SEM modernization

Modernize your SEM to the latest technology

Enhance your trusted electron microscope to meet modern standards! Our SEM Upgrade caters to all types of scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), and exchanges outdated or not longer servicable add-ons for cutting-edge technology - from acquisition to control and software. Each microscope configuration and installation is carefully tailored to each customer's requirements.

The point electronic SEM Upgrade adds state of the art performance and keeps the electron microscope serviceable for the next 10+ years. So: Don’t scrap – modernize!

Every modernization is a bespoke solution

We provide you with an upgrade customized to your specific needs. From the required technical capabilities, to the technologies and applications you want to run in the future, to the packaging solution in the plinth or in a separate rack.

We would be happy to advise you.

Click here and book a demo with us.

Advantages

The effects of our modernization for your SEM:

increased performance - from sample insertion to final image

a system that is fully serviceable, incl. 10+ years spare part guarantee for point electronic products

new techniques and capabilities in the SEM

Keep established workflows and add-ons

cost efficient, plus costs savings for acquisition, operation and service

How does the SEM Modernization work?

We optimize your microscope exactly to your needs - but that doesn't mean we exchange the whole system. With our SEM Upgrade, we change everything that needs changing and keep what is important for you.

YOU KEEP

Your column incl. HV-PSU and pumps
Your add-ons, according to functionality and your requirements
(such as EDX, EBSD, etc).
Your established/certified workflows
Your laboratory layout and ancillary equipment

WE ADD

State of the art electronics
User friendly software with efficient workflows
Improved performance
Network compatibility
New techniques
Reduced costs
Environmental friendlyness

How do we do the SEM Modernization?

Once we have configured the upgrade to your needs, specifications and conditions in your lab, we arrange an appointment at your premises:

• We handle the deinstallation of your old equipment.
• We do the on-site installation of the SEM upgrade for you, in most cases directly in your lab.
• Upgrades take around 3 days. This keeps downtime to a minimum.
• With our included training you will be fit for our applications within 1 day.

Contact us

Arrange a demo with us or request a non-binding quote.

User experiences

What do our users and partners say about us? Read the experiences of scientists and engineers who work with a microscope modernized by point electronic. What were the reasons for an SEM update and what has changed compared to before?

"After the modernization with the point electronic upgrade, we were able to take amazingly good pictures with the existing detectors (SE / BSE), in a quality that far exceeded that of the original hardware even at the time of purchase 22 years ago. The operation with the two additional panels including trackball and the sophisticated software control of the device is also a lot of fun to work with. Software features such as the false color-coded contrast and brightness settings make operation so much easier."

Ao. Univ-Prof. Mag. Dr. Bernd Minnich, FRMS; Paris Lodron University Salzburg

about the SEM Modernization of a FEI/PHILIPS ESEM XL-30

to the full report

Our experience

We can look back on around 200 installations of our SEM upgrade. For these microscope models, among others:

• ZEISS / LEO
• PHILIPS / FEI
• Cambridge
• Jeol
• Hitachi
• TESCAN

What is included?

Controls and aquisition

• New SEM control electronics and software
• Support for MicrosoftWindows 7 up to 11, with full network compatibility
• Universal GUI for all upgraded tools independent of manufacturer
• Versatile and fast Scanning system:
  • Simultaneous signal acquisition for up to 20 signals (SE, BSE, EDS, WDS, etc.)
  • Image resolution of up to 500 MPixels
  • Scanning speed down to 10ns dwell time
• Automatic vacuum, gun, stage and detector controls
• New hard panels for column, detector and stage control
• IR chamberscope (for most models)
• PC and display(s) or laptop (optional)

Techniques

• Atomic-number discrimination with BSE detectors
• Topography measurements with shape-from-shadow
• Micro-analysis with EDS detectors and mapping
• Electrical failure analysis with EBIC and EBAC/RCI

Further technical details

The REM upgrade consists of hardware, software and options. Find the details here:

• Hardware
• Software
• Options

Here you will find user reports on some REM modernizations that we have recently completed for different companies and scientific institutions. Find out more about why users have opted for an REM update and what changes there are in the before-and-after comparison.

Upgrade of a FEI/PHILIPS ESEM XL-30 for the University of Salzburg

Can you tell us about your institution?

Our Core Facility Electron Microscopy at the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences of the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg offers scientists from various fields of physics, biology and biomedicine, as well as colleagues from the state hospitals in their various medical disciplines, the opportunity to analyze their samples in the SEM and TEM.

What were your reasons for modernizing?

The main reason for the modernization of our more than 20-year-old FEI XL-30 scanning electron microscope were several technical defects in the hardware and software, which ultimately led to a total failure of the microscope. As a result, many research projects, theses and teaching courses could not be continued. We therefore had to act quickly and find a relatively inexpensive solution to put the device back into operation, as purchasing a new SEM would not have been feasible in the short or medium term.

What is the microscope with the point electronic Upgrade enabling now?

After the modernization with the point electronic upgrade, we were able to take amazingly good pictures with the existing detectors (SE / BSE), in a quality that far exceeded that of the original hardware even at the time of purchase 22 years ago. The operation with the two additional panels including trackball and the sophisticated software control of the device is also a lot of fun to work with. Software features such as the false color-coded contrast and brightness settings make operation so much easier.

What are your experiences with the installation of the upgrade by point electronic?

The upgrade process was very well structured and very fast. After submitting the device data requested by point electronic (e.g. size of the sample chamber, installed detectors, ...), we received a binding cost estimate with 2 variants (incl. and without ESEM mode). After placing our order, we were given a prompt date for the upgrade process, which point electronic adhered to exactly. The upgrade itself, including training, was completed within 2 days.

We are also very impressed with the telephone support, which we used frequently, especially at the beginning after the changeover. The technicians are extremely competent and always available. Remote maintenance has also been installed, which has been very helpful in solving problems.

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• Comparison: SEM before and after the upgrade by point electronic GmbH

  

• Upgraded microscope with new electronics in separate rack

  

• Upgraded microscope with new electronics integrated in the plinth

  

• Handset with SEM and trackball panel for function control

  

• SEM Control software for controlling functions and for displaying and analyzing measurement data