SEM / EDS Analysis Added to Materials Testing & Failure Analysis Capabilities at Laboratory Testing Inc

HATFIELD, PA, August 12, 2010 (Press-News.org) Laboratory Testing Inc. (LTI) now performs Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS / EDX) for enhanced materials testing and failure analysis capabilities. The testing laboratory recently purchased a Hitachi S-3400N SEM and EDAX EDS to provide greater customer convenience and timelier turnaround than was available with subcontracted services.

The Hitachi SEM features a variable pressure system capable of accommodating wet and/or non-conductive samples with minimal preparation. The SEM is able to produce high resolution images at magnifications from 5X to 300,000X. The large sample chamber allows for the examination of samples up to 200 mm (7.87 in.) in diameter and 80 mm (3.14 in.) in height.

The Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry or EDS component is applied in conjunction with Scanning Electron Microscopy or SEM analysis to detect and measure elements in or on the surface of the sample for qualitative analysis and/or quantitative information on a sample's elemental composition. The new SEM and EDAX EDS equipment at Laboratory Testing is particularly helpful in microanalysis and analyzing small areas of interest on samples. The EDAX EDS features a silicon drift detector (SDD) that offers superior speed and energy resolution compared with traditional SiLi detectors. The system is powered by the new TEAM software package that facilitates material characterization via methods such as spectral analysis, line scans, and element mapping.

For more information or to place an order for SEM/EDS, please contact Laboratory Testing Inc. Sales/Customer Service at sales@labtesting.com or 800-219-9095.

Laboratory Testing Inc. (LTI) of Hatfield, PA has been in business since 1984. The company specializes in materials testing, nondestructive testing, specimen machining, failure analysis and calibration services. The laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by PRI/Nadcap and A2LA, which complies with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485. Mechanical, chemical, metallurgical and nondestructive testing services are performed on metals, alloys and other materials. Chemical analysis is also offered for a variety of other materials including powdered metals, ores, ferroalloys, composites, ceramics, aerospace materials and nuclear materials. Test specimens are machined on-site and material investigations are conducted to determine the root cause of material failures. The calibration lab, LTI Metrology, provides dimensional, pressure, force, torque, mass and vacuum calibration services traceable to NIST. Field calibration service is offered for surface plates, hardness testers, optical comparators, balances, hand tools and testing machines. LTI provides new instruments and replacement parts as a representative for manufacturers such as Mitutoyo, Starrett, Boston Centerless, Glastonbury Southern Gage and Vermont Gage. Information on Laboratory Testing services and accreditations is available at http://www.labtesting.com, sales@labtesting.com or 800-784-2882.