Why Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is Essential for Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) is on track to revolutionise manufacturing processes by not only reducing costs but by creating complex parts that are not possible with traditional methods. The adoption of AM by many industries such as aerospace, medical, engineering, relies heavily on its ability to solve current manufacturing challenges.

The challenge of ensuring consistent quality in 3D-printed materials depends on having robust quality monitoring processes that can proactively identify variability in raw material batches and recycled powder feeds to prevent costly defects. 

The Phenom ParticleX AM is a specialised high-resolution desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM) dedicated to supporting additive manufacturers improve product quality. 

The ParticleX AM rapidly profiles feed powders for size and morphological distribution, as well as elemental composition. Operators can then complete high-resolution imaging of the finished part to assess quality and look for defects in the print, at the micro and nano scale. This fully integrated system is simple to operate and eliminates the need for outsourcing for quality checks, speeding up time-to-market.

The Role of SEM in Additive Manufacturing

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and enables high resolution images to be captured by scanning the surface of a sample with a focused beam of electrons. Operating under vacuum, electrons from the beam can get reflected (backscattered) or new electrons can be generated (secondary electrons) and collected by the detector to generate an image. 

When compared to normal light microscopy, SEMs offer the advantage of breaking the limit of resolution that comes with light microscopy and allow for resolution that can reach the atomic level. Light microscopy is, in fact, limited by the wavelength of light, which is physically set in a defined range. When going below the lower limit of this range, the image becomes blurry and it is no longer possible to distinguish details. In contrast, compared to light microscopy, SEM offers much higher magnification (2 million X) and resolution (<2nm) is able to detect hidden defects and microstructural details invisible to the naked eye.

SEM provides both qualitative and quantitative data. The surface features and irregularities of a sample such as fine scratches, fractures or pores can be revealed as well as the chemical elements and compounds present in the sample. Larger atoms are much stronger scatterers of electrons than light atoms and therefore produce a higher signal and appear brighter. This allows for the differentiation of different phases based on atomic number of the atoms in the sample. These capabilities make SEM a versatile tool for applications including research, QC and failure analysis in material sciences.  

Defect Detection with SEM

The most common 3D printing defects include layer delamination, where weak interlayer bonding leads to separation; porosity, resulting from trapped gas or insufficient material flow; incomplete fusion, caused by inadequate melting between deposited layers; surface roughness, due to irregular material deposition or cooling; and distortion, arising from thermal stresses during printing. 

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) plays a vital role in identifying these issues by providing high-resolution images that reveal voids, microcracks, and poor bonding between layers. 

SEM also detects contaminants or unwanted particles that can weaken mechanical properties and enables precise assessment of surface uniformity and morphology, helping researchers and manufacturers optimise printing parameters, materials, and post-processing techniques to achieve stronger and more reliable 3D-printed components.

SEM reduces costly failures by providing early, high-resolution insights into the microstructural and surface-level causes of defects before they lead to part failure or performance loss. By identifying issues such as voids, poor bonding, or contamination at the microscopic level, SEM enables timely process adjustments and material improvements, preventing expensive rework and production downtime.

Material Characterisation Using SEM

SEM can provide important information to support feedstock analysis by revealing particle size, shape, surface texture and composition, ensuring powders or raw materials meet the required quality for consistent 3D printing performance. 

For the final product, SEM provides detailed imaging of microstructure, layer interfaces, and surface finish, helping verify build integrity and detect defects such as cracks, porosity, or contamination. This comprehensive view across both stages ensures process control, material reliability, and overall product quality.

The Phenom XL desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM) with ParticleX is designed as an automated solution for AM powder and product characterisation. Powders can be assessed in terms of their size distribution, morphology, and chemical composition. The large sample holder, 100mmx100mm is capable of loading up to 30 additive stubs at once. 

After the powder has been mounted onto the SEM stub the contents of the entire stub can be analysed using the integrated automation features delivered by Perception Software. A data table corresponding to the user’s region of choice is provided along with an EDS spectrum for each particle analysed. It’s easy to use and delivers reports that summarise findings without bias.

SEM vs Other Analytical Techniques

SEM provides direct, high resolution 3D imaging of particle morphology and chemical confirmation that other techniques (such as laser diffraction, BET surface area analysis, powder rheology, optical imaging) cannot match on their own. 

SEM allows for the analysis of individual particles, providing unique insights into how their size, shape, and composition altogether may affect material behaviour.

 SEM’s combined capabilities make it the gold standard for identifying and characterising defects, such as fine surface irregularities, agglomerations, or foreign particles, and ensuring overall material quality. 

Applications of SEM in Additive Manufacturing

Titanium alloys are essential in aerospace applications due to their strength and lightweight properties. However, their performance at high temperatures has been a significant challenge.

The Thermo Scientific Phenom Pharos Desktop Scanning Electron Microscope with EDS is transforming the development of titanium alloy coatings. By providing detailed insights into the thickness, density, and uniformity of MoSi2 coatings, this advanced SEM technology is paving the way for safer and more efficient aerospace applications.

Learn more about how this cutting-edge technology is shielding titanium from high-temperature resilience and ensuring reliability in extreme conditions.

 Click here to read the case study

In studying the cleanliness of dental implants, the aim is to determine if a dental implant is either clean, contaminated, or contains only a few impurities. Therefore it is essential to get detailed information on a micron level. The challenge is to find those particles that could effect the biology of the patients. Particles contaminants on implants can become lose with the implant during the insertion process, leading to severe consequences for the patient, including a foreign body reaction, loss of bone, and even the loss of an implant. 

The Phenom Desktop SEM enables you to directly identify foreign material that is not titanium or zirconia, which are the core materials of dental implants. Black spots are signs of organic contaminants; bright spots originate from metal residues such as nickel, copper, tin or chromium–all of them certainly have no place on an implantable medical device. Users can further analyse the elemental composition of particles using the fully integrated EDS detector. 

See case study here

Air compressor quality monitoring can help users save money, reduce downtime and improve the efficiency of a compressed air system. In Europe, Sanden Manufacturing Poland produces compressors for leading automotive brands and uses SEM to monitor products coming off the production line. 

SEM allows contaminants to be quickly identified and resolved before problems may occur, without slowing production. Sanden relies on the Thermo Scientific Phenom ParticleX TC Desktop Scanning Electron Microscope to automatically investigate the nature of the contamination they encounter, including the precise size of particles and how frequently they appear.

Click here to read the case study

In another example, CV joints are critical for vehicle performance, but they often fail due to wear and tear. This latest case study explores how advanced SEM technology is helping to identify and address these failures. Using the Phenom Pharos SEM, the group analysed CV joint materials to pinpoint failure mechanisms and improve durability. The results enabled enhanced understanding and solutions for longer-lasting CV joints.
Discover more in our case study.

A multitude of ASTM standards for preparing and characterising metal additive powders are used throughout the industry. Phenom XL desktop SEM and ParticleX are ideal instruments for the analysis of additive powders. Two of the most relevant ASTM standards include B215-15 (Standard Practice for Sampling Metal Powders) and F1877-16 (Standard Practice for Characterisation of Particles ). 

The first standard discusses collecting an appropriate quantity of material to represent the bulk and the second standard discusses how this material is subsequently characterised including morphology, quantity, size, and size distribution of particles.

Benefits of Using SEM in Additive Manufacturing

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provides high-resolution imaging that reveals surface morphology, microstructure, and defects in additive manufacturing (AM) materials. It enables detection of porosity, cracks, and poor layer bonding that affect mechanical performance. SEM also helps assess powder feedstock quality, particle size, and contamination. By identifying root causes of defects early, SEM supports process optimisation, improving part consistency, reliability, and reducing costly failures.

The Phenom desktop SEM offers rapid, high-resolution imaging ideal for additive manufacturing. It allows quick, easy and inhouse inspection of powder feedstock, layer interfaces, and printed parts. With intuitive operation and fast turnaround, the Phenom SEM helps optimise print parameters, ensure consistent quality, and accelerate materials development.

Conclusion

Additive manufacturing continues to transform how we design and build the world around us. Ensuring that printed parts have minimal porosity is critical for their strength, reliability, and longevity. 

Through ATA Scientific, researchers can access the Phenom XL desktop SEM with ParticleX, a powerful solution that enables detailed analysis of metal powder properties in accordance with ASTM standards—helping to optimise printing parameters and support efficient powder recycling. As innovations in additive manufacturing advance, understanding the submicron world with tools like the Phenom SEM will be key to driving better, more reliable outcomes. 

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