SUPPORT4SME workshop: how can the FIB-SEM microscope help industry?

Within the SUPPORT4SME project, a professional workshop was focused on the use of high-end electron microscopes in industrial practice. The introduction included an introduction of the project itself, its forms of cooperation and possibilities of involvement. Representatives of companies were also introduced to the platform, which connects experts from different fields with companies looking for technological solutions.

Workshop participants briefly introduced themselves and shared their reasons for being interested in the topic. There was also space for networking and sharing experiences. Networking between companies and researchers was a natural part of the programme.

So many options in one device

The technical presentation was led by electron microscopy expert Pavel Kejzlar, who illustrated how the microscope works and what types of samples are suitable. "This microscope is unique because it combines electron and ion beams. With the ion beam, we can look beneath the surface of the sample, focus on local defects and flaws, make a section, measure the thickness of the layer and determine its chemical and crystallographic properties."

"Companies from the automotive sector, for example, are very interested in the microscope. Thin layers, their structure and possible defects in multilayer materials are being investigated. However, samples can also be made of plastic if they can withstand high energy," explained expert Michaela Petržílková, adding that resistance to the beam and high vacuum is important.

Samples under the microscope

In the practical part of the workshop, the participants moved on to the microscope itself. Some brought their own samples to see for themselves what the instrument can do. Participants learned what sample preparation looks like and how they should prepare the materials beforehand. Pavel Kejzlar demonstrated procedures on how to perform sections, crystallographic or chemical analysis.

Jan Müller from RETOS Varnsdorf, who brought the damaged material, was surprised by the results and the speed of the analysis: "Not only can the structure and chemical composition be determined on one device, but the sample can also be prepared, protected and analysed to a certain depth."

"I was intrigued by what the microscope can do. Especially the cross section," enthusiastically said Vít Kanclíř from TOPTEC, IFP CAS, who brought his own sample and wanted to check how the microscope could visualize its structure and was satisfied.
"I could clearly see all the layers that should have been there in the sample I brought."

His colleague Martina Hlubučková added: "I work with an electron microscope, but ours is not as precise and is more difficult to use. I see great potential for cooperation here."
Vít Kanclíř added: "We would like to use the SUPPORT4SME project. I think we meet the criteria."

Industry perspective

Experience and openness to cooperation were also expressed by other participants. Jaroslav Polák from POLPUR said: "I am here today to find out the possibilities of using technologies from TUL in industry. We have some projects, but we are always looking for ways to embark on new projects."

"I was impressed by the speed and accuracy. If we come across a customer request that we can't handle with our equipment, we know where to turn," Michaela Štípková from Fraunhofer IWU summed up her impression of the workshop.

Cooperation across borders

Daniela Gerisch, founder of MAF - Materialanalytik Freiberg, said: "I am really into material analysis. It was particularly interesting for me to learn about the functions that the microscope has. If our customers are interested in such analyses, we would be happy to work with CXI TUL."
Her collegue Silke Sekora added: "We would use the collaboration to investigate surface damage, for example."

"The highlight of the day for me was learning about the extensive capabilities of the microscope. And for us, of course, the cooperation between TU Chemnitz and CXI TUL in the field of materials analysis is very important for our future work," described Kristina Roder from the Technical University of Chemnitz.

The workshop offered not only a deeper insight into the possibilities of electron microscopy, but also concrete opportunities for collaboration between research and industry. The SUPPORT4SME project thus confirms that linking professional know-how with the practical needs of companies can bring immediate and tangible results.

 

About the Project

Cross-border support for the involvement of SMEs in materials research of the future

Objective

The joint center for cross-border cooperation between TU Liberec and TU Chemnitz supports and implements innovations in SMEs in the Czech-Saxony region.

SUPPORT4SME offers an interdisciplinary network of experts to help you develop your company.

Total project costs

 3,052,522.28 EUR

Lead partner

CXI TUL

Partner

Chemnitz University of Technology