Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with EDS
High-magnification imaging of surfaces with elemental analysis of selected areas.
Material Characterization
Microscopy, SEM with EDS, XRD and related techniques that reveal a material’s structure and composition.
Characterization looks inside a material: its microstructure, the elements it contains and the phases present. It explains why a material performs the way it does.
What the Test Evaluates
- Microstructure: grain size, phases and inclusions
- Surface features and fracture surfaces at high magnification
- Elemental composition of a selected area
- Crystalline phases present in a material
- Porosity, case depth and decarburized depth
Why It Matters
Two materials with the same nominal grade can behave very differently if their microstructure differs. Characterization links processing to performance and is central to failure analysis.
Common Applications
- Failure analysis and fracture investigation
- Verification of heat treatment and casting quality
- Coating and surface layer examination
- Phase identification and research studies
Available Methods
- Micro examination (metallography)
- Macro examination
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
- X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
- Porosity measurement
- Failure analysis (combined test package)
- TEM, XPS, XRF, BET and Raman spectroscopy analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between micro and macro examination?
Macro examination looks at a sample at low magnification to show features such as weld profiles, flow lines and large defects. Micro examination uses a metallurgical microscope on a polished, etched sample to show grains, phases and inclusions.
What does a failure analysis involve?
It usually combines visual examination, microscopy, hardness and composition checks to find out why a part failed. The scope is agreed with you based on the component and its history.
Related Services
Hardness Testing
Micro Vickers, Brinell, Rockwell and Shore hardness measurements for metals and polymers.
Sample Preparation & Processing
Cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing and etching to prepare specimens for testing and microscopy.
Have a Material Testing Requirement?
Tell us about your sample and testing objective, and our team will help you decide the appropriate next step.