| In today’s world of materials in which the only thing of value is substance, Imaging Associates believes in developing partnerships to provide the optimal solution for its customers. As providers of solutions for image analysis and digital imaging for microscopy within the life sciences and material sciences, Imaging Associates attributes its success to the conscientious approach to problem solving, customer training and support commitment. As well as supplying the latest technology products, Imaging Associates holds regular training courses at its dedicated training centre. This, combined with excellent products, has resulted in systems being installed in more than 600 industrial, pharmaceutical, university and government laboratories throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Materials Specific Products In September 2001 Imaging Associates extended its business relationship with Carl Zeiss UK by becoming the distributor of Carl Zeiss microscopes for materials science applications. The recently formed Materials Division of Imaging Associates will, in addition to promoting the Carl Zeiss microscope range, continue to provide the successful Carl Zeiss image analysis and digital imaging products. With the creation of the Materials Science Division and the inclusion of the Carl Zeiss range of material microscopes, prospective clients can feel confident in buying a truly integrated solution for microscopy and imaging from one supplier. Success for Imaging Associates has come in various forms, including in 1998 achieving a SMART award from the UK's Department of Trade & Industry to develop a Bayesian Belief Network working with Queens University of Belfast. In 1999 Imaging Associates became sponsors of a TCS (Teaching Company Scheme) in conjunction with Brunel University. With quality assurance becoming an increasingly important demand of clients, Imaging Associates has also achieved ISO 9002:1994 approval and are now working towards ISO 9001:2000. Product Range The range of Imaging Associates products covers the following areas within materials science: • Digital Imaging • Quantification • Visualisation, Documentation and Archiving • Microscopy – Optical • Microscopy - SEM Digital Imaging This includes the Zeiss AxioCam HR (high-resolution) and Zeiss AxioCam MR (medium-resolution) digital cameras for colour or monochrome imaging. These flexible and easy to use cameras are designed specifically for microscopy requirements and offer guaranteed high-performance digital photography. Quantification The Zeiss KS300 and KS400 image analysis systems continue to provide an unparalled range of tools for image quantification and processing. The latest technologies in algorithms for segmentation and analysis, including mathematical morphology operators, ensure the KS300 and KS400 maintain their unassailable position as the leading image analysis packages worldwide. Visualisation, Documentation and Archiving The entry-level digital microscopy software, Zeiss AxioVision offers acquisition, archiving and documentation with easy report generation. It is a module-based software environment allowing expansion as requirements and imaging demands change. For example, adding 3D visualisation, extended depth imaging or measurement is easily achieved without compromise of the initial investment. Microscopy - Optical Imaging Associates exclusively distributes the full range of Carl Zeiss upright, inverted, stereo and polarising materials microscopes for use in material applications from traditional metallography to the latest areas of MEMS-micro electro mechanical systems. Carl Zeiss microscopes are renowned for quality of engineering and superb optical performance. With instrumentation designed for the job, whether it be for QA/QC inspections tasks with a range of low-cost, high-performance, stereomicroscopes, or for research with the Axioplan 2iE fully motorised microscope, Zeiss offers a choice to suit all budgets and requirements. Microscopy - SEM SEM digital images can be acquired using SEM-IPS, which converts the older analogue SEM to digital output replacing expensive and labour intensive wet film. SEM-IPS is available as a passive (no control over SEM) or non-passive system, which can control all acquisition functions of the SEM. Integrated into a digital microscopy laboratory it allows light microscope, macro images and SEM images to be quantified, archived and documented within one environment. With the benefits of cost savings over the more traditional photographic methods for microscopy, macro photography and SEM, the digital revolution is here, and Imaging Associates offers clients the benefit of its experience that has been gained from being at the leading edge of these new technologies. |