Citation
(2014), "Live-streaming microscopy provides instant materials analysis", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 61 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM.12861aaa.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Live-streaming microscopy provides instant materials analysis
Article Type: Methods From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 61, Issue 1
TWI has advanced the way in which it can correspond with its Industrial Member companies during the microscopy process, becoming the first company to introduce the ability to live-stream the procedure and results directly to the customer.
Microscopy is a powerful tool in the study of materials, allowing the identification of the microstructural features which control the properties. TWIs light microscopy facilities allow it to image samples at up to 1,000× magnification. By analysis of these images, accurate measurements may be made of features including pits, cracks, coatings, grain sizes and volume/area fractions of the different microstructural features.
TWI is the only company to use specialised webcams connecting the trinocular and stereo microscopes to the Webex system to provide a live video feed of this analysis directly to the client. Providing access of a clear, high definition image of exactly what the engineering team are viewing, from the macrograph of the whole structure to a micrograph of a magnified section.
This technology not only allows the client to view the analysis process but to have an active role within it. For the first time, a client can ask questions and draw attention to specific areas of the images of screen in order to have queries resolved immediately by the team of experts at TWI. There is also the capability to create still images during the process for the companys records. Making the analytical process more efficient and reducing the downtime of the equipment or structure that is affected.
If a sample is on site and cannot be transferred to the laboratory, replicas of each etched surface can be taken using specially prepared acetate which replicates the materials microstructure in a form that can be can subjected to high light microscopy.
This technology does not only have use in the analysis of faults and failures in solely business cases but is also advancing TWIs capability in areas of litigation and is enhancing its potential to be used as a character witness. Because the technology is live it ensures that the images shown are accurate and are not being manipulated in any form.
Figure 1 Live-streaming microscopy at TWI
The technologys versatility is not restricted to metals and can be used across of a spectrum of materials including ceramic, composite, polymer and organic (Figure 1).
More information is available from: http://www.twi.co.uk