Metallurgical analysis requires detailed examination of microstructure at scales beyond optical microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy provides the resolution and depth of field needed to characterize grain structure, phase distributions, precipitates, and fracture surfaces in metals and alloys.

The SNE-Alpha desktop SEM delivers metallography-grade imaging in a compact format suited for quality control labs, machine shops, and educational metallurgy programs. Combined with EDS, it enables both structural and compositional analysis of metallic materials.

Key Metallurgy Applications

• Microstructure Analysis: Examine grain size, shape, and distribution. Identify phases, inclusions, and precipitates in polished and etched samples
• Fracture Analysis: Characterize fracture surfaces to determine failure mode—ductile, brittle, fatigue, or stress corrosion
• Heat Treatment Verification: Assess effectiveness of heat treatment by examining resulting microstructure and phase distributions
• Weld Inspection: Examine weld zones, heat-affected zones, and base metal to assess weld quality and identify defects
• Coating Analysis: Measure coating thickness, examine adhesion, and identify coating composition
• Corrosion Studies: Characterize corrosion products, pit morphology, and attack patterns

Sample Preparation

Standard metallographic preparation produces excellent results for SEM analysis:

• Mounting: Conductive mounting compounds eliminate charging; carbon-filled epoxy is recommended
• Grinding & Polishing: Standard metallographic preparation to 1µm or better
• Etching: Chemical etching reveals grain boundaries and phase contrast for SE imaging
• As-polished: Unetched samples work well for BSE imaging and EDS analysis