The Benefits of a SEM Upgrade

You need your scanning electron microscope (SEM) to optimally perform to give you the best  possible images for your application. But what can you do when your technology isn’t meeting the expected standard? You might think a new SEM is your only choice — but this represents a significant capital investment. Luckily, you have options.

What Are My SEM Upgrade Options?

Let’s start by exploring all of the choices you have available. Depending on your application and requirements, you could:

• Keep using your current SEM. For the sake of this discussion, let’s assume this is not an option. You need another solution.
• Purchase a brand new SEM system. A new SEM can provide the reliability and  high-quality images you seek, but it will likely require a significant unbudgeted capital investment.
• Purchase a refurbished SEM. If your current system simply isn’t cutting it, a refurbished SEM may be a good balance between your outdated technology and an entirely new system.
• Upgrade your existing SEM equipment. One option you may not have considered is to upgrade your current SEM. SEMTech Solutions’ SEMView8000 can upgrade your SEM, allowing it to operate with new SEM column electronics and software. The result: increased reliability and better imaging technology.

Each of these options comes with its pros and cons, and ultimately, the decision you make comes back to your own needs. However, SEMTech Solutions holds the belief that a SEM upgrade with SEMView8000 technology is the most advantageous choice and should be taken under consideration.

What is SEMView8000 Technology?

Before we get into the reasons why a SEM upgrade is a better option, what is the SEMView8000 and how does it help your processes?

SEMView8000 is a full SEM column electronics and software upgrade that provides enhanced security, faster and more collaborative work, and higher density imagery than your existing SEM system. It provides the technical specifications you need — without a massive investment in new equipment. SEMView8000 is made up of three parts: operator console, upgraded electronics, and software. These function together to provide an easy-to-use, high-quality, efficient solution for all applications.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Existing SEM

Why is upgrading with the SEMView8000 your best option? Let’s take a look at the benefits of a SEM upgrade.

Technical Support

Upgrading to SEMView8000 is about more than your SEM. Institutions and industrial users that invest in SEM upgrades with SEMTech Solutions gain access to ongoing maintenance and support from a team of experienced experts. Our support team is available when you need it, and with dispatch offices around the country, our team can help address issues as they arise. This includes regular maintenance and online support, as well as emergency repairs and replacement parts.

SEMTech Solutions protects your investment.

Performance

SEMs that have been upgraded with SEMView8000 can far exceed the original manufacturer specifications in terms of pixel density, resulting in better images. It also comes with enhanced security, improved reliability, and better collaboration. And on top of that, everything goes through one simple-to-use, intuitive system installed on Windows10 and beyond for convenience and ease-of-operation. Overall, SEM upgrades give you increased performance without the cost of replacing your tool altogether.

What if you decide to purchase a new SEM? Depending on the machine you choose, it may come with top-of-the-line features and support. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits of a new machine with the upfront investment. For many institutions and industrial users, the cost may outweigh the benefits.

What if you purchased a refurbished SEM instead? Again, depending on the model you choose, a refurbished SEM can provide upgraded image quality. However, it does also come with the drawbacks, particularly, with the PC operating system. A machine upgraded with SEMView8000 will provide high-density and high-quality images up to 8k by 8k (64 megapixels) that far exceed the specifications of a refurbished machine.

Ready to Upgrade?

While every institution and industrial user has unique technical requirements, upgrading your SEM with SEMView8000 can help get you higher-quality images and enhanced support when your budget just can’t justify new. Is a SEM upgrade the right choice for you? We can help. Contact us to determine the best path forward for your lab.