High-magnification morphology
Examine fibre shape, particle size and form, surface features, fractures, deposits and relationships between materials.
The real value
Not just a better picture. Better evidence.
01 What does it look like at high magnification?
02 What elements are present?
03 What does that mean for the decision?
About the service
When “it looks like” is no longer good enough.
Scanning Electron Microscopy uses an electron beam to reveal surface morphology beyond the practical limits of conventional optical microscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy adds elemental information from selected particles or areas. Aerem combines both with practical interpretation, so the output answers an agreed question rather than becoming an expensive folder of impressive images.
Elemental chemistry with EDS
Compare the elemental signature of a selected particle, fibre, coating or region and produce spectra or maps where appropriate.
Analyst-led interpretation
Receive a clear explanation of what the evidence supports, what it does not prove, and what further testing may be required.
Applications
One instrument. A very wide range of difficult questions.
Projects are scoped around the decision you need to make. These are common applications, not a closed list.
01
Asbestos & mineral fibres
Characterise difficult fibres, dust residues and complex mineral matrices. The method and reporting basis are selected to suit the regulatory or investigative question.
Discuss a fibre sample →02
Welding fume & workplace dust
Visualise fine particles and examine elemental signatures that can support source, process and occupational hygiene investigations.
Discuss a dust investigation →03
Aggregates, sands & minerals
Compare particle morphology, mineral chemistry and suspect fibrous components in quarried, milled or processed materials.
Discuss a mineral sample →04
Corrosion, scale & deposits
Investigate residues, corrosion products, scale, process deposits and cross-contamination to help identify likely sources and mechanisms.
Discuss a failure →05
Products, coatings & defects
Examine fractures, inclusions, coatings, foreign particles and product defects for quality, warranty or failure-analysis enquiries.
Discuss a product issue →06
Heritage, research & unknowns
Support micro-sampling and carefully scoped investigations where sample availability is limited and the evidence must be documented clearly.
Discuss a unique project →What you receive
Results you can actually use.
The deliverable is agreed before analysis, from targeted image packs through to formal technical reports.
✓
High-resolution SEM images
Selected fields, scale bars, sample references and annotations where they add value.
✓
EDS spectra and elemental maps
Spot, area or mapping outputs selected to answer the agreed question.
✓
Technical interpretation and limitations
A plain-English conclusion that separates observation, interpretation and uncertainty.
✓
Report and analyst discussion
A traceable evidence package, with a follow-up call available for complex findings.
Aerem
SEM / EDS technical report
Particle characterisation
Illustrative report layout showing image evidence, elemental outputs, interpretation and limitations.
ObservedElongated fibrous morphology
EDSElemental signature recorded
InterpretationStated against agreed criteria
StatusScope and limitations declared
How it works
Start with the decision, not the microscope.
Good analysis begins by defining what you need to know and how the result will be used.
1
Tell us the problem
Send photos, background, the sample type and the decision you are trying to make.
2
Agree the method
We confirm suitability, sampling, preparation, analytical scope, decision rules and reporting status.
3
Prepare and analyse
The sample is prepared, imaged and examined using targeted EDS analysis where appropriate.
4
Report and discuss
You receive the agreed evidence package, conclusion, limitations and practical next steps.
Technical honesty
SEM is powerful. But method still matters.
EDS identifies elements — it does not automatically prove a specific compound or mineral phase. SEM also does not replace PLM, PCM or TEM where legislation, a standard or a client specification requires a particular method. Aerem defines the question, analytical approach, decision rule and reporting status before work starts.
No microscope is a magic truth machine.
Aerem’s SEM/EDS scope, limitations and any associated accreditation status are stated clearly on the quotation and report. That protects the client, the analyst and the decision.
Why Aerem
Advanced imaging, grounded in practical environmental work.
Aerem brings laboratory analysis together with asbestos, occupational hygiene and hazardous-materials experience. The aim is not to produce the fanciest image. It is to help you make a better decision.
01
In-house Phenom XL SEM + EDS capability
Direct communication with the team preparing, analysing and reporting your sample.
02
Integrated laboratory and field experience
Useful when the sample forms part of an asbestos, occupational hygiene, contamination or failure investigation.
03
Evidence before certainty
Observations, interpretation, uncertainty and limitations are kept separate and explicit.
04
Confidential and commercially practical
Scope can be tailored from a targeted technical check to a formal investigation and report.
Frequently asked questions
Before you send a sample.
Complex question? Contact us first. Ten minutes of scoping can save a week of testing the wrong thing.
What can Aerem analyse using SEM and EDS?
Projects may include fibres, particles, dusts, aggregates, sands, mineral samples, welding fume, corrosion deposits, coatings, product defects and unknown contamination. Suitability depends on sample size, preparation and the question being asked.
Can SEM and EDS confirm asbestos?
SEM and EDS can provide strong morphological and elemental evidence, but the appropriate role depends on the sample, the required method and how the result will be used. Aerem confirms whether the work is screening, supplementary characterisation or analysis to an agreed method before testing.
What does EDS tell me?
EDS measures the elemental composition of a selected particle or area. It can support identification and comparison, but it does not by itself prove a specific compound or mineral phase in every case.
How much sample is required?
Often only a small amount is needed, but the correct quantity and container depend on the material and preparation. Contact Aerem before sampling where the item is valuable, hazardous, limited or difficult to replace.
How fast can results be provided?
Standard and urgent options can be scoped depending on preparation, number of samples and complexity. A realistic turnaround is confirmed with the quotation.
Is the SEM service IANZ-accredited?
Aerem operates an IANZ-accredited asbestos laboratory for its listed scopes. The SEM/EDS scope and current accreditation status are stated separately and clearly on every quotation and report. Contact us to confirm the current position for your required method.
Can samples be sent from outside Auckland?
Yes. Aerem accepts appropriately packaged samples from projects throughout New Zealand. We will confirm sampling, packaging, dangerous-goods and chain-of-custody requirements before dispatch.
Talk to Aerem
Have a sample, a failure or a question nobody can answer?
Send a photograph and a short description of the problem. We will tell you whether SEM/EDS is suitable, what evidence it can provide and how the work should be scoped.
Request an SEM assessmentEmailrequests@aerem.co.nz
Phone0800 569 590
Useful information to sendPhotos · sample type · project background · decision required