Newsletter - July 2008

Welcome to the July 2008 issue of the CSMA newsletter

New Developments from CSMA - Plasma Tumbler

In order to modify a surface, a plasma, created from volatile monomer gases, can be applied. On flat samples this is easily done by exposing the surface to the gas, however, on more complex samples this process has been more difficult, until now!

We have developed a plasma tumbler to ensure a more even coating on intricately shaped samples. This new device allows complete immersion and motion of the samples being treated, into the plasma discharge. As a result, all surfaces of the sample are exposed to the reactive species of the plasma, thereby allowing treatment of three-dimensional objects with complex geometries. In addition recessed areas can also be treated.

The new plasma tumbler consists of an open cage structure fixed to a vacuum rotary drive and bolted through the modified plasma reactor door. One of the main benefits to this design, is that the cage can be tailored to suit the dimensions and nature of the samples.

For further details please contact Justine Bentley by e-mail justine.bentley@ceram.com or by telephone +44 (0)1782 764235 or mobile +44 (0)7813 344103.

Rob's New Role

Rob Mitchell, who has worked at CSMA for 15 years as a senior scientist specialising in XPS and ToFSIMS, has recently changed from his operations based role to a new sales based role, Technical Sales Consultant. As with our other Technical Sales Consultants, Rob is available for on and off-site discussions for production and process problems, contamination or cleanliness issues as well as remaining one of CSMA's trained Expert Witnesses. Rob can be contacted by e-mail: rob.mitchell@ceram.com or by telephone +44 (0)1782 764416 or mobile +44 (0)7966 324333.

CSMA at MEDTEC Ireland

CSMA will be exhibiting for the 4^th successive year at MEDTEC Ireland's annual conference and exhibition in Galway, 24^th - 25^th September 2008.

Representatives, Ursula Thompson and Rob Mitchell, will be on hand to discuss the benefits of surface analysis, CSMA's expertise in surface and interface analysis and our multi-technique approach to new product development as well as product and process issues.

Visit us on stand 213 where we look forward to meeting you and discussing your analytical needs.

CSMA Surface Analysis Workshop

The date for our Autumn Surface Analysis Workshop has now been confirmed as Thursday 23rd October.

The day will provide you with an ideal opportunity to learn more about surface analysis and depth profiling techniques through a morning of presentations; highlighting the theory behind the techniques as well as showcasing industrial applications through a series of case studies. The afternoon will consist of laboratory demonstrations.

For further details including a program and registration form please follow this link

From Centre to CERAM

As of the 1st January 2009 CSMA will become CERAM Surface and Materials Analysis, a division of our parent company. This new and exciting chapter in CSMA's history, cementing the partnership of the two companies, will provide CSMA customers with easier access to CERAM's facilities and services including their UKAS accredited test-house, specialist project teams and large on-line information service. CSMA customers will also benefit from CERAM's Customer Liaison Group (CLG), launched last year to improve customer relations. The CLG is the first point of contact for all of CERAM's customers and has been very successful in raising customer satisfaction levels, and ensuring that all enquiries are dealt with quickly and accurately. More details to follow.