The researchers in USSE R&D can now rely on a new assisting device, which they have had for over a month already. This refers to a Czech-manufactured scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the VEGA3 type. The microscope works on the basis of an incandescent tungsten cathode designed for work in high-vacuum as well as low-vacuum environments, using detectors distinguishing the chemical and morphological properties of the observed samples.

The microscope is equipped with an EDS (energy-dispersive spectroscopy) analyzer of chemical composition and an EBSD (electron backscattered diffraction) camera intended for compact material texture analysis. Furthermore, the device has an additional capability to analyze automatically non-metallic inclusions for assessment, which enables better analysis of the purity of our steel.   The SEM is one of the basic tools used to analyze the quality of steel strips, damaged materials from various technological nodes and returns from customers. This device enables R&D to provide even better services for the units of quality, USSE Technical Customer Service, some divisions and their maintenance units, especially with such up to date technical opportunities and demands for advanced innovation of products. The microscope is situated in the laboratory of the Metallography and Failure Analysis unit in the USSE Research and Development building.