FEnX XRF analyzers are now essential tools for French real estate diagnosticians. Following the success of the first models, a new spectrometer, the FEnX-T, was launched last year for metal analyzers in France, Germany, and Italy. Discover the complete evolution of this range: FEnX, FEnX2, FEnX-T.
In this article, you will discover:
- The origins of FEnX and its development
- The complete range of FEnX portable XRF analyzers in 2025
- Future developments in this range
The origins of FEnX: France’s first portable XRF analyzer
In 2016, the relatively small world of portable spectrometry underwent a change with the arrival of a new device: the FEnX. Its main distinguishing feature? Its French origin, a rarity in this sector.
Why create the FEnX XRF analyzer?
The Fondis Electronic team previously distributed American portable spectrometers to French real estate diagnosticians. These essential devices detect the presence of lead in paint, thereby helping to prevent lead poisoning.
Since the 2000s, Fondis Electronic has provided all services related to these instruments (maintenance, source replacement). This unique expertise has enabled the company to develop the knowledge necessary to design and manufacture its own portable XRF analyzer with source.
The portable spectrometer industry was dominated by a handful of manufacturers located on another continent. Fondis Electronic designed the FEnX to control its production chain and favor, as much as possible, components that were geographically closer.
Understanding the technology: XRF stands for X-Ray Fluorescence. This non-destructive analysis method identifies the elements present in a sample.
First the source XRF analyzer, then the tube XRF analyzer
Fondis Electronic simultaneously distributed two types of XRF spectrometers:
- Source analyzers for real estate diagnosticians
- Tube analyzers for the metallurgical industry
The French company first developed a spectrometer for diagnosticians, then logically adapted this high-performance model for metal analyzers. This work brought together the French Fondis Electronic team and the German analyticon team from the Physitek Group. The development came to fruition in 2024 with the launch of the FEnX-T.
X-ray tube
The origin of the name FEnX
Once the algorithm had been finalized, the prototype manufactured, and the patents filed, it was time to find a catchy name. After some brainstorming by the teams, it was ultimately Eric Vanbalinghem, the company’s president, who came up with “FEnX.”
This name combines:
- FE stands for Fondis Electronic
- X stands for X-ray fluorescence technology
- The link with the small n
For the FEnX-T model, the added T refers to Tube technology, which distinguishes it from the source versions.
Eric, president of Physitek and one of the inventors of FEnX
The complete range of FEnX XRF analyzers in 2026
Today, three models are available:
- FEnX: the original model launched in 2016
- FEnX2: the improved version released in 2021
- FEnX-T: the latest model from 2024, dedicated to metal analysis
FEnX FEnX2 FEnX-T
Specific applications of the different FEnX models
FEnX and FEnX2: specialists in lead analysis in paint
The FEnX and FEnX2 models are specifically designed for property diagnosticians who need to check for the presence of lead in coatings.
The FEnX2 represents a significant evolution of the FEnX with:
- A more intuitive interface
- A modernized ergonomic design
- A robust aluminum head
- A battery pack replacing the 18650 batteries
The major innovation of the FEnX2 is its unique dust kit, integrated into the charging station, which allows the concentration of lead in a sampling wipe to be analyzed.
Tip: Handling an XRF analyzer is very personal. Some users find the FEnX more ergonomic than the FEnX2, and vice versa. To determine which model is best for you, nothing beats a hands-on test.
FEnX-T: The expert in metal analysis
The FEnX-T is specially developed for professionals in metal analysis, including:
- Metal recyclers at scrap yards
- Quality controllers in the metalworking industry
Its main purpose is to verify or accurately identify the composition of metal alloys.
The distinctive features of the FEnX-T are:
- Basic automatic recognition
- Customization of analysis steps
- Three modes of operation: joystick, touch screen, and buttons
The future of the FEnX range: prospects and developments
Since its launch in 2016, the FEnX family has grown with the arrival of the FEnX2 and FEnX-T. This expansion could continue in the coming months and years.
A deployment of FEnX-T
The FEnX-T analyzer currently offers many options and can analyze numerous elements from the periodic table, including light elements. A simplified model could offer essential options and analyze a more limited range of elements. Users would then be able to choose between two versions depending on their needs.
Upcoming technological innovations
Physitek engineers are continuously improving their products. Potential areas for development include:
- Eco-design: integrating sustainability principles into the design of future models
- Extension of applications: since XRF technology can be used in many fields, the FEnX-T could evolve towards new modes of analysis such as:
- Analysis of catalytic converters (to determine the palladium, platinum, and rhodium content)
- Coating analysis
- Other specific industrial applications
International Expansion
The FEnX family is already present in France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium. Which markets will be next? The story of this portable spectrometry success story is far from over…
To learn more about FEnX XRF analyzers or to test one of these devices, contact the experts at Physitek.
