Holiday notice: Our offices will be closed from midday on December 24th to January 2nd
We have a variety of microscopes to meet the needs of isolated microscopy job or as part of a wider investigation. These include a metallurgical microscope for examination of prepared surfaces, a digital stereo microscope for surface examinations and a large-chamber SEM for examinations where high amounts of detail and magnification are required.
Microscopic examination is commonly used in failure investigations and during assessment of materials. It allows for the determination and assessment of the microstructure of materials and any coatings or defects present using a metallurgical microscope. Use of a transmission microscope can be used to assess fibre thickness and support debris examination. Through examination of materials at high magnifications, we can provide a comprehensive insight into their properties, ensuring you know that they meet the required standards. This could be as a targeted assessment or as part of a wider investigation. Our optical microscopes include an Olympus BHM and a Leica M205C. Software linked to the microscope camera systems helps us to conduct point counts, measurements and surface area calculations.
Macroscopic examination is conducted using a Leica M205C XL stage digital stereo microscope enabling large samples to be examined before sectioning or as part of a non-destructive examination. Macroscopic examination is used for routine examinations such as weld macros as well being the starting point for most materials failure investigations. Our stereo microscope is capable of both high and low magnifications and has additional tools such as polarisers and coaxial lighting. Within the software; 3D scanning, measurements, point counts and surface area calculations are all possible.
SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) examination is conducted using a CAMSCAN MX2500 routinely capable of gathering images at 30,000 times magnification. Rastering electrons scan the surface of the sample and signals given off by the atoms on the sample surfaces are detected and an image generated. This results in a greyscale image with a high degree of clarity and none of the downsides of optical microscopy such as shadows, glare and the resolution limit. The SEM is routinely used for examination of fracture initiation areas, metallurgical defects, coatings etc. The SEM is also fitted with an EDS detector for chemical analysis of the areas examined if required.
