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Surface Characterization

Material surface is often critical to product function and performance. Surface finish, polish, smoothness, texture, cosmetic appearance, interaction with other materials and surfaces, and even how the surface "feels," can affect product acceptance and functionality. Controlling surface roughness, porosity, pits and dents, cracking, contamination, grain structure, and coating uniformity within specification is essential and often a leading competitive advantage.

ASPEX SEMs are exceptional at examining surfaces and materials. By combining high-magnification images with an impressive depth of field, the user discovers facts unobtainable with light microscopy. Furthermore, we can provide elemental compositional information, visual comparison analysis, and easy capture and comparison of variances.

• Depth of Focus - Orders of magnitude improvement over an optical microscope can greatly assist in resolving features of interest.
• Product Inspection - Solve production anomalies to reduce field claims and warranty costs.
• Contamination - Identify micron-scale particles and determine of their source.
• Micro & Macro Porosity, Pits & Dents - Examination with high depth of field reveals nucleation or contamination sources.
• Cracks, Cracking, & Microfractures - Depth of field clearly illustrates cracks and permits specific feature identification and documentation.
• Delaminating & Coating Failures - Binding layers are revealed clearly, allowing feature identification and documentation.
• Grain Structure - Clear image facilitates product and component verification.
• Surface Finish & Roughness - Causal factors are illuminated.
• Feature Distribution - Identify and quantify distinguishing or desirable features.
• Grain Structure - Clear image facilitates product and component verification.
• Surface Finish & Roughness - Illuminates causal factors.