Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a high-resolution imaging technique used to study surfaces at the atomic or molecular level. It works by scanning a sharp probe, known as a cantilever, across a sample’s surface to measure forces such as van der Waals forces, electrostatic forces, and mechanical interactions. These measurements produce detailed 3D images of the sample’s topography, enabling researchers to analyze its surface structure and properties. The illustration below demonstrates how an atomic force microscope captures images.

An illustration of an Atomic Force Microscope 

Atomic Force Microscopy is useful in various fields, including materials science, nanotechnology, biology, and semiconductor research. Its ability to operate in air, liquid, or vacuum environments makes it versatile for studying a wide range of materials. These materials can range from metals and polymers to biological specimens. Unlike other microscopy techniques, AFM does not require complex sample preparation, making it a preferred choice for non-destructive analysis.

For more information on AFM and its applications, contact a surface engineer or explore articles in your field of interest.

Metal treating is a broad term that refers to a variety of processes used to modify the surface and internal properties of metals to enhance performance in specific applications. This includes heat treatment, surface coatings, plating, and other chemical or mechanical methods. Metal treating is used to improve a metal’s hardness, strength, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and other characteristics.

Common methods of metal treating include:

• Heat Treatment: Processes like hardening, annealing, tempering, and quenching alter the internal structure of the metal to enhance properties like hardness and ductility​.
• Surface Coating and Plating: Techniques such as electroplating, thermal spraying, and vapor deposition apply a protective or functional coating to the metal surface. These treatments are often used to improve corrosion resistance or wear resistance​.
• Chemical Treatments: Methods like carburizing or nitriding involve adding elements like carbon or nitrogen to the surface of metals to change their surface composition, improving hardness and fatigue resistance​.

These treatments are essential in industries like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and food processing, ensuring that metals perform effectively in demanding environments.

The frictional properties of metal depend on several factors, including the type of metal, surface finish, and the presence of lubricants. Generally, metal surfaces can exhibit significant friction when in contact with other materials, especially other metals. Key points include:

• Surface Roughness: Rough metal surfaces have higher friction compared to smooth, polished surfaces.
• Lubrication: Applying lubricants can reduce friction between metal surfaces. Low friction coatings like thin dense chrome can reduce friction significantly, especially when combined with the appropriate lubricant.
• Material Pairing: The combination of different metals or metal with non-metal materials can affect friction levels. For instance, metal-on-metal contact typically has higher friction compared to metal-on-plastic contact.
• Environmental Factors: Temperature, humidity, and the presence of contaminants can influence the frictional behavior of metals.

Understanding these factors is crucial for applications where controlling friction is important, such as in machinery, automotive components, and manufacturing processes.

Metals with low friction characteristics are essential in applications where smooth movement and minimal wear are required. One of the most notable metals with low friction is Teflon-coated aluminum. Here are a few more metals known for their low friction properties:

• Bronze: Particularly in the form of oil-impregnated or self-lubricating bronze, this metal is commonly used in bearings and bushings due to its low friction.
• Brass: Known for its excellent machinability and lower friction compared to many other metals, brass is often used in fittings and bearings.
• Copper Alloys: Certain copper alloys, like beryllium copper, offer low friction and are used in specialized applications.
• Stainless Steel: Certain grades of stainless steel, when polished or treated, can exhibit low friction properties, making them suitable for various industrial applications.

Choosing the right low-friction metal depends on the specific requirements of the application, including load, speed, environmental conditions, and compatibility with other materials.