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Materials Analysis and Characterisation Laboratory
A state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the study and analysis of materials for both research and educational purposes
The Materials Analysis and Characterisation Laboratory is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to exploring the structure and properties of materials. Equipped with advanced microscopy and testing equipment, the lab supports educational and research initiatives, contributing to a deeper understanding of materials applications in various industries.
For students, the lab offers hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, such as the scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical microscopes, and material testing equipment. Students can also engage in practical projects, learning to analyse microstructures and the mechanical properties of materials. This exposure enhances their skills and prepares them for careers in engineering, materials science, and research.
For research and commercial applications, the lab supports cutting-edge studies into material behaviour, durability, and performance, with applications in fields ranging from aerospace to biology and medicine. The lab is ideal for industrial partnerships, offering a preliminary testing ground and potential for future certified services to meet growing industry demands.
Materials Analysis and Characterisation Laboratory equipment
Mechanical testing
- Instron 68FM-300 Universal Testing Machine
- tensile or compression to max 250 kN load
- Instron 5582 Universal Testing Machine
- tensile, compression, 3-point or 4-point bend to max 100 kN load
- 25 mm and 50 mm extensometers
- varied selection of grips and fittings
- furnace to 1200°C (compression only)
- Instron 3345 Universal Testing Machine
- tensile, compression, 3-point or 4-point bend to max 5 kN load
- 25 mm and 50 mm extensometers
- varied selection of grips and fittings
- Instron E10000 Fatigue Testing Machine
- tensile, compression, 3-point or 4-point bend to max 10 kN load
- rotation to max 200 Nm load
- Instron E3000 Fatigue Testing Machine
- tensile, compression, 3-point or 4-point bend to max 3 kN load
- Zwick Roell 3105 Durometer
- indenters for Shore A, Shore D or IRHD-N
- Buehler 5104 Micro-hardness Tester
- indenters for Vickers and Knoop Tests
- max 1 kg force
- Avery 6402 Rockwell Hardness Tester
- selection of anvils and indenters
- Wilson JS Rockwell Superficial Hardness Tester
- selection of anvils and indenters
- Zwick Roell Charpy Impact Tester
- Zwick Roell Drop-tower Impact Tester
Scanning electron microscopy
- Zeiss EVO 15 Scanning Electron Microscope
- with Oxford AZtec elemental analysis facility
- CCU10 High-vacuum Coating Unit
- Pt, Ni and graphite coating (selected other metals possible)
Optical microscopy
- Olympus LEXT3000 Confocal Microscope
- Olympus BX61 Microscope
- Objective lenses x5, x10, x20, x50 and x100
- Olympus Stream image processing software
- Olympus BX60-M Microscope
- Objective lenses x5, x10, x20, x50 and x100
- Olympus Stream image processing software
- Olympus BX41M-LED Microscope
- Objective lenses x5, x10, x20, x50 and x100
- Olympus LCmico image processing software
- Leica S6D Low-power Microscope
- Leica image processing software
- Meiji EMZ-13TR Low-power Microscope
- Lumenera Analyse image processing software
- Olympus SZ11 Low-power Microscope with Metler Toledo FP82HT Hot-stage
- programmable to max 375°C
Sample preparation
- Carbolite CWF1200 Furnaces
- programmable to max 1200°C
- Memmert Conditioning Oven
- max 250°C
- Buehler Abrasimet 250 and Delta Abrasimet Cut-off Saws
- SiC blades for steel, titanium, soft metals and alloys
- Buehler Isomet Low-speed Saw
- 4” diamond blade
- Buehler Simplimet Hot-mounting Press
- 40 mm dia
- also facilities for cold-mounting in resin
- Buehler Ecomet 250 with Automet 250 Grinder-polisher
- grinding papers to FEPA1200 gritdi
- diamond, silica and alumina polishing suspensions and pastes to 1 μm
- also Buehler Beta Grinder-polisher and Struers LabPol-21 Grinder-polisher
- Buehler Vibromet Vibratory Polisher
- silica and alumina polishing suspensions to 0.05 μm
- Fume cupboards for etching and other chemical processes
Other techniques
- Olympus Delta-Professional Hand-held XRF
- for metals and alloys including precious metals
- NEC TH7102WX Infrared Thermal Imager
Our facilities for your research and commercial activities
At the Materials Analysis and Characterisation Laboratory:
- Examine materials, structures and surface topographies at a sub-microscopic level with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)
- Perform conventional material analysis and characterisation with industry-standard testing kits and optical microscopes
- Ensure reliable data collection on machines that all follow standard ISO testing protocols
Facilities for research, innovation and learning
At Plymouth, students can access cutting-edge laboratories that offer experience in real-world applications. Our facilities enhance learning, help develop practical skills, and foster collaboration on innovative projects, all preparing students to tackle complex challenges in their fields.
Our specialised equipment supports pioneering transdisciplinary research and commercial ventures, driving innovation, developing solutions to pressing global challenges, and making meaningful contributions to both industry and society.
