Working with industry at Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC)
PEMC: a business-responsive facility based at the University of Plymouth
Send an email to emc@plymouth.ac.uk, or call us on +44 1752 586125.
With over 30 years of experience working with industry,
Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC)
provides a comprehensive service that brings together academic expertise and research with businesses across the UK and beyond. PEMC has a commercial user group spanning a range of sectors including aerospace, manufacturing, engineering, textiles, microelectronics, biomedical, food, and more. Our relationships within the commercial sector have earned us a strong reputation as a reliable, well-rounded and professional centre, providing insight and solutions to real-world problems from a strong foundation of scientific research.
We provide expert, local access to imaging and analysis instrumentation, supporting a diverse range of activities including materials properties analysis, analysis of defects and component failure, evaluation of product quality, bio-imaging, mineralogical analysis and sample characterisation, and 3D digital imaging and analysis.
PEMC has strong links with other departments within the University, so can offer a full analytical service in addition to electron microscopy data capture, including composites, metallurgy, engineering and food science.
We offer bespoke services with competitive hourly rates to make the most of our extensive suite of instruments, to investigate and understand your products in depth. As keen knowledge sharers experienced in interdisciplinary collaborations, our team of experts will help you to benefit from:
- Improved performance of products and processes
- Enhanced quality control and monitoring
- Increased efficiency (waste and cost)
- New product development
- Promotional images and outreach materials
- Educational materials
- Research support
- Collaborative research and development
Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre is a jewel in the crown not just for the University, but for the city of Plymouth.
Professor Jerry Roberts
Emeritus Professor
We found the PEMC service extremely useful. The communication was excellent; any potential problems were communicated to us for verification before PEMC carried out the work. We are extremely happy with the results and will definitely be using PEMC again.
Ben Daniels, Production Planner, Peter Day Precision Engineering
Industry case studies
Tungsten West
How PEMC worked with Tungsten West to identify variations in ore minerals.
The Curator
"It was really amazing to be able to see the internal structural changes from the pre-roast to post-roast coffee beans."
Tappermade
"This incredible instrument allows us to zoom in to see the hair stand in detail... and see the extent of the damage."
Electron Microscopy for Farmers
How PEMC worked with multiple farmers for deeper understanding of soil health and diversity through electron microscopy.
ARC Marine
"Use of the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre allowed us to delve in to a very new field of study dubbed geophycology, the study of algal interactions with rock – and now concrete."
Composite Innovations Ltd
"Working with [PEMC] has been truly informative and accessible. The friendly and extremely, competent expertise at [PEMC] together with the advanced ion beam milling capability takes this visualisation to a completely new level."
Davy J Ltd
"This study gave us a new insight into the micro properties of our fabrics and their performance characteristics. As a growing South West business, access to such technology on our doorstep with Plymouth University is invaluable."
Pollenize
"We have thoroughly enjoyed working with PEMC on the various projects about pollen and bees. It has been a great learning process, especially in regards to pollen collection, as it has further enabled Pollenize to push on with other research projects."
Scarlet PL
"This has enabled a keen understanding as to why the fault in the weld may have occurred and the techniques used has allowed for high resolution analysis."
Esterlam International Ltd
"The work carried out by PEMC on the FIB-SEM has gained Esterlam a lot of respect from our client. The outcome of the testing has strengthened our relationship..."
Owens
"It was lovely working with the PEMC team on the project, which gave us useful insights into what happens to the microstructure of a coffee bean as it progresses through our roasting process. This information will be invaluable..."
Enigma Audio
"This diagnostic work is delaying the development of new products and also a barrier to understanding why this particular element performs well. Gaining support with this investigation will allow us to potentially develop the company and grow quicker..."
Plessey Semiconductors Ltd
"Having a local, state of the art tool, available to assist process development is a key resource for Plessey as we develop our LED processes to drive the mass adoption of micro LEDs in the display market."
Radley Scientific
"Our work with [PEMC] using the FIB-SEM has allowed us to carry out an experiment that conclusively proves the mechanism of PZT aging by providing visual results unavailable with any other technique."
PML Applications Ltd
"Working with [PEMC] was a great experience from the start. The team got really engaged with our project and helped us shape where we could and should go for maximum impact..."
Ramer Sponges Ltd
"This analysis provides evidence to explain why and how this is achieved, and how we can exploit these advantages to specifically target Ramerfoam® grades for additional technical applications."
South West Metal Finishing
"The results from [PEMC] have aided SWMF in developing a better understanding of the process aided by experts and access to specialist equipment."
Research Case Studies
See how Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre work with academic researchers across scientific fields.
Previous funding