Ask the Expert:

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) is an invaluable tool in examining surface anomalies in vacuum heat-treated metal parts. Mike Johnson, 51ÁÔÆæ of Western Pa’s Sales Director, explains how this tool can answer questions and solve complex problems.

1. What is a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)?

A Scanning Electron Microscope is a fine tool that uses a focused beam of electrons to examine a material’s surface. When the electrons interact with the sample, they produce signals that are detected and analyzed. These signals reveal detailed information about surface features and chemical composition, making SEM a highly effective tool for microscopic evaluation.

2. My medical component shows spotting after vacuum heat treatment—how can SEM help identify the root cause?

SEM analysis identifies the composition of contaminants within the spots, helping trace their origin. It can reveal whether the issue stems from manufacturing processes—such as machining fluids, cleaning fluids, grinding residue, or metal chips—or from handling contamination like glove fibers or environmental debris.

3. What is the most common source of contamination identified through SEM analysis?

A frequent source of surface contamination is the cleaning process (used) prior to heat treatment. While components may arrive at the heat treater visibly clean, SEM often detects residual cleaning or rinsing agents. These frequently include Chlorine, Calcium, and other residuals commonly found in city water. If aqueous cleaning methods are employed, the final rinse should always be performed with deionized water to avoid this potential contamination. The SEM may also uncover films or deposits caused by cross-contamination when multiple alloys are cleaned in the same system. For instance, analysis of spots on 304 stainless steel components once revealed copper contamination from foreign object debris (FOD). The cause was found to be cross-contamination in a cleaning system shared with copper components.

4. Can the vacuum furnace itself be a source of FOD surface contamination?

Yes. Furnaces may contribute to surface contamination of heat-treated parts. If your heat-treat supplier is equipped with an SEM, this is a sign they understand the science and intricacies of surface contamination, and they have the necessary tool to get to the root cause of the issue, whatever that cause may be.

Foreign object debris and residual contamination can impact the performance and reliability of vacuum heat-treated components. While initial detection may rely on visual inspection, SEM/EDS analysis produces precise compositional analysis for fast and efficient root cause analysis. Please contact me if you are interested in SEM analysis at 51ÁÔÆæ.

Learn more about Scanning Electron Microscopy

And featured in Today’s Medical Developments Magazine:

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Hermitage PA, July 27, 2026 – A new 11,000-gallon stainless steel recirculating water quench tank has been installed as preparations continue for the commissioning of our state-of-the-art titanium drop bottom water quench furnace.

The furnace remains on schedule to be fully commissioned and operational by September 2026.

Designed primarily to solution treat titanium bars, titanium forgings, and other large titanium components, the furnace features a 14-foot-long × 54-inch-wide × 48-inch-high workload envelope. Parts will be rapidly transferred into this 11,000-gallon recirculating and agitated water quench tank within a five to seven second time stamp, delivering the rapid and uniform cooling required to achieve consistent metallurgical properties for demanding aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.

This investment further expands 51ÁÔÆæ’ capabilities for processing large titanium components while reinforcing our commitment to providing advanced thermal processing solutions for the industry’s most critical applications.

For additional information about 51ÁÔÆæ, contact Mike Johnson at 855-934-3284 x2223 or email at mikej@solaratm.com.

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• Date: August 11-13, 2026
• Location: Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
• Booth: E2104

The Space & Missile Defense Symposium is the leading educational, professional development and networking event in the space and missile defense community. The symposium is widely attended by leaders and professionals from the United States and our allies around the world.Ìý It is the ideal forum for conducting business face-to-face. Participants can also earn continuing education credits.

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Aerospace Innovation and Industry Momentum Meet

AeroOne is a nationally attended aerospace conference that brings together the leaders and decision-makers driving today’s aerospace industry. The agenda emphasizesÌýpractical opportunity across commercial aviation, defense, space, and emerging technologies—delivered throughÌýkeynote insights and focused, executive-level discussions.

AeroOne 2026 will be held at the Royal Park Hotel, Rochester, Michigan. AeroOne is the ultimate platform to meet face-to-face with a captive audience of top executives in the global aerospace industry.

• Date: September 9-11, 2026
• Location: Royal Park Hotel, Rochester, MI
• Booth: 20

Learn more about our Aerospace Heat Treating Services

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• Date: September 16-17, 2026
• Location: Greenville Convention Center, 1 Exposition Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
• Booth: 104

For over 40 years, engineers and product manufacturers have relied on Design-2-Part Shows to find the best custom components, parts and contract manufacturing services. The Greenville, SC show features hundreds of job shops and American contract manufacturing suppliers exhibiting their skills in design, prototypes, production runs, value added services, assemblies, electronics, and much more.

Register for FREE admission

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Date: September 30-October 1, 2026
Location: Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181ÌýBoston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA 01752
Booth: 107

For over 40 years, engineers and product manufacturers have relied on Design-2-Part Shows to find the best custom components, parts and contract manufacturing services. The Marlborough, MA show features hundreds of job shops and American contract manufacturing suppliers exhibiting their skills in design, prototypes, production runs, value added services, assemblies, electronics, and much more.

Register for FREE admission

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• Date: October 4-6, 2026
• Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV
• Booth: 209

Many managers from prime contractors as well as sub-tier suppliers are coming as they recognize the efficiency of attending a meeting such as TITANIUM. Because there are producers, distributors and fabricators from all parts of the world across several consuming market segments at the conference, it is a very cost effective means for the delegates to meet with a wide variety of customers and vendors in a single trip. At the same time, the TITANIUM Conference offers the only opportunity to hear from leading industry executives and attend panel discussions on market topics that affect each industry segment, all in one place.

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• Date: October 7-9, 2026
• Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ
• Booth: 2155

Thousands of industry professionals from 30+ countries will be at the International Fastener Expo in Phoenix, Arizona to network and find new products and suppliers. It is the largest industrial, fastener, specialty fastener, machinery, and tooling show in North America. You can’t miss this opportunity to network, build new relationships, nurture current relationships, and ultimately do business.

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Date: October 14-15, 2026
Location: Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
Booth: 109

For over 40 years, engineers and product manufacturers have relied on Design-2-Part Shows to find the best custom components, parts and contract manufacturing services. The Pasadena, California show features hundreds of job shops and American contract manufacturing suppliers exhibiting their skills in design, prototypes, production runs, value added services, assemblies, electronics, and much more.

Register for FREE admission

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Date: October 21-23, 2026
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Booth: S19014, Stamping & Press Automation Pavilion

FABTECH provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with 1,500+ world-class suppliers, discover innovative solutions, and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits. There is no better opportunity to network, share knowledge and explore the latest technology. Gain insights into industry trends that will help you prepare for what’s ahead.

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