Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Lab

A scanning electron microscope laboratory uses a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an attached energy dispersive (EDS) spectroscopic analyzer. A SEM is a high power microscope that uses electrons instead of visible light to examine surfaces and fractures from both metal and polymers. Very small unknown particles from corrosion residue or ultra thin plating thickness profiles can also be viewed on the SEM at magnifications typically from 1000X - 5000X.

Fracture surfaces of metal, plastic or glass can be examined to identify the fracture type and identify the fracture initiation site (fractography). The fracture initiation site is the most important failure part of a metal failure investigation.

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Metal Fracture Mechanisms Visible on the SEM

Brittle - intergranular fracture
Ductile - dimpled fracture
Cleavage
Mixed Mode
Galling

Corrosion mechanisms can also be identified by scanning electron microscope testing and then verified by identifying the corrosion residue using the attached EDS analyzer. Any region viewed on the SEM can be semi-quantitatively analyzed using EDS techniques. As an example, corrosive attack from exposure to cleaning solutions or saltwater air can be identified by EDS analysis and then confirmed by metallographic examination.

Corrosion Mechanisms Visible by SEM/EDS Analysis

Pitting
Intergranular Corrosion
Atmospheric Corrosion (Saltwater)
Microbiological Corrosion (MIC)
Anerobic Residue Build-Up
Dissimilar Material Corrosion

Our SEM operators at ASAP Metal Testing are experienced with all forms of fractography and corrosive attack in both metal and polymer components. Call us if you have a fracture or corrosion residue that we can examine for you in our scanning electron miscroscope laboratory.