Microscopy

At Veryst Engineering, we understand that highly precise examination is critical to obtaining accurate results; accurate failure analysis and material examination requires the ability to examine even the smallest details.  We employ 3D profiling and optical and electron microscopy to capture intricate details of materials that would otherwise be overlooked by visual examination: surface profile and equivalent roughness, contact area, and indications of wear and fatigue.

Optical Microscopy

Optical Microscopy Carl Zeiss Axio ZoomV16
Figure 1. Carl Zeiss Axio Zoom. V16

Veryst’s microscopy lab includes a range of different stereo microscopes, digital USB microscope video cameras, and the Carl Zeiss Axio Zoom.V16.  This optical microscope is capable of 7x to 112x optical zoom and includes an eZoom option, allowing for automatic positioning of the lenses during zooming to achieve extreme precision.  This technology permits Veryst to create images with an extended depth of field which can be used to create topographical, or three-dimensional, images of surfaces or objects, which allows for depth measurements in addition to more traditional in-plane measurements.

 
Microscopy screw 1
Microscopy screw 2
Microscopy screw 3
Figure 2. Small machine screw undergoing topographical examination to determine the dimensions of the threads

 

Microscopy of Foam
Figure 3. Silicone foam cross-section at 37.5x magnification with extended depth of field to capture material texture


Scanning Electron Microscopy

Veryst Engineering employs the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) when very high magnification imaging is necessary.  Fracture or wear surfaces are commonly examined with SEM for forensic examination.  Small features, as commonly found in MEMS devices, adhesive joints, and micro-textured surfaces are also excellent candidates for SEM imaging.

SEM of Fractured Catheter--Original
(4a)
SEM of Fractured Catheter 50x
(4b)
SEM of Fractured Catheter 1000x
(4c)
Figure 4. Scanning electron microscopy of fractured wire-reinforced catheter
Fig. 4a. Catheter resting on tweezers.  Fig. 4b. Distal end magnified 50x.  Fig. 4c. Distal end magnified 1000x.
 

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