The M&P Lab is equipped with a sophisticated state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an electron microprobe. The SEM is capable of operating in conventional high vacuum or variable pressure vacuum, which permits examination of non-metallic and non-conductive materials without coating or sample preparation. Maximum sample dimension is greater than 250 mm (10 inches) with maximum mass of 4.5 kg (10 pounds). The SEM is equipped with light element EDS (energy-dispersive spectrometry) to obtain qualitative information about the chemical characteristics of a sample and WDS (wavelength dispersive spectrometry) to obtain positive identification of trace or overlapping elemental X-ray lines and precise quantitative analysis. Quick Links:
The electron microprobe is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) that has been optimized for flexibility and accuracy in elemental analysis and is equipped with two fixed and four scanning WDS as well as high throughput EDS for qualitative and quantitative standard-based chemical analysis. The high probe current enables rapid collection of excellent X-ray maps. Seven wavelength spectrometers determine a material's elemental composition on a microscopic scale. The M&P Lab has been providing electron microprobe analysis for nearly 40 years, and our latest microprobe was recently upgraded with state of the art hardware and software. A few of the notable features of our system are listed below:
- One of the world's fastest electron microprobes with seven wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometers (WDS) and a silicon drift detector energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SDD-EDS).
- Ultra-fast color X-ray element mapping wth Bruker Quantax software capable of incorporating signals from both EDS and WDS detectors.
- The highest take-off angle of any commercial electron microprobe for the greatest accuracy and sensitivity.
- Able to determine nearly the entire periodic table of elements, from boron to uranium on a microscopic scale.
- CamScan CS3000 digital imaging for high quality SEM images.
- Full-service contract always maintained for superior up-time.
Our microprobe analysis has been used to support research, development, manufacturing, maintenance, and repair in the following areas: power generation, automotive, aircraft, nuclear, electrical, medical devices, coatings, welds, brazes, minerals and the identification of unknown materials. Some typical case studies and classic examples, many of which are analysis of a foreign material found in processes, are:
- We matched the alloy of metal flakes found in Styrofoam cups to the alloy of air ducts so the client added filters to the air system to fix the problem.
- We matched the alloy of foreign material that damaged a power plant to a tool left behind by a service person.
- A plastic pellet manufacturer had metal bits in some of his plastic and we identified the types of steel for him on pieces as small as 20 thousandths of an inch across. This allowed him to determine which part of his machinery was shedding fragments.
Parts as large as 2x2x2 inches will fit in the sample holder, but very large parts have been characterized by sectioning or simply scratching a few tiny grains from an inconspicuous area. If you can be seen under a 200X microscope, we can identify it. Another example is surface coating failure on the automotive fuel injectors. Identifying and characterizing the various phases in braze metal have been very helpful to some clients. Iron diffusion quantification in a weld was very helpful to another client who manufactures metal powders. We do alot of elemental analysis across the cross-sections of metal coatings. Anything that is a solid metal or mineral and will not evaporate quickly in a vacuum can be analyzed by the microprobe. Analysis and Testing Capabilities from The M&P Lab include:
- Failure Analysis
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Electron Microprobe Analysis
- Metallography
- Metallurgical Evaluation
- Inorganic Chemical Analysis
- Organic Chemical Analysis
- Thermal Analysis
- Fuels & Lubricants Testing and Analysis
- Image Analysis
- Digital Photography
- Mechanical Testing
- Creep & Rupture Testing
- Electrical Testing
For more information, please call us at (518) 382-0082 or use this link to email us your question or inquiry: click here... Solutions: We provide our clients with business solutions spanning testing, R&D, consultancy, information and process engineering to name a few! Click on the links below to discover how your business can benefit from working with us.
Industries: We work with clients across a wide range of materials based industries, from construction and engineering to medical and ceramics. Click on the links below to discover more about how we can help improve the efficiency and performance of your business.
The M&P Lab Quality Assurance: Our comprehensive quality assurance program is in compliance with such prestigious industry quality standards as ISO 17025 Nadcap (defense industry) and 10 CFR 50 Appendix B (nuclear utility industry).
The M&P Lab is a full-service materials testing laboratory, offering our clients a full range of analytical and consulting services such as acceptance testing, quality control, service evaluation, failure analysis and product development. We analyze materials such as metals, composites, organics and polymers to determine composition, structure and properties. DISCOVERY…We start by looking – first with the naked eye, then closer, in ways our eyes can't see, searching for clues. ANALYSIS…The analysis is often a comparison to a known standard or specification. INSIGHT…Rooted in years of experience, individual intelligence and creativity, insight is what enables us to make the leap from a collection of data to a comprehensive solution. SOLUTIONS…The intimate knowledge of our clients' products and processes allows us to respond faster to their needs, more directly address their problems and provide sound solutions which make a significant impact on the clients' bottom line.
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