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?
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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 operationÂ
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.
By adding EDS and EBSD, your benchtop SEM becomes a complete microanalysis workstation—without the cost, size, or complexity of a floor-standing SEM.
Learn how to get EBSD with a benchtop SEM for under $200K.
- Identify unknown materials
- Perform elemental mapping
- Analyze microstructures with ease
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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.
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Accessories and Software for Tabletop and Desktop SEMs
Enhance your tabletop SEM system with specialized hardware and software tools that expand imaging capabilities, improve workflow efficiency, and support advanced analysis. These add-ons are ideal for labs in materials science, biology, education, and industrial quality control.
SEM Hardware Accessories
- STEM Detector – Enables transmission-mode imaging using a TEM grid holder; ideal for thin films and biological samples.
- Cold Stage – Temperature-controlled platform for imaging hydrated or heat-sensitive samples (range: -25°C to +50°C).
- Vibration Isolation Table – Minimizes ambient vibration during high-magnification imaging; available in multiple sizes.
SEM Software Options
- EDS Microanalysis – Elemental analysis tools from Bruker, Oxford, and EDAX for mapping, point scans, and quantitative results.
- Grain Analysis – Analyze grain structure and phase distribution with software from Oxford (AZtec) and Bruker.
- MountainsMap® – Create 3D surface visualizations and roughness measurements directly from SEM images.
- AI Imaging Software – Automate image analysis and feature detection using AI tools like Aivia for faster, more consistent results.
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These accessories and software packages can transform a standard tabletop SEM into a powerful, application-specific imaging and analysis platform.
Contact us to learn which options are right for your lab.
Tabletop Electron Microscope Video
Compact SEM Benefits and Applications
Desktop SEMs offer high-quality imaging and elemental analysis in a compact, affordable format—making them accessible to more labs, educators, and manufacturers than ever before.
Why Choose a Compact or Desktop SEM?
- Lower cost of ownership – Minimal maintenance, service, and facility requirements
- Easy to operate – Great for users at all experience levels
- Compact footprint – Fits into standard lab environments
- Versatile – Supports both imaging and microanalysis with optional EDS/EBSD
- Student-friendly SEMs – Even students can use them with supervision
Common Use Cases
- Materials Science & Engineering – Morphology, coatings, failure analysis
- Manufacturing & QA – Electronics, medical devices, additive manufacturing
- Life Sciences & Biology – High-contrast imaging with cold stage support
- STEM Education – Compact, intuitive systems for classrooms and outreach
Desktop SEMs bridge the gap between advanced imaging performance and real-world accessibility—making them a versatile tool across disciplines.
Request a Tabletop SEM Quote or Demo
Ready to explore what a tabletop SEM can do for your lab, classroom, or production line? Whether you’re comparing models, budgeting for a new system, or looking to upgrade your capabilities with EDS or EBSD, we’re here to help.
Our team can guide you through product selection, pricing, and available configurations based on your specific application needs. We also offer live demos and promotional pricing on select demo units.
Tabletop SEM FAQs
Before you invest in a tabletop scanning electron microscope, it’s natural to have questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common inquiries about tabletop SEM capabilities, pricing, features, and use cases to help guide your decision-making process.
Tabletop SEMs are smaller, more affordable, and easier to operate than full-size SEMs. While they may have slightly lower resolution and smaller chambers, many tabletop models offer advanced capabilities like EDS and EBSD, making them ideal for routine research, education, and QA applications.
Prices typically range from $50K to $125K, depending on features like magnification range, stage type, and analytical tools such as EDS or EBSD. Get a custom quote based on your lab’s specific needs.
Most compact SEMs offer magnification ranges up to 150,000x, which is suitable for surface imaging, morphology analysis, and failure inspection across a wide range of sample types.
Yes. Coxem desktop SEMs support optional EDS and EBSD modules from leading brands like Bruker and Oxford Instruments, giving you full microanalysis capabilities in a compact system.
Absolutely. Most models feature user-friendly interfaces, automated functions, and fast imaging modes. They’re designed for both experienced researchers and first-time users.