Schaefer SEE at the SGI–SIMP 2026 Joint Congress in Padua

The congress programme highlights the growing importance of advanced laboratory methods for connecting observations across different scales—from mineral grains and surface features to fractures, pores and complete three-dimensional sample volumes.

Many of the scientific topics addressed by the sessions closely match the analytical capabilities represented in the Schaefer SEE portfolio:

• Rock mechanics and fault-zone processes: friction, wear, scratch resistance and surface damage can be investigated using the Rtec Instruments MFT-5000 multifunction tribometer, which combines mechanical testing with in-line 3D profilometry. This is especially relevant to research on fault mechanics, deformation, strain localisation and the mechanical heterogeneity of rocks.
• Microporosity and fracture networks: the NeoScan N70 bench-top micro-CT system enables non-destructive reconstruction of a sample’s internal structure, supporting the analysis of connected porosity, fracture geometry, density and orientation without sectioning the specimen.
• Minerals, geomaterials, mortars and cements: Semplor tabletop SEM systems with integrated EDS (Onyx, Nanos, Nanos EBSD) provide high-resolution imaging together with point spectra and elemental maps. These capabilities support the study of phase morphology, aggregates, binders, construction materials and waste-derived geomaterials.
• Surface topography and fracture roughness: the Sensofar S neox 3D optical profiler measures fracture surfaces, wear facets and processing marks without contact. It combines confocal microscopy, interferometry and Ai Focus Variation, providing 3D surface data and ISO 25178 texture parameters.
• Nanoscale properties: the CSI Instruments Nano-Observer II AFM supports topographical, mechanical and electrical characterisation at the nanoscale, including force spectroscopy, nanoindentation, lateral force microscopy, resistivity measurements and surface-potential mapping.
• Palaeontology and cultural heritage: non-contact 3D profilometry, SEM imaging and micro-CT can reveal the morphology of microfossils, archaeological materials and worked surfaces while limiting sample preparation and preserving valuable specimens.

These points of contact are reflected throughout the scientific programme, including sessions devoted to fault-zone structures and mechanics (S9), waste-derived geomaterials and circular reuse (S22), sustainable geomaterial applications (S23), archaeological heritage materials (S31) and sedimentary and biotic archives of the Earth’s deep past (S40).