Oct 30 2006
CERAM, the internationally renowned centre for materials and technology based in Stoke-on-Trent, is now able to add remote internet viewing to the list of benefits and services it can offer to customers of its microstructural section.
CERAM has installed a new state of the art scanning electron microscope (SEM) as the centrepiece of the section and it will be used to evaluate structures, materials, inclusions, modes of failure for all ceramics and for material analysis. This, used in conjunction with CERAM’s highly skilled and experienced staff, will ensure detailed and reliable interpretation of results.
Use of the new SEM also means that the sample size capacity is increased, and its low vacuum operation enables some non conductive samples to be examined uncoated.
Dr Richard White, microstructure laboratory manager, explained: “The instrument we selected is a Jeol 6490LV scanning electron microscope that is integrated with an Oxford Instruments INCA microanalysis system. This installation has broadened and improved the service we are able to offer our customers. For example it has a fully integrated digital output for imaging and interfacing with quantitative microanalysis systems, its resolution is much improved from our previous system and it is highly flexible.”
CERAM’s microstructural testing facility is an integral part of its Testing and Environmental Division (CTE), and is highly experienced and sophisticated. Most of the work is accredited under UKAS ISO 17025:2005. Microstructural analysis is used widely in industry to evaluate products and materials.