About Us

Specializing in the analysis and characterization of surfaces and materials

Surface Science Western (SSW) is a consulting and research laboratory that was founded in 1981 at The University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. SSW provides clients with direct and convenient access to a number of highly skilled and experienced professionals who are committed to solving your scientific questions using state-of-the-art instrumentation and analytical techniques.

SSW’s team of dedicated scientists have impressive track records in materials and surfaces research. To date, SSW researchers have produced over 500 publications and have been granted eight patents in the field of materials and surface analyses.

SSW’s continual excellence has earned us an ISO 17025:2017 standing, the only Canadian university-based surface and material analysis organization of its kind to hold such an important designation. Our ISO 17025:2017 certification ensures that you will obtain high quality results within the shortest period of time.  

Offering you a more consultative approach that includes direct interaction and dialogue

This value-added approach ensures that your needs are clearly understood and met. It also ensures that you are receiving the best advice available, helping you to better understand and act upon your business challenges and opportunities.

We offer clients customized and tailored services that are perfectly suited to solve your questions

Analyses
State-of-the-art analytical techniques and instrumentation
Customization
A report that's perfect for you and your business
Discussion
You won't be left wondering about your results

*Please note we have recently upgraded many of our instrumentation to better help you

Understanding the nature of your business

We offer various expedited time lines so you can meet your goals:

  • 1-Day
  • Standard 15-Day
  • 5-Day
  • Long-Term
  • 3-Day

Discretion and confidentiality are paramount

The security and confidentiality of your research or product are critical, that’s why Surface Science Western ensures the complete security of your project. Your proprietary assets, samples and documentation are stored in a secure environment and ISO procedures are implemented to guarantee chain of custody. Most instruments are in separate rooms to provide a private working environment for both client and analyst. If required, we have standard confidentiality agreements, or we can tailor documentation to fit your individual needs. We are an unbiased organization, and are not affiliated with any private company or research network.

Customer Testimonials:

  • Our experience with SSW was an A+. Excellent service, detail, turnaround time, everything.

    Anonymous

  • I have utilized Surface Science Western for over 15 years as a reliable analytical partner. The consistency and high quality of their work allows me to utilize and compare historical data to current work. I can trust their data to be accurate and have found their staff to be trustworthy and willing to go the extra mile to meet demanding time requirements to keep my company outperforming my competitors.

    Amy Levi
    President, Acrux Metal Technology

  • We have been sending samples for a variety of analysis to SSW and the outcome has always been great. The entire team is friendly and deliver results in a timely manner. It’s always been a pleasant experience.

    Anonymous

  • We find your staff very knowledgeable, professional and very friendly. The response of your organization is top notch and it is a pleasure to do business with your group.

    Anonymous

  • My company originally sent samples to SSW because of the specialty instrumentation. We keep coming back because of the top-notch service, i.e., good turnaround time, the knowledge of the staff, and their willingness to help with interpretation. Keep up the good work.

    Dave Wunderlich
    NOVA Chemicals

  • I wish that all of the businesses we deal with had your level of professionalism and common courtesy. It is most refreshing. Yes we will continue to do business with you. Thank all of your staff, keep up the good work.

    Anonymous

  • We have used SSW services for many years. We’ve tried other labs and still have not achieved the results or service on par with SSW. Please keep up the good work.

    Anonymous

  • As always, excellent service and quality of work. From someone who was trained in analytical chemistry and “Primitive” XRF analysis; the quality, speed and accuracy is amazing.

    Brian Milner
    President, Chem-Ecol Ltd.

  • We are very happy with SSW service. The professional knowledge and the kind relationship are very important to us. Thanks!

    Anonymous

  • Over the years I have found SSW to be very dependable and to provide us with service of very high quality. I always recommend you to others when I get a chance. Your professionalism and thoroughness is much appreciated.

    Anonymous

 * Anonymous quotes are from our annual customer survey.

Our goal is to meet your needs quickly, completely, and confidentially.