Automated SEM/EDS Monitoring of Steel Inclusions for Compliance with ASTM Standards
In modern steel manufacturing, non-metallic inclusions represent a critical quality concern due to their effects on mechanical properties and overall steel functionality. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) have immense value for the in-depth analysis of these inclusions, offering higher resolution and compositional data over traditional optical methods. The integration of SEM/EDS for effective inclusion characterization is explored, specifically with the Phenom ParticleX Steel Desktop SEM. In addition, the impact of non-metallic inclusions on steel properties is detailed, while the use of ASTM standards E45, E2142, and E2238 in setting benchmarks for inclusion assessment is described. Enhanced by automated SEM/EDS technologies, steelmakers can now achieve higher precision in detecting and classifying inclusions.