national and international specialist committees.
Independence
We guarantee objective and neutral analyses as well as trustworthy expert opinions.
Precision
State-of-the-art technologies deliver precise results, even in the trace range.
Competence
Many years of experience and expert knowledge are at the centre of our work.
Innovation
We develop new processes and set standards in material testing.
Qualifications
Our authorised signatory Mr Dipl.-Lab.-Chem.Wolfgang van Leeuwenis a publicly appointed and sworn commercial chemist by the IHK Mittlerer Niederrhein. He is a personal member of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Metallhütten- und Bergleute (GDMB).
Under his supervision, we prepare arbitration analyses, in particular for the elements Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru and Cu. He also carries out expert analyses for industry, private individuals and courts. He is also available in an advisory capacity.
We are a member of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Metallhütten- und Bergleute (GDMB) and play a key role in the ‘Copper’, ‘Precious Metals’ and ‘Special Materials’ working groups of the Chemists’ Committee.
- the production of certified reference materials and
- the development of new analytical methods
- round robin tests
We have also been a member of the International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) and the London Bullion Market (LBMA) since 2024.
Within the LBMA, we also participate in round robin tests.
We successfully carry out further round robin tests nationally and internationally with companies from industry and refining.
Accordingly, all activities for industry, private individuals and courts are carried out on the basis of our many years of experience.
We will be happy to advise you. You are also welcome to contact us directly.
Our Team
Our success is based on a highly qualified and committed team of experienced specialists. Through regular further training and continuous dialogue with specialist associations, our experts are always at the cutting edge of technology. Our aim is to master complex testing tasks with confidence and offer our customers customised solutions at the highest level.
Which materials can be analysed?
We analyse a wide range of materials, including ores, metals, recycled materials, pure metals and rare earths. We can also analyse samples and coatings that are difficult to break down.
Which analysis methods do you use?
Our analyses are based on state-of-the-art methods such as glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and wet chemical methods.
How large can the samples be?
We process samples from a few grams up to several tonnes (1000+ kg) and produce representative analysis samples.
Who prepares expert reports?
Our expert opinions and court reports are prepared by our sworn commercial chemist Wolfgang van Leeuwen, who has been publicly appointed by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Can I send in samples from abroad?
Yes, we offer international services. Contact us for details on how to send your samples safely.