A Case Study:
Molded Part Defect Identification

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is ideal for determining the presence of inorganic species.

The Case

Polymer Solutions Incorporated received a molded silicone medical part thatcontained a small discoloration on the tip. Our client needed to understand thecomposition of the defect, in order to determine how it got there.

Testing showedthat the defect was composed of an alloy of cobalt, chromium, and molybdenum,embedded in a silicone matrix. This alloy was present in another process in thesame manufacturing facility and contaminated the silicone part.

Optical 32x

SEM 500x

SEM 2000x

SEM-EDS 2000x

Full Study> Defect Identification.pdf (2 MB)

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The Approach

To solve this challenge, Polymer Solutions used three analytical techniquesto examine and characterize the defect:

• Optical microscopy
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)

Initially, the defect was viewed and documented using an optical microscope. In order to furthercharacterize the defect region, SEM with EDS was also utilized.