Michael Brauss is the president of Proto Manufacturing. He has over 25 years experience in the research, design, development and application development of x-ray diffraction (XRD) systems. With over thirty publications and multiple patents, his inventions and developments include: automated residual stress mapping; iXRD portable stress analysis system, (world’s smallest and fastest system); iXRD combo systems; and LXRD laboratory stress system and gantry robot systems. Mr. Brauss also pioneered practical field usage of XRD stress analysis, in-line production applications and fully automated applications. He also serves on the ASTM E28.13 residual stress subcommittee.