Ensuring that automotive components meet the highest quality standards is critical to vehicle safety and performance. Metals and protective coatings used in automotive manufacturing must withstand extreme conditions such as mechanical stresses, corrosion, and wear during a vehicle’s lifespan. Here, Prerna Sudera at Thermo Fisher Scientific explores how scanning electron microscopy techniques can elevate defect detection and analysis during quality assurance to improve the strength, safety, and longevity of vehicles.

Metals such as aluminum and steel are widely used in the automotive industry due to their strength and durability. Aluminum is lightweight, which helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, making it a popular choice for body panels and engine components. Steel, on the other hand, provides essential structural support for safety features such as the frame and chassis, thanks to its strength and stiffness.

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