Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) Added to Test Equipment

A requirement of an ISO 9001 & Quality Management System is the operation of a continual improvement policy (Clause 8.5.1). The addition of a SEM to our list of test equipment allows a significant improvement in the ability to determine the causes of non conformities. A typical recent example has been the identification of 'temper embrittlement (mixed ductile and brittle intergranular fracture on the fracture surface) in samples that failed to complete a 24hr load test. In addition it allows the identification of the proportions of bainite and martensite in as-quenched samples.

The equipment has the capability of high magnifications and allows images in the range x30 to x50,000 to be achieved. In addition the equipment has I-Scan digital software allowing digital imaging and image storage thus enabling transfer to a wide range of Windows applications.

A Polaron coating unit is available enabling coating of non conducting specimens by precious metal and carbon thereby allowing the equipment to be used on a wide range of applications.