Houston Electron Microscopy Services
Failure Analysis
Failure Analysis - Metals
Houston Electron Microscopy is well equipped to conduct complete failure analysis of metallic components. The most common forms of material failures are fracture, corrosion, wear, and deformation. Our SEM/EDS system allows for the microscopic study of where failures initiate and help determine the cause of failure.
In failure analysis, the use of secondary imaging usually provides enough information to determine the mechanism of failure of a material. Here is a picture of a pump casing that failed due to fatigue.
Failure Analyis - Non Metals
Our Scanning Electron Microscope can operate in Low Vacuum mode, which neutralizes charges on uncoated, non-conducting materials so that gold coating is not required for plastics, ceramics, and other dielectrics. However for more delicate or organic materials, gold sputtering is available.
Here is an example of examination of a plastic tubing and found to be attacked by a rodent. No gold sputtering was required for this analysis.
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Skilled SEM & EDX Services
Houston Electron Microscopy is able to conduct complete SEM/EDS analysis of metallic and non metallic componets. Expertise and range of experience is invaluable to our customers. Time is valuable and our star Failure Analysis Engineer, Dennis Manuel, has extensive experience which allow him to zero in on the problem quickly. He has the techniques and "know-how" to save you time and money. In addition, there are no "operator" or "engineer" fees.
Dennis has a diverse background in materials processing, scanning electron microscopy and failure analysis in various industries such as oil tool, petrochemical, heavy equipment, metallurgy, corrosion, heat treating, and welding. He has been in the field of metallurgy for over 30 years with most of those in analyzing failures and improving reliability. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Metallurgy from the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP); graduating summa cum laude and member of Apha Phi Beta.
Below is a list of services and some applications.
Services & Applications
- Failure Analysis of Metals
- Failure Analysis of Non Metals
- Metallography
- Geology
- Microstructural Analysis
- Element Analysis
- Element mapping
- PDC Measurement and Analysis
- Phase Analysis and Measurements
- Contamination Debris in Oil Samples
- Coating of plastics and metals analysis
We get answers
Houston Electron Microscopy
281-888-4261 or 281-704-0188
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We get answers
281.888.4261
Toll Free: 1-844-318-8775