Editor’s choice
WHY SEM MAKES
SENSE FOR INDUSTRY
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n the UK, the manufacturing sector is a leading example of innovation activity, with data from the government’s United Kingdom innovation survey 2023 showing that that the nation’s five most innovative industries were all forms of manufac- turing. To meet the demands of these industries, advanced imaging technologies that allow manu- facturers to thoroughly understand the physical and chemical properties of component materials are key. Precise imaging is also essential for ensuring product integrity and enhancing quality assurance. According to a 2020 ETQ survey that included respond- ents from the manufacturing, life sciences and food and beverage sectors, 96 per cent of organisations reported having a product recall in the preceding five years. These quality control issues cause financial losses and reputational damage, especially in highly regulated industries.
SEM AS THE SOLUTION
Scanning electron microscopes enable thorough analysis to drive innovation and eliminate quality control issues. SEMs scan a beam of electrons across the surface of a material sample, with specific
Materials innovation is at the heart of industry, from the battery technology for electric vehicles to the metals making aircraft lighter. Understanding the physical and chemical properties of materials — from the macro to nano scale — is therefore the fuel for continued industrial advancement. Whether discovering new materials or working to overcome challenges with existing products, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a valuable instrument for industry. Here, Britta Siefer, senior sales account manager at industrial SEM specialist Thermo Fisher Scientific, explains the considerations when investing in an SEM microscope for an industrial application.
detectors to visualise the interaction between the electrons and the sample. The image is then displayed digitally, allowing for a detailed view of the sample at the nanometre level.
Multiple detectors can be used to view and analyse elements that would not be visible with an optical microscope, making it easier to carry out quality control and failure analysis. SEMs offer unmatched capabilities in assessing surface morphology and veri- fying material composition, as well as investigating the root causes of material failure and fatigue. For example, within the automotive industry, where even the smallest particle contamination can influence performance, SEM is useful for cleanliness analysis to detect unwanted particles. Thorough anal- ysis ensures that components meet ISO16232 and VDA 19.1 quality standards, which are essential for the functional quality of vehicles.
Likewise, SEM analysis is also vital in the processing of paints and coatings used to protect metallic components such as aerospace engines. By using a microscope that can detect backscattered electrons, engineers can determine how much coverage the coatings provide as well as the different compounds
they include. Given the harsh conditions that aero- space components are subject to, identifying potential defects with an SEM is crucial to avoid issues with corrosion, reduced durability and potential failures. Other industries that can benefit from SEM analysis include battery manufacturing, steel and metal production, additive manufacturing, geology and mineralogy.
BEFORE BUYING
While scanning electron microscopy offers a range of advantages, it can be difficult for quality control engineers without microscopy expertise to know what to look for when selecting a SEM. To choose the right solution, there are several important considerations to bear in mind.
Firstly, it’s important to consider the specific reasons for using microscopy for quality control and failure anal- ysis. For example, some manufacturers may use SEM to comply with specific industry standards, or to shift away from outsourcing analysis to bring it in house. The next step should be identifying the size of the features that need imaging, as this can determine the type of microscope that would be most suitable. For
November 2024 Instrumentation Monthly
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