# I want what's inside my scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdC-QhFNglk
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/vdC-QhFNglk
Generated: 2026-02-26T00:10:33.002+00:00

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## Quick Overview

The creators decided to dismantle the acquired Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for its valuable parts after determining that making it operational would be prohibitively expensive, estimated at $20,000 annually for maintenance, and they lacked the knowledge to safely handle its high-voltage components, ultimately realizing a haul valued around $6,700 US from salvaged components.

**Key Points:**
- The future of their initial plan for the SEM was deemed 'dead' because the machine lacked a computer, and repair/maintenance costs could reach '$20,000 a year'.
- The primary goal shifted to salvaging parts, specifically obtaining the turbo pump and its controller, which one speaker valued alone at '$5,500 US' for the combo.
- During disassembly, they examined components like the turbo pump, a compressor, a chiller, and an EDS unit, noting the latter might emit X-rays.
- They tested circuit boards for gold content using an XRF process but confirmed the material was primarily copper, with only '2% gold' coating possible.
- The dismantling paused due to concerns over residual high voltage in the electron generator/lensing system, leading them to cover it up until they could research safety procedures.
- Ultimately, they gave up on further dismantling due to inability to find information on safely handling the high-voltage section and were contacted by someone interested in buying the unit for parts.
- The final haul, including the turbo pump/controller, vacuum pumps, compressor, chiller, and other unique pieces, was estimated to be worth approximately '$6,700 US', exceeding the initial purchase price.

**Context:** The speakers acquired a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) through a government auction, initially viewing it as the future of their project related to 'Nile Red'; however, upon receiving the machine, they discovered it was missing a computer and faced extreme maintenance costs, forcing them to abandon the operational goal and proceed with dismantling it for usable parts.

## Detailed Analysis

The video documents the process of tearing down a recently acquired SEM that proved too costly and complex to repair, leading the speakers to extract valuable components. They immediately identified the turbo pump and its controller as key scores, noting the combo alone was valued online at $5,500, more than they paid for the whole system. As they disassembled the machine, they cataloged parts like backup vacuum pumps, a compressor, a chiller, and specialized components like the EDS unit, which one speaker claimed emits X-rays. A section containing the electron generator and focusing system was temporarily sealed off because they lacked knowledge on how to test for or discharge residual high voltage, creating a safety pause in the teardown. After failing to find necessary safety information, they concluded the process, realizing they had already secured the most valuable parts. They estimated their total salvaged haul at around $6,700 US, concluding the adventure was an 'incredible adventure' and they got a 'sick haul,' even deciding to keep the sturdy base table from the disassembled unit.

### Acquisition Context

- Acquired SEM from a government auction
- Future plan for SEM deemed 'dead' due to missing computer and high maintenance cost
- Maintenance estimate reached '$20,000 a year'

### Component Salvage Focus

- Primary target was the turbo pump and controller, valued at '$5,500 US' for the pair
- Successfully removed the turbo pump (STP301H) and controller first
- Also secured backup vacuum pumps and a compressor

### Component Examination

- Identified an EDS unit which allegedly emits X-rays
- Found a heavy sample loading area requiring liquid nitrogen
- Examined circuit boards, testing for gold content and finding mostly copper

### Safety Interruption

- Paused dismantling of the electron generator/lensing focusing system due to unknown high voltage risks
- Stated they knew 'so little' about the area that they covered it up
- Later stopped work entirely because they could not find safety information to prevent being 'murdered'

### Final Assessment and Value

- Concluded the venture was successful after extracting desired parts
- Estimated the total haul value at '$6,700 US'
- Were contacted by an interested buyer for parts during the process