Tabletop SEMs (Scanning Electron Microscopes)
Tabletop scanning electron microscopes (SEMs)—also called benchtop or desktop SEMs—offer high-resolution imaging and analytical capabilities in a compact, cost-effective format. Whether you’re working in materials science, education, life sciences, or quality control, tabletop SEMs deliver the performance of larger systems with a smaller footprint and lower cost of ownership.
What is a Tabletop SEM?
Tabletop SEMs are compact imaging systems that use a focused beam of electrons to scan the surface of a sample, creating highly detailed images at magnifications far beyond what optical microscopes can achieve. These systems typically offer resolutions down to a few nanometers and magnification up to 150,000x—making them powerful tools for various industries..
Designed for accessibility and efficiency, these compact SEMs require minimal infrastructure, are easy to operate, and offer a significantly lower cost of ownership compared to full-size systems. This makes them ideal for research laboratories, universities, manufacturing QA, and STEM education programs where hands-on access to advanced instrumentation is a major advantage.
Tabletop vs. Full-Size SEMs
Full-size SEMs offer higher maximum resolution, larger sample chambers, and more complex detector options—but they require more space, infrastructure, and cost. Tabletop SEMs, by contrast, provide excellent imaging and analysis capabilities in a compact, accessible format that fits most labs and budgets.
Watch Microscope vs SEM: We Went BEYOND Optical Magnification to see how tabletop SEMs deliver imaging power far beyond traditional optical microscopes.
Coxem Tabletop SEM Models: EM-30 & EM-40
Coxem’s tabletop SEM systems deliver powerful performance in compact form factors. Whether you’re focused on education, research, or failure analysis, the EM-30 and EM-40 offer versatile options for high-resolution imaging and microanalysis.
An ideal entry point for research and educational institutions, the EM-30 combines affordability with essential SEM performance.
- Affordable, high-quality imaging
- Panorama mode for larger areas
- Upgradeable for future research
- Beginner-friendly operation
Coxem’s newest model offers advanced imaging modes, ultra-fast performance, and modular flexibility for demanding users.
- Ultra-fast signal processing
- Multiple imaging modes
- Versatile performance
- Compact and intuitive
Advanced Capabilities: EDS and EBSD Options
Today’s compact SEMs can be equipped with powerful analytical tools once only found in full-size systems.
- Identify unknown materials
- Perform elemental mapping
- Analyze microstructures with ease
Coxem systems are compatible with detectors from Bruker, Oxford Instruments, and EDAX.
- Grain boundary mapping
- Phase distribution analysis
- Crystal orientation visualization
Coxem offers the only fully integrated EBSD system on a desktop SEM in partnership with Bruker.
Tabletop SEM—Request a Quote
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Tabletop SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopes)
High Resolution Tabletop SEM with Tungsten electron source and standard motorized 3-Axis XYT stage.
Coxem EM-40 is the latest innovation in tabletop SEMs, offering high-performance imaging and versatility for research and educational applications.
Accessories and Software for Tabletop and Desktop SEMs
STEM Module with dedicated imaging detector and TEM grid holder with 4 grids and EDS compatibility.
Cold Stage sample platform for EM-30 improves imaging of many polymer and biological samples, -25° C to 50° C temperature range.
Vibration Isolation platforms assist high magnification imaging by suppressing ambient vibrations. Multiple models available.
Request Tabletop SEM Pricing
Discount tabletop electron microscope (SEM) demo units available.
Tabletop / Desktop SEM Options for EDS Micro-Analysis
XFlash® 630 EDS for Tabletop SEM with 30mm² and Espirit compact software.
AZtechOne SDD EDS for tabletop SEM with 25mm² detector and Aztec software.
Profilometers are the culmination of over five decades of proprietary technology advances.
SEM Sample Preparation Tools
CP-8000+ Cross Section Polisher utilizing an Argon Ion Mill prepares samples for critical cross section analysis.
Leica EM TIC 3X allows the production of cross-sections and planed surfaces for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Tabletop / Desktop SEM Software
EM-30 Series Tabletop SEM Options for EDS Micro-Analysis
Oxford Xplore Compact EDS
Software platform for simple or advanced Elemental Micro-Analysis with a large 30mm² detector size.
Bruker EDS or EBSD
Adding Bruker EDS or EBSD to your SEM turns it into a powerful analytical tool allowing a multitude of capabilities using advanced microanalysis features for elemental analysis.
EDAX Element EDS
Software is an idealized program developed for first-time users with analysis functions for Point and Area Qualitative or Quantitative Elemental Analysis, Mapping, Line Scan, and built-in Reporting. APEX™ is designed with a “project” methodology.
Tabletop / Desktop SEM Software
Oxford AZTec Grain Analysis
Tabletop scanning electron microscope (SEM) grain analysis software.
Bruker Grain Analysis Software
Detect, measure and analyze any form of feature, and to provide its chemical classification using the high throughput capability of the XFlash® detectors.
Request Tabletop SEM Pricing
Check out our sale on tabletop electron microscope (SEM) demo units.
Tabletop Electron Microscope Video
What are the Advantages of Tabletop SEM for Microscopic Analysis?
Key Advantages:
- Lower cost – Reduced acquisition and ownership costs compared to full-sized SEM systems
- Minimal infrastructure – Less specialized facilities and personnel requirements
- User-friendly operation – Easy to use with simplified interfaces
- Versatile applications – Imaging, morphological, and elemental analysis across materials science, biology, and other fields
Educational Benefits:
- STEM outreach tool – Accessible for educational programs, even at middle school level with supervision
- Inspires future scientists – Hands-on experience with advanced microscopy technology
Cost Considerations:
- Lower total ownership costs – Reduced expenses for maintenance, service, facilities, and personnel
- Accessible to more organizations – Companies and research groups previously deterred by traditional SEM costs can now benefit
Bottom Line: Tabletop SEMs democratize electron microscopy by delivering high-quality imaging and analysis capabilities in a compact, affordable package that requires minimal specialized infrastructure.
TABLETOP ELECTRON MICROSCOPE PRICING | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE | DETECTORS | STAGE | MAGNIFICATION | PRICE RANGE |
| Entry Level Tabletop | BSE only | XY Only | under 60,000X | $50K to $60K |
| Intermediate Tabletop | BSE | XY Only | 100,000X | $60K to $70K |
| High End Tabletop | BSE and SE | XYT or more | 150,000X | $70K to $80K |
| Tabletop with EDS | BSE, SE and EDS | XYT or more | 150,000X | $100K to $125K |
| Entry Level Floor Model | BSE and SE | XYZRT | 300,000X | $95K to $120K |
| Entry Floor Model + EDS | BSE, SE and EDS | XYZRT | 300,000X | $130K to $160K |
At JH Technologies, we offer a range of tabletop SEMs that cater to your specific requirements. Our EM-30 Series incorporates a Tungsten electron source, which provides similar results to CeB6 source, but with a much lower cost of ownership, making it one of the most affordable tabletop SEMs in the industry. In addition, we also offer comprehensive solutions for EDS and EBSD, typically only available in full-sized systems, but now offered in the compact EM-30 and floor standing CX-200 Series .
Tabletop SEMs are a cost-effective solution that provides high-quality imaging and analytical capabilities. They are easy to use, require less infrastructure, and are ideal for a range of fields, from research to education. Contact JH Technologies using the form below to learn more about our tabletop SEMs, including tabletop SEM pricing and how they can benefit your research or analysis needs.