Phenom ParticleX: Desktop SEM/EDS for automated high-throughput analysis

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Phenom ParticleX: Desktop SEM/EDS for automated high-throughput analysis

Thermo Scientific’s Phenom ParticleX is a powerful solution that brings together scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in a fully automated, high-throughput desktop platform. By combining advanced imaging with automated chemical analysis, ParticleX enables faster, more consistent, and more accessible materials characterization than ever before.

With the integration of the Phenom XL desktop SEM and ParticleX software, this compact system offers automated particle detection, morphological analysis, chemical composition analysis, and classification—streamlining tasks that would otherwise require significant time and operator expertise.

ParticleX user interface

ParticleX TC Report example according to ISO 16232 standards

User interface ParticleX software

Ternary batteries

Automation: The new standard in materials analysis

Phenom ParticleX is Thermo Fisher Scientific’s answer to the increasing demand from manufacturers and laboratories for efficient, automatable SEM solutions. Across industries, there is a clear shift from outsourcing sample analysis to bringing it in-house. This transition is driven by the need for faster decision-making, tighter quality control, and reduced operational costs.

Automation lies at the core of this shift. With ParticleX, tasks that traditionally took hours—or even days—can now be completed in a fraction of the time, with minimal user intervention. This allows even non-specialized operators to generate reliable data and ensures that companies maintain full control over their analytical workflows.

Imaging with Phenom desktop SEM

Key benefits of automated SEM/EDS with ParticleX

Fast, reliable results – Same day

External SEM analysis often requires up to 10 working days. Phenom ParticleX delivers accurate results within a single day—dramatically accelerating R&D, production monitoring, or failure analysis.

High throughput without extra labor

The system can automatically analyze multiple samples in sequence, increasing throughput by up to 10× compared to manual operation. This efficiency enables teams to keep pace with growing sample volumes without scaling up personnel.

Consistent, reproducible analysis

Automated workflows minimize operator variability. Standardized scan conditions, consistent particle recognition, and rule-based classification ensure repeatable, high-quality results across every run.

Integrated chemical classification

With EDS fully integrated into the workflow, ParticleX doesn’t just detect particles—it identifies their chemical composition and verifies compliance with internal or industry standards.

Low training requirements

The intuitive interface and guided workflows mean that new users can operate the system with minimal training.

Enhanced quality control

Internalizing SEM/EDS capabilities gives companies direct control over quality monitoring and troubleshooting. Rapid feedback during production or materials testing enables timely adjustments and prevents costly issues.

Scalable for industry-specific applications

Thermo Scientific offers a range of ParticleX configurations tailored to specific industrial needs. Whether it’s for additive manufacturing, technical cleanliness, batteries or steel applications, environmental particles (asbestos analysis) or forensic applications (gunshot residue), each system is optimized for the typical materials and analysis requirements of that sector.

These configurations allow organizations to quickly deploy SEM/EDS capabilities where they are needed most—without the complexity or cost of traditional, lab-scale systems.

Conclusion

Phenom ParticleX redefines what is possible in desktop electron microscopy. By automating critical aspects of particle analysis and chemical identification, it empowers organizations to operate faster, smarter, and more efficiently.

Whether you’re managing quality control in production, performing failure analysis, or conducting routine material characterization, ParticleX delivers high-end analytical performance in a format that’s accessible, affordable, and built for the demands of modern industry.

Click here to find out more about the different Phenom ParticleX SEM automation configurations.

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