Scanning Electron Microscopes

Oil contamination in automotive machinery can come either from the mechanical parts themselves or from foreign materials introduced into the system. The majority of mechanical faults and downtime is thought to be from oil contamination, along with the majority of hydraulic and lubrication problems. And, since hydraulic fluid is such a necessary component for any [...]

Lubricating oil is used to separate surfaces, in order to reduce the friction between the surfaces and to absorb heat caused by the friction. In order to keep the surfaces well lubricated, the oil needs to be the proper type and uncontaminated, with the machinery in good working order and well maintained. Otherwise, [...]

Bearings, or devices that allow constrained relative motion between parts, are an essential part in many machines. Since they can reduce friction between parts by either its shape, by its material, or by containing a fluid between the surfaces, bearings are subjected to high wear-and-tear that must be closely monitored in order to avoid failure.

In [...]

Continuous casting nozzle clogs create serious productivity and quality losses in the steel industry. The buildup between the tundish and the mold, due to a variety of inclusions, can decrease productivity by causing either decreasing the casting time or requiring the nozzle be replaced, which also increases cost. These inclusions could also come [...]

Wear is caused by two solid materials rub against each other, removing pieces from one by some mechanical action. There are several different types of wear that can all lead to failure:
• Adhesive Wear
• Abrasive Wear
• Fretting Wear
• Erosive Wear

While these are not mutually exclusive, identifying the cause of wear particles is essential for preventing mechanical failures.

Often, signs [...]

Inclusions in steel can alter the quality of the metal being produced, making it too brittle, non-ductile, or both. Since inclusions cannot be avoided, for the most part, the quantity and composition of the inclusion must be monitored to produce a top-of-the-line product.

Foreign particles make it into the steel mix either from outside sources, [...]

Bearings, or devices that allow constrained relative motion between parts, have a tendency to wear out prematurely. Since they are a crucial part of many mechanical operations, it is important to monitor the bearing for signs of wear and replace when needed, or remove the cause of the wear. Understanding the causes of [...]

The recent turn of the pharmaceutical industry towards Quality by Design (QbD) instead of Quality by Inspection (QbI) has sparked the interest of other industries as well. The QbD philosophy proclaims that manufacturers must know how the product will turn out before it is finished, not afterwards by inspection.

In order for the developers to [...]