News

Struers is the global leader in materials preparation and analysis, with more than 150 years of experience supporting industries including ceramics, metallurgy, electronics, additive manufacturing and energy technologies. [2] Struers develops and manufactures a comprehensive range of machines for materials sample preparation, covering cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing and hardness testing. Automation and digital solutions are a key focuses, enabling higher reproducibility, improved efficiency, and consistent documentation of preparation workflows. Combined with application expertise and optimized consumables, Struers systems help customers achieve reliable results and ensure certainty in materials preparation. Through a worldwide network of application and demonstration laboratories, Struers works closely with customers and research partners to develop robust, preparation solutions. One of these laboratories is located in Austria, in Puch near Hallein (Salzburg), providing strong local support and technical expertise for customers in the region.

As an Application Specialist at Struers, my role is to translate materials science fundamentals into reliable, reproducible preparation workflows tailored to specific materials and applications. This includes hands‑on support for sample preparation challenges, method development and optimization, equipment and consumable recommendations, and technical training for users at different experience levels. A key part of this work is the development and use of application notes, which document validated preparation methods, best practices, and practical recommendations. These application notes enable customers to implement proven solutions more quickly and consistently, helping to reduce uncertainty and improve confidence in their preparation and analysis results. [2]

Customers benefit from access to Struers’ global team of Application Specialists, who collaborate across regions and industries to share application knowledge and continuously refine preparation solutions based on real‑world experience. [3–4] This close interaction between customers, applications, and product development ensures that Struers solutions remain practical, reliable, and aligned with evolving materials challenges.

In this spirit, we are always happy to support and assist throughout the entire preparation process either onsite, in our demo labs, or via online collaboration. Ensuring certainty through trusted expertise, partnership, and precision at every stage.

"Staying engaged in the ceramics community is deeply important to me. The core values that define this field to me (continuous innovation and collaboration) are equally reflected in my work within industry. Platforms such as the Young Ceramists Network play a vital role in maintaining this connection by fostering dialogue between early career professionals, academia, and industrial practice.

I strongly believe that industry benefits most when professionals with a solid materials science background are actively involved and not only in applying established solutions, but also in shaping new ones. My transition from working with ceramics in academia into industry has reinforced my conviction that these spheres are not separate, but fundamentally interconnected. Each strengthens the other through shared knowledge, perspective, and experience."

Christian Berger

Struers GmbH, Austria

E-mail: Christian.Berger@struers.de

LinkedIn Profile / Website: https://at.linkedin.com/in/dr-christian-berger-057a86254 / https://www.struers.com/en

References / Links:
[1] https://ecers.org/news/58/408/YCN-Research-in-Spot-New-materials-for-solid-oxide-fuel-cell-cathodes-with-superior-performance-and-improved-long-term-stability-by-Christian-Berger/d,ceramic_details_news

[2] https://www.struers.com/en

[3] https://www.struers.com/en/knowledge

[4] https://www.struers.com/en/knowledge/application-specialists