Enhanced Microstructural Testing Services

CERAM has added remote internet viewing to the list of benefits and services it can offer to customers of its microstructural section.

A new state of the art scanning electron microscope (SEM) was installed at CERAM as the centrepiece of the section. Used to evaluate structures, materials, inclusions, modes of failure for all ceramics and for material analysis, in conjunction with CERAM's highly skilled and experienced staff, it enables CERAM to provide detailed and reliable interpretation of results.

Use of the 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.