30 Metallograph Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for metallographs as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 30 metallograph manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked metallograph companies as of April, 2024: 1.NX-MET, 2.ALLIED HIGH TECH PRODUCTS, INC., 3.Lapmaster International, LLC.
Table of Contents
1976~2001: Worked at the Geological Survey of the Industrial Science and Technology Agency of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (initially). Engaged in research on resource geology at the Hokkaido Branch.
2001~2016: Worked as an industry-academia-government collaboration coordinator at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and also served as the head of the Manufacturing Fundamental Technology Support Office.
2004~2016: R&B Park Sapporo Odori Satellite is a base to support the development of products and technologies through industry-academia-government collaboration in Hokkaido.
Currently working as a science and technology advisor.
What Are Metallographs?
Metallographs, also known as projection microscopes or falling-glass microscopes, are a type of optical microscope.
In general, most of what is called industrial microscopy refers to metallographs. Although the name metallurgy is given to it, it is used to observe the surface of samples that are difficult for light to penetrate, such as metals, ores, ceramics, semiconductors, and so on.
Metallographs use light reflected from the sample to produce a magnified image. Similarly, a stereo microscope uses light reflected from a sample to obtain a magnified image.
Uses of Metallographs
Metallographs are used to observe metallographic structures and alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, plastic electronic components, rocks, and ores.
Specific applications are as follows:
- Observation of changes in the state of raw materials before and after physical or thermal processing at metal casting, refining, metallurgy, etc.
- Inspection of defects such as minute dents and scratches that cannot be seen with a stereo microscope at processing sites for plastics and semiconductor products, etc.
- Quality control at production sites in the precision machinery industry, electrical and electronic industries, etc.
- Research or education in metallography, mineralogy, etc.
Principle of Metallograph
Figure 1. Images of the same field of view observed with transillumination and reflected illumination
The most significant difference between transillumination and reflected illumination observation is that areas that appear dark in transillumination appear bright in reflected illumination. Therefore, information that could not be seen with a biological microscope can be compensated for with a metallograph.
An ordinary optical microscope for observing microorganisms and cells is also called a transmission optical microscope because the light transmitted through the sample is magnified by the objective lens and eyepiece.
Figure 2. Illumination optics (Polarized light observation specification)
Metallographs are also a type of optical microscope and have the same general structure as biological microscopes, but they have a unique structure for observing specimens that light cannot penetrate at high magnification. In this optical system, light emitted from the light source is reflected by a half-mirror and reaches the sample for observation through the objective lens, and the reflected light from the sample is observed by the human eye through the objective lens and eyepiece.
How to Select a Metallograph
There are various types of metallographs, ranging from portable ones which can be relatively cheap to larger ones which can be expensive when options such as lens sets and imaging equipment are included.
When selecting a metallograph, it is important to first clarify the purpose of use. When making the actual selection, consider the following points:
- If you prefer the sample surface to face downwards, or if you want to exchange samples quickly, choose an inverted type with the mirror body below the sample; otherwise, choose an upright type.
- If you intend to observe polarization characteristics such as optical anisotropy of the sample, select a polarizing microscope that comes standard with a polarizing filter set.
- If you also wish to perform transillumination observation, a microscope that can instantly switch between transillumination and reflection illumination with a single touch is optimal.
- If you want to frequently take pictures and movies of the observed images, a trinocular type that allows binocular observation with a camera attached is most suitable.
- If you want to move a sample precisely at a high magnification of more than 100x, select a stage that meets your purpose, such as a mechanical stage or an XY stage.
Other Information on Metallographs
1. Main Optical Filters
Metallographs are available with the same filters as biological microscopes to help you observe the optical properties of your samples in detail.
Color temperature conversion (LB) filters
The color temperature of a sample varies depending on the type of lamp used as the illumination source, so the color of the sample to be observed depends on the light source. In optical microscopy, the color of a sample is one of the most important factors to observe.
In order to correctly compare the color of a sample with the color described in literature, it is necessary to observe the sample at the same color temperature. Therefore, a color temperature conversion filter is used to achieve the same color temperature as sunlight, which is the most universal light source.
Color Correction (CC) Filters
Color correction (CC) filters are used to adjust the intensity of the three primary colors of light (red, green, and blue) or the three primary colors of color (cyan, magenta, and yellow).
Polarization Filter
Polarizing filters are a set of polarizers placed immediately after the light source (in front of the sample) and an analyzer placed between the sample and the eyepiece. The polarization filters are used to determine the change in polarization state when polarized light that has passed through the polarizer is reflected by the sample.
Since the polarization state changes depending on the crystal structure of the sample and other factors, the polarization filter can be used to determine the optical properties of crystals and the internal structure of polymers.
2. Preparation of Samples for Metallograph
When observing with a metallograph, the specimen surface must be smooth and set so that the light from the objective lens enters the specimen perpendicularly. Microscopic observation with reflected light provides strong contrast in the case of scratches on the specimen surface, but it is often impossible to distinguish differences in the optical orientation of crystals or slight differences in composition.
Therefore, unless the surface is smooth without processing, the specimen may need to be cut and polished before observation, or an etching process may be required to make difficult-to-see microstructures easier to see.
Preparation of Polished Specimens
Diamond cutters and polishing equipment are used to cut and polish specimens to the appropriate size. In addition, special polishing flakes are required for mineralogical studies, for example, when it is necessary to switch between transmitted and reflected illumination observation. The creation of polishing flakes can be automated to some extent, but sufficient experience and knowledge are required for the creation of polishing flakes.
Figure 3. Growth pattern in sphalerite after etching with nitric acid
When grain boundaries or microstructures that should be present are not visible, etching of the sample surface can often solve the problem. There are two types of etching methods: chemical etching with acid and electrolytic etching.
List of 30 Metallograph Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- India
- Italy
- Japan
- Taiwan
- Turkey
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Lapmaster International, LLC
Metallography
Manufacturer Overview
LAPMASTER WOLTERS’s roots go back as far as 1804 with the founding of Peter Wolters. Lapmaster was founded in Chicago in 1948 as a manufacture of lapping and polishing machines for the mechanical seal market, Lapmaster has grown to a worldwide solution provider for more than 20 industries like precision optics and advanced materials. Lapmaster serves many industries including automotive, semiconductor, electro optics, and medical devices. Lapmaster also sells many consumables including abrasive powders, lapping compounds diamond lubricants, and composite plates. Products include lapping, polishing, bore honing, buffing, grinding, and special purpose machines.
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Manufacturer Overview
Unitron, established in 1952 and located in New York, United States, is a manufacturer of microscopes and related optical accessories. The company specializes in producing binocular stereo-zoom microscopes and variable inclination position binocular microscopes. It also manufactures digital microscopy cameras, microscope stands, objective lenses, and LED rings and fiber optic illuminators. Its binocular stereo-zoom microscopes are excellent for assembly and rework applications thanks to the 23mm optics system and nearly 8” working distance. Its products could be used in various applications, including industrial inspection, medical devices, material science, forensics, and earth science.
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ALLIED HIGH TECH PRODUCTS, INC.
Metallographic Equipment
Manufacturer Overview
Allied High Tech Products Inc, established in 1983 in California, USA, is a manufacturer of equipment and consumables for metallographic analysis. The company specializes in manufacturing advanced materials preparation and analysis equipment with proprietary technology. Its products include precision sectioning machines, mechanical milling machines, mounting machines, grinding and polishing machines, and other microscopy systems. These tools offer enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and data insights for industries like materials science, aerospace, metallurgy, and electronics. These products are ideal for all types of surface and sample preparation needs, especially for laboratory analysis.
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Sun-Tec Corporation
Metallographic Equipment
Manufacturer Overview
Sun-Tec Corporation is a manufacturer and supplier of testing equipment and solutions that was established in 1931 and is headquartered in Novi, Michigan, USA. The company produces a wide range of testing equipment, including hardness testers, tensile testers, and impact testers. Its products, such as Rockwell Hardness Testers, Brinell Hardness Testers, and Charpy Impact Testers, are used by a number of industries, as diverse as manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive industries. The company also provides a range of services, including custom manufacturing, calibration, and repair.
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PACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Metallographic Equipment
Manufacturer Overview
Pace Technologies Corporation was established in 2007 and is based in Tucson, Arizona as a manufacturer of advanced metallography equipment. The company offers a diverse range of metallographic products, including metallographic sample preparation equipment, consumables, accessories, analysis software, and laboratory furniture. These products are produced to help clients analysize and study the microstructure of metals, ceramics, plastics, minerals, and many other applications. The company offers user-friendly ordering information along with instant communication services to ensure customer satisfaction.
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Distributor Overview
Buehler, operational since 1936, located in 6 countries with main offices in Lake Bluff, Illinois, is a supplier of instruments for metallographic sampling, preparation and analysis. The line of products is segmented into mounting, etching, hardness testing, sectioning, and cutting equipment such as abrasive cutters, etchers, microscopes, testers, and cold mounters used in the automotive, defense, aerospace, medical, and electronics industries. The company is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified with an A2LA certification indicating that the company meets all standards for calibrations on measurement equipment.
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Carl Zeiss AG
Inverted Microscope System for Metallography
Manufacturer Overview
Carl Zeiss AG, established in 1846 and headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany, is a manufacturer of optical and optoelectronic technology. The company produces precision instruments such as microscopes, camera lenses, and medical imaging devices. These products serve the automotive, aerospace, healthcare, research, and scientific industries. Its optics are also utilized in manufacturing microchips, researching infectious diseases, and managing the quality of electric cars and windmills. The company holds ISO 9001 certification for compliance with quality management system standards.
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CARMAR ACCURACY CO., LTD
Metallographic Microscope
Manufacturer Overview
CARMAR ACCURACY CO., LTD, established in 1987 and based in Taichung, Taiwan, is a manufacturer and designer of non-contact and contact measurement systems. The company produces products such as linear scale, profile projectors, video measuring systems and machines, coordinate measuring machines, and white light scanners. All the measuring systems made by the company will inspect the metal, plastic, and rubber components like wafers and PCBs and supply them to different customers in Southeast Asia, China, Europe, America, and Japan.
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TIME Group Inc.
Metallographic Microscope
Manufacturer Overview
Beijing TIME High Technology Ltd., founded in 1984 in Beijing, China, is a manufacturer of precision measuring instruments. The company manufactures Leeb hardness testers, thickness gauges, ultrasonic flaw detectors, metallurgy equipment, and roughness testers. These advanced instruments are important for obtaining robust accuracy and stability, making them indispensable tools for quality control and material testing across various industries. The Leeb hardness testers are used for assessing the hardness of metals, while their thickness gauges and roughness testers maintain quality standards. The wholly owned company of Time Group with ISO9001, ISO14001, OHSAS18001, CE, Gost Certificates, operates in 60 countries.
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Nikon Corporation
metallurgical material inspection
Manufacturer Overview
NIKON CORPORATION was founded in Japan in 1917 and is a global manufacturer of imaging products, optics, precision equipment, and instruments. The company's main product offerings include the Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, and COOLPIX. It also offers consumer and professional accessories such as NIKKOR brand optics, Speedlights, system accessories, and software products, along with premium sports and recreational optical products, including full-line binoculars, Fieldscopes, and rangefinders. The company complies with international standards such as ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018, catering to industries such as photography and videography, healthcare, manufacturing, and research.
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OPTIKA S.r.l.
metallographic analysis
Manufacturer Overview
Optika Italy, established in 1971 and headquartered in Ponteranica, Italy, is a manufacturer and supplier of microscopes and microscopy accessories. The company offers a range of products, including biological microscopes, stereo microscopes, polarizing microscopes, inverted microscopes, and digital cameras with software. These tools find application across diverse sectors such as education, research, industry, and medicine. All of its processes adhere to the Quality Management System, following the UNI EN ISO 9001 standard.
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Laizhou Weiyi experimental machine manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Metallurgical Microscope
Manufacturer Overview
Laizhou Weiyi experimental machine manufacturing Co. Ltd., established in 1986, is a manufacturer of environmental engineering and consulting services, and is headquartered in Beijing, China. It offers a wide range of services to its customers such as Wastewater treatment, Solid waste management, and Hazardous waste management. The main products of the company include Metallographic cutting machines, Metallographic grinding and polishing machines, and Metallographic microscopes. These products are used by aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is a member of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronics (CCCME).
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Jinan Hensgrand Instrument Co., Ltd.
Metallographic Microscope
Manufacturer Overview
Jinan Hensgrand Instrument Co. Ltd., established in 2001 and based in Jinan, China, is a manufacturer of testing equipment used in performance testing of metal, non-metal, and composite materials. Some of the equipment it stocks include spring, impact, and torsion testing machines used in several industries, including military, aviation, and auto manufacturing. The company sells to all cities and provinces around China and exports to several locations, including North America, Europe, and Australia. It has obtained CE and ISO 19001 certifications and welcomes OEM and ODM orders.
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Chennai Metco Pvt Ltd
Metallography Equipment
Manufacturer Overview
Chennai Metco Pvt Ltd, founded in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in 1995, is a manufacturer of Metallography Equipment and its consumables. The company's product portfolio includes Hardness Testers, Metallurgical Microscopes, Hardness Testers, Image Analysis Systems, and Metallography Consumables. It also offers a complete set up for metallography and petrography lab ranging from sectioning, mounting, hardness testing, and microscopy and services including training, product guidance, customer support, calibration and installation support. The company has 5 sales offices in India.
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Leica Microsystems Vertrieb GmbH
Metallography
Manufacturer Overview
Leica Microsystems is a developer and manufacturer of microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis of microstructures and nanostructures. The company is a provider in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal user scanning, and super-resolution microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy, sample preparation, and surgical microscopy used in medical, life science, and industrial applications. The company’s services include service plans, preventative maintenance, remote care, and qualification services for ensuring compliance of Leica equipment to governmental regulations.
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NX-MET
METALLOGRAPHY MACHINES
Manufacturer Overview
NX-MET, founded in France in 2009, is a manufacturer of consumables for metallography and materialography. The company manufactures diamond products with diamond powder and its product portfolio consists of resinoid cutting discs, diamond cutting discs including metallic and resin bond discs for precision cutting of hard and very hard materials, CBN cutting discs, cutting fluids, and dressing stones specially designed for cleaning and dressing diamonds. The company also provides recycling packaging, warehousing and customer services.
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Manufacturer Overview
Struers is a manufacturer of materialographic equipment and consumables based in France since 1875. The company designs equipment used for cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, and verifying materials for enhancing and streamlining the processes of sample preparation, from manufacturing and quality assurance to failure investigation and research. There are cut-off machines such as Magnutom-5000, Mounting accessories, machines, and consumables along with automated solutions for grinding and polishing. These products cater to automobile and airplane manufacturers including mobile phone producers and aerospace sectors.
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Motic Group
Metallurgical Microscopes
Manufacturer Overview
Motic Group, founded in 1988 and based in Texas, United States, is a manufacturer of various types of microscopes and related equipment and components. The company specifically makes biological microscopes, stereo microscopes, trinoculars, tablet cameras, and single-slide scanners. It also fabricates high-voltage insulation components and slide-sharing platforms. Its microscopes can be used in various applications such as education, life sciences, industrial, and scientific research and it is an ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 13485 certified company.
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Manufacturer Overview
A.KRÜSS, since 1796, has been a manufacturer of high-precision analysis and laboratory instruments. The instruments are refractometers, polarimeters, density meters, flame photometers, and melting point meters. More products are circulating thermostats, gas analyzers, microscopes, spectroscopes, and spectral measuring instruments. The company in Germany is ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 certified and provides services such as application consulting, product demonstration, calibration & adjustments, maintenance & repair, and installation with warranty extensions. The company has a pages campus with facts about density measurement, radioactivity, measuring methods, and optical devices.
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Chengyu Testing Equipment Co.,Ltd
Metallographic Microscope
Company Overview
Chengyu Testing Equipment Co. Ltd, established in 2010, is a manufacturer and supplier of testing machines based in Jinan, China, and with branches in Qingdao, and Hong Kong China. The company’s product portfolio consists of compression testers, tensile testing equipment, hardness testers, fatigue testing machines, and bending testing machines used in geotechnical laboratories, civil engineering, construction, mining, educational and research establishments. The company also offers test fixturing, software accessories, and calibration services that meet the ASTM, JIS, BSI, DIN, and ISO standards and specifications.
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Metkon Instruments Inc.
Microscopy
Company Overview
Metkon Instruments Inc., founded in Turkey in 1993, is a manufacturer of scientific instruments for advanced materials analysis, sample preparation, quality control, and testing applications. The company's product portfolio includes manual and automatic cutting, grinding, and polishing machines, metallographic supplies, mounting materials, image analysis systems, and optical microscopes. The company provides total preparation solutions to the metallography, petrography, and spectroscopy industries and has distributors in Europe, Asia, and United States
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Wuxi jiebo electrical technology co.,ltd.
Metallographic Microscope
Company Overview
Wuxi jiebo electrical technology co.,ltd. was founded in 2009 and is a manufacturer and supplier of high-speed analytical instruments based in Liangxi, Wuxi, China. The company offers various analytical measuring devices such as optical emission spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma, carbon sulfur analyzer, metallographic cutting machine, universal testing machine, and pen type hardness tester. The products have been used in various fields of application such as casting, metallurgy, mechanical, steel, and ore.
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Ted Pella, Inc.
Metallurgical Microscopes Overview
Company Overview
Ted Pella, Inc., established in 1996, is a manufacturer and distributor of supplies, instruments, and laboratory equipment for electron, light, and atomic force microscopy. The company, which is based in Redding, California, offers products including adhesives, microscope cameras, chemicals, cleaning systems, and slide covers. Ted Pella has partnered with companies worldwide that distribute their products on their behalf, including Mastech International, Prositech, Agar Scientific, Katrin Field Incorporated, and Techforce Development Limited.
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Ostec Corporate Group
Analytical metallographic systems
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Metlab Corporation
Metallurgical Microscopes
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Taiwan Nakazawa CO., LTD.
Metallography Equipment
Distributor Overview
Taiwan Nakazawa CO., LTD., established in 1988, and based in Taichung City, Taiwan, operates as a distributor of measuring instruments and metallography equipment. The company also offers metal detection and analysis instrument to customers in Taiwan. It manufactures quality and highly precise equipment, including metallographic pre-treatment equipment, metallographic cutting machines, metallographic embedding machines, and metallographic grinding & polishing machines. The company has expanded its operations to include importing overseas professional brands of material testing machines, testers, detectors, and measuring instruments.
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Metallograph Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NX-MET |
11.1%
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| 2 | Sun-Tec Corporation |
9.3%
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| 3 | PACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
9.3%
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| 4 | Buehler |
9.3%
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| 5 | ALLIED HIGH TECH PRODUCTS, INC. |
7.4%
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| 6 | Lapmaster International, LLC |
7.4%
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| 7 | Taiwan Nakazawa CO., LTD. |
3.7%
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| 8 | Chennai Metco Pvt Ltd |
3.7%
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| 9 | Metkon Instruments Inc. |
3.7%
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| 10 | A.KRÜSS |
3.7%
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Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the metallograph page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Nikon Corporation: 18,437
Newly Established Company
- Chengyu Testing Equipment Co.,Ltd: 2010 (14 years ago)
- Laizhou lailuote testing instrument Co.,ltd.: 2007 (17 years ago)
- Laizhou Weiyi experimental machine manufacturing Co., Ltd.: 2001 (23 years ago)
Company with a History
- A.KRÜSS: 1796 (228 years ago)
- Carl Zeiss AG: 1846 (178 years ago)
- Nikon Corporation: 1917 (107 years ago)
Metallograph Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Lapmaster International, LLC
- UNITRON
- ALLIED HIGH TECH PRODUCTS, INC.
- Sun-Tec Corporation
- PACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
- Buehler
Global Distribution of Metallograph Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
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China
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7 | 29.2% |
United States of America
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6 | 25.0% |
Germany
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3 | 12.5% |
Italy
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2 | 8.3% |
Japan
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1 | 4.2% |
India
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1 | 4.2% |
France
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1 | 4.2% |
Denmark
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1 | 4.2% |
Turkey
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1 | 4.2% |
Taiwan
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1 | 4.2% |
List of Metallograph Products
9 products are listed.
Sato Corporation
Portable metal microscope (shop metal microscope) HJ-MR2
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 23 hours ago
It can be carried to work sites and factories. For observation and analysis of metal tissues and raw materials ■ Characteristics ・ Optical magnif...
Micro Davans Co., Ltd.
Metal straightforward microscope MK Series Mk-600M
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 22 hours ago
We have a microscope that can be used for various scenes and applications, such as substances and metals. <Features of microscope MK Series> ◆ MK-...
Leica Microsystems Vertrieb GmbH
Inverted metal microscope DM ILM
10+ people viewing
Simple manual inverted microscope It is a high -cost -performance inverted metal microscope equipped with an HC optical system in a compact and ro...
Carton Kogaku
Specialization for observation with cameras, small and lightweight metal microscope
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 21 hours ago
It is a small and lightweight metal microscope specialized for observation with a camera. feature ･ By infinity, it can be observed without changi...
Leica Microsystems Vertrieb GmbH
Intelligent inverted metal microscope DMI8 A
10+ people viewing
With a light operation of a solid image of Leica lightning ■ Automatic setting with one touch All observations are automatically adjusted with one...
Leica Microsystems Vertrieb GmbH
Routine inverted metal microscope DMI8 m
10+ people viewing
Simple manual inverted microscope Thorough use of ease of use and mechanical accuracy. A short training can be used immediately, and the work effic...
Micro Davans Co., Ltd.
Metal/Biological microscope MK Series Mk-600ms
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 22 hours ago
We have a microscope that can be used for various scenes and applications, such as substances and metals. <Features of microscope MK Series> ◆ MK-...
Leica Microsystems Vertrieb GmbH
Codeized inverted metal microscope DMI8 C
10+ people viewing
Codeized inverted metal microscope By linking PC camera system, you can automatically read the objective lens magnification information. You can al...
Micro Davans Co., Ltd.
Metal inverted microscope MK Series Mk-1000TM
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 22 hours ago
We have a microscope that can be used for various scenes and applications, such as substances and metals. <Features of microscope MK Series> ◆ MK-...
