Metamet consultants have commissioned a Zeiss EVO 60 scanning electron microscope, with Oxford Instruments INCA EDX microanalysis facility. The instrument features an especially large chamber, enabling us to examine relatively large components without having to section them.

This equipment is a vital tool for the kind of investigative materials consultancy work which Metamet specialises in. The SEM gives us the ability to examine surfaces at magnifications at up to x50,000, with a much greater depth of field than is possible under an optical microscope. This is an essential requirement for the examination of fracture surfaces, which can tell us so much about the nature of a fracture. The EDX microanalysis system enables us to identify the chemical species present in a very localised area of the surface. This is extremely useful for identification of corrosion species, contamination, defects etc.

Until now these facilities have had to be sub-contracted. With the addition of this equipment, Metamet can give an improved service, with faster turnaround.