About Quorum Technologies
Quorum Technologies manufactures market-leading scientific instruments used for Electron Microscopy (EM) sample preparation.
Electron Microscopy is an essential research tool in many areas of scientific study, from the fight against major diseases, through to food safety and the development of advanced microelectronics and new materials.
At Quorum Technologies we understand that exacting EM sample preparation is the only way to provide our customers with clear imagery for analysis. Leading the way in sample preparation techniques such as cryo-SEM, sputter coating, critical point drying and glow discharge, Quorum Technologies’ full range of high-quality instruments offer unparalleled ease of use and reproducibility – time and time again.
While Quorum Technologies was founded in 2001, our history goes back further to the pioneering EM sample preparation work of Polaron and Emitech. Today Quorum Technologies continues this fine tradition as a trusted partner around the world, selling directly in the UK and with an extensive global network of distributors.
Our Customers
Quorum work with an extensive network of customers spanning, research, academia and industry. To learn more about who we work with, simply visit our Customer page.
Our Distributors
Quorum work with a global network of distributors spanning over five continents. To find your local distributor, simply visit our Distributor page.
Our History
Key Milestones & Dates
Quorum Technologies was founded in 2001, but the history of its product brands go back much further.
The original Polaron Ltd company was at the forefront of electron microscopy (EM) sample preparation, having pioneered scanning electron microscopy (SEM) sputter coating and introduced the first SEM critical point dryer back in the early 1970s. Quorum Technologies today continues this fine tradition and remains a market-leader in preparation techniques such as sputter coating, critical point drying and cryo-SEM.
The timeline below includes an overview of key dates in our history.
2024
- July. Release of the Actively Cooled Rotate Stage.
2023
- January. Release of the MiniQS.
- July. Release of MiniQ GD.
2019
- December: Quorum Technologies Limited acquires Moorfield Nanotechnology Limited, a maker of coating instruments based in Knutsford, Cheshire.
2018
- July: Launch at M&M, Baltimore of the new Q Plus series. With a substantial refresh and a new high vacuum of 10–6 in the Q150V Plus option, the Q Plus series saw itself back in the limelight in 2018. The new series offered a larger modern touchscreen, “iPhone” style software to control the recipes and processes, and a visible LED light to advise on process stages to name a few of the updates. Additionally, the Q150V Plus added spectacular ultra-fine coating results for both sputter and carbon coating.
2016
- April. Launch of GloQube glow discharge system for TEM grids and surface modifications.
2015
- March: Launch of cryo and ambient temperature systems for vacuum and inert gas specimen transfer. PP3004 QuickLok, PP3005 SEMCool and PP3006 CoolLok.
2014
- In April 2014 Quorum win the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for international Trade.
2013
- Quorum Technologies relocated to a new, purpose-built factory and offices in the village of Laughton in East Sussex – bringing together the Kent-based specimen preparation division (previously Emitech) and cryo preparation division in a single modern facility.
2012
- PP3010T launched, the latest in a series of automated cryo-SEM preparation systems.
2011
- New Q300 series of large specimen sputter coaters for SEM preparation and thin film applications introduced, with the Q300T D and Q300T T launched.
2010
- Q150R launched – a range of rotary-pumped coaters for SEM applications, the second in the Q150 series.
- PP3000T launched, the first in a series of fully-automated cryo-SEM preparation systems.
2009
- QuorumTechnologies acquired by Judges Scientific plc in June. See: www.judges.uk.com
- New Q series of sputter/carbon coaters introduced with the launch of the Q150T.
2008
- Quorum Technologies Ltd business reorganised. Ashford premises dedicated to manufacturing Emitech range and Ringmer premises dedicated to manufacturing Polaron products.
2007
- Quorum Technologies Ltd relocated from Newhaven to larger premises at Ringmer, East Sussex.
2005
- Quorum Technologies Ltd acquired the ongoing business and assets of Emitech Ltd in a friendly acquisition supported by the directors of both companies.
2001
- Quorum Technologies Ltd formed in August 2001.
- The Polaron range was acquired by Quorum Technologies Ltd in November from its then owner, Thermo VG Scientific with the new business operating from Newhaven, East Sussex.
- In 1991 the Polaron range was sold to VG Microtech, then a division of Fisons Instruments. Manufacturing moved to Uckfield, Sussex and the Polaron brand name was re-introduced.
- The consumables (catalogue) business moved to Fisons Scientific Equipment (now Fisher Scientific) in Loughborough, UK, and operated as a separate business. The accessories product line was later discontinued by Fisher.
- In 1996 Fisons Instruments (including VG Microtech) acquired by Thermo Instruments.
- In 1998 VG Microtech amalgamated with sister company VG Scientific and moved to premises in East Grinstead, West Sussex.
- Polaron Equipment Ltd acquired by Microscience Division of Bio-Rad. Rapid expansion of Polaron range led to larger manufacturing premises at Hemel Hempstead, north of London.
- E7400 cryo-SEM system introduced.
- H2500 introduced – the first commercial laboratory microwave processor designed specifically for histopathology and EM.
- In1987 Bio-Rad Microscience Division acquired Emscope Laboratories; a leading manufacturer of EM preparation equipment. Products such as the SC500 and SC650 sputter coaters, TB500 carbon coater, SP2000 cryo transfer System were integrated into existing product range.
- Emitech Ltd was founded by former employees of Emscope Laboratories.
- In 1988 Emitech Ltd introduced the ‘K’ series of EM preparation instruments.
- E3000 critical point dryer introduced, soon followed by the large chamber E3100, which is still in production.
- E5000 SEM sputter coater introduced – the first commercially successful bench top sputter coater for SEM.
- E5100 ‘Cool’ sputtering system introduced. Importantly this product refined SEM sputtering techniques, as the E5100 could sputter finer (smaller) grain coatings with a process that gave much reduced thermal damage to specimens.
- Polaron Equipment Ltd founded in Hertfordshire, England, and began supplying EM consumables and manufacturing EM sample preparation instruments.
Contact us
Enquire now
Contact our sales team now for more information at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1323 810981