Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a powerful materials analysis technique. It’s uniquely designed to capture compelling, high-resolution images of a sample’s surfaces. In fact, depending on the sample, we dare say the resulting photos often verge on art. Of course, these images aren’t just eye candy. From microelectronics to food processing, SEM images provide invaluable […]
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How to Analyze XPS Data: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve ever sent a sample in for surface analysis, there’s a good chance that you’re already familiar with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS analysis is a widely used surface analysis technique, with applications across numerous industries. Also referred to as electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), XPS is suitable for a broad range of […]
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES)
Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) is a widely used surface analysis technique with several applications across industries including medical device, electronics, hard drive, and other general manufacturing segments. Is AES a fit for your unique testing needs? Well, that all depends. Every analytical technique has pros and cons, which means selecting the right testing method is […]
The Advantages and Disadvantages of X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS/ESCA)
Pop quiz, quality control specialists and product developers. Which is a better surface analysis method: X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) or Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA)? The answer? Trick question. XPS and ESCA are actually the same technique. But fun and games aside, this materials testing method has wide ranging applications as an effective quality […]
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How to Make the Most of Your Partnership With an Analytical Testing Lab
Verifying the quality of a new vendor’s product. Uncovering the source of a haze or stain on your manufactured product. Validating the passivation of a newly developed medical device. From research and development to post-production troubleshooting, working with a trusted analytical testing lab is an important part of the quality assurance equation. For decades, we’ve […]
Plastics Analysis: 4 Examples of Materials Testing Techniques in Action
For decades, plastics have become increasingly ubiquitous within our daily lives, serving as an essential packaging material and product ingredient. But despite the years of use, and countless hours spent perfecting a plastic’s chemical makeup and manufacturing process, failure or malfunction happens—whether it be through human error or an equipment misfire on the production line. […]
How Our Cleanliness Testing Services for Microcontamination Propel Excellence in the Hard Drive Industry
From cleanroom consumables such as gloves, hairnets, swabs, and solvents—to micro components like packaging materials, flex circuits, and filter media, ensuring cleanliness at every stage of the hard drive manufacturing cycle is of paramount importance. Ensuring your hard drive products or components are free of microcontaminants is not only critical for product function, but also […]
Got Product Contamination? FTIR Analysis Can Be the First Step in the Troubleshooting Process
An unknown residue on a molded plastic part. Peculiar fibers present on plastic packaging. And adhesion failure. Product contamination can manifest in many ways—and quickly determining the source is of paramount importance to keep production rolling, protect end-users, and bolster the company’s bottom line. The good news is that Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, or FTIR […]
Are Your Research & Development Materials Testing Needs on the Back Burner? Let Us Help.
You want your research and development team to be on the cutting edge of innovation. But it can be hard to push the next latest and greatest innovation forward if you’re waiting on your in-house analytical testing lab to confirm product quality and function. The good news is that partnering with the right third-party lab […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Interpreting & Analyzing FTIR Results
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is an incredibly versatile materials analysis technique, helping identify organic and some inorganic materials that could be the source of product contamination or cause a malfunction. As a result, we often recommend FTIR to our clients as the first step in the testing process. But when it comes to understanding […]
