In the sections below, users can find important information about how to schedule service/projects via iLab, training protocols, and the current rates in the Swagelok Center for Surface Analysis of Materials (SCSAM) at Case Western Reserve University.
Scheduling
All scheduling is done through the Agilent iLab portal. Instructions for creating a CWRU user account is provided below:
iLab Registration
Internal users from Case Western University can register through the iLab portal.
Creating an Account
- In the top right, there's a blue button that says "Sign In”.
- Register with your CWRU ID and password.
- Your PI and department admin will receive an email asking to confirm that you are in their lab and to assign a SpeedType for lab time.
Submitting a Service/Project Request
Each project (scope defined by the user) starts with a service request (click here). This could be for an entire funded program and last for five years, or be narrow in scope for a few samples.
Training Protocols
The following SCSAM instrument training protocols have been established with significant input from the engineers. The objective is to maximize the efficiency of the one-on-one training sessions. The training for all machines is an individualized, multi-step process. This includes a virtual, independent component where the user does the work to teach themselves the basics of microscopy.
SCSAM instrument training protocols
The training protocols are subject to change, and you should come back to the website regularly to check during your training process.
Instruments Available for Training (engineer contact's name in parentheses)
Analytical Equipment
- XPS (Kim)
- portable XRF (Kim)
Microscopy
- Apreo SEM (Karakulak Uz)
- Helios SEM/FIB (Karakulak Uz)
- Optical Microscopy - Keyence VHX-5000 (Hoven)
- 3D Optical Profilometry - Keyence VR-6200 (Hoven)
- Atomic Force Microscopy (Hoven)
Structure, Properties, and Sample Prep
- X-ray Diffraction (Hoven)
- Nanoindenter (Hoven)
- Ion Polisher (Hoven)
- Sputter Coater (Karakulak Uz)
- Struers Polishing Systen (Bensusan)
Rates
***** New Rates Effective July 1st, 2025 *****
| Academic (CWRU) | External Non-profit | Industrial | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument | $/hr | $/hr | $/hr |
| PHI XPS | 85 | 140 | 300 |
| PHI TOF-SIMS | 85 | 140 | 300 |
| FEI Helios FIB/SEM | 85 | 140 | 300 |
| Thermo Apreo SEM | 65 | 105 | 230 |
| TEM Remote Console | 25 | 40 | 90 |
| AFM | 50 | 80 | 175 |
| XRD | 50 | 80 | 175 |
| Nanoindenter | 50 | 80 | 175 |
| Keyence VR-6200 3D Optical Profilometer | 35 | 60 | 125 |
| Keyence VHX-5000 Optical Microscope | 30 | 50 | 105 |
| Bruker Tracer 5g portable XRF | $30/hour | $50/hour | $105/hour |
| $150/day | $250/day | $525/day | |
| $600/week | N/A | N/A | |
| Denton Desk V Sputter Coater | 35 | 60 | 125 |
| Ion Polisher | 30 | 50 | 105 |
| Struers Polishing System | 35 | 60 | 125 |
| Sample Prep* | 70 | 115 | 245 |
| Data Analysis/Report Summary* | 60 | 100 | 210 |
| Engineer Time | 35 | 60 | 125 |
*Includes Engineer Time
Cancellations must be communicated 24 hours in advance of the time booked.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be assessed a charge of no less than 50% of the time booked.
Rates are subject to change to accommodate changes in operational costs, to include but not limited to inflation.
Both internal and external clients are charged the hourly engineer time during training sessions. This incentivizes new users to come to training sessions prepared, following the pre-work protocols on the “Training Protocol” page. Once a user completes the training protocols and is deemed a trained, independent user, they are no longer charged the hourly engineer time.
Click here to download the July 2025 - present rate table and policies.
Click here to download the November 2023 - June 2025 rate table and policies.