COXEM
COXEM is a South Korean SEM manufacturer serving semiconductor, battery, materials science, and life science customers across 40+ countries via a 38-distributor network. Product lines include tabletop SEMs, full-size SEMs, ion beam polishers, and the proprietary Eirtron atmospheric SEM.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersDaejeon, South Korea
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What COXEM does
COXEM Co., Ltd. is a South Korea-based manufacturer of scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) founded in 2007 and listed on KOSDAQ (ticker 360350) in February 2024. The company designs and produces a complete SEM portfolio spanning tabletop systems (EM-30 and EM-40 series, with the EM-40 featuring 5th-generation Nanostation V5 software and 13 fps imaging), full-size research and industrial SEMs (CX-200K with up to 500,000x magnification, CX-300 for large-area analysis), and complementary sample-preparation equipment including ion beam polishers (IP-10K with 1,000 μm/h milling speed, CP-8000+) and ion sputter coaters (SPT-20). Core technology is built on charged-particle optics originally transferred from KRISS (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science), with proprietary innovations including graphene-based atmospheric SEM (Eirtron) using a ~1nm graphene membrane to enable electron microscopy at atmospheric pressure, high-performance ion beam polishing with differentiated magnetic flux design, and most recently the FE-SEM (Field Emission SEM) launched May 2026 to enter the high-resolution segment.
The company monetizes primarily through B2B hardware sales with quote-based pricing, distributed through approximately 38 dealers across 40+ countries, with more than 70% of revenue from overseas markets. Revenue mix is approximately 72% tabletop SEM, 9% full-size SEM, with the remainder from accessories (EDS, EBSD, BSE, STEM detectors, cooling stages, air-transfer modules) and high-value industrial products including ion beam modules supplied to semiconductor equipment maker APsystem and ODM ion polishers supplied to Oxford Instruments. The company serves approximately 210 corporate customers across life sciences, semiconductor packaging (HBM advanced packaging), secondary batteries, displays, automotive, materials science, and academic research. Strategic R&D is partially funded by the Korean government's AI Global Big Tech initiative (46 billion KRW over 3 years for Eirtron 300-AI). For 2023, COXEM reported preliminary revenue of approximately 137 billion KRW (~$103M USD) and operating profit of 19 billion KRW (14% margin), with 2025 guidance of approximately 155 billion KRW and a stated 32.5% revenue CAGR (2021-2025E); the company has remained profitable for 12 consecutive years since 2012.
COXEM firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- COXEM
- Legal name
- COXEM Co., Ltd.
- Website
- https://coxem.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- COXEM is a South Korean SEM manufacturer serving semiconductor, battery, materials science, and life science customers across 40+ countries via a 38-distributor network. Product lines include tabletop SEMs, full-size SEMs, ion beam polishers, and the proprietary Eirtron atmospheric SEM.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
COXEM industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electron Microscopy Equipment
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing (333242)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Metrology, Inspection & Machine Tool Accessories (CMMs, Probing, Gauging) (IMAHADAK)
Keywords
Where COXEM is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Daejeon
- HQ country
- South Korea
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
COXEM business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- SEM Hardware Sales: Sale of scanning electron microscopes including Tabletop SEM (EM series), Normal SEM (CX series), and Full-size SEM products. Revenue mix is approximately 72% Tabletop SEM, 9% Normal SEM, with the remainder from accessories and industrial products. More than 70% of revenue is generated from overseas markets.
- Ion Beam Polishers & Accessories: Sale of ion beam polishers (IP series), ion sputter coaters (SPT-20), and optional SEM accessories including EDS detectors (Oxford/Bruker), EBSD detectors, BSE detectors, STEM modules, and cooling stages.
- Industrial/Semiconductor Equipment & Modules: High-value industrial equipment including ion beam modules for semiconductor manufacturers (e.g., APsystem), and atmospheric SEM systems targeting semiconductor advanced packaging, secondary battery, and biotech inspection markets. This segment is growing as a share of revenue.
- Aftermarket Services & Consumables: Service and support revenue, including technical support, calibration, and consumables such as sputtering targets (Au, Pt, Pt-Pd) for ion coaters.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Tabletop SEM (EM series) — standard desktop SEM systems |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Normal/Full-size SEM (CX series) — research and industrial SEM |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Ion Beam Polishers (IP series), Ion Sputter Coaters (SPT-20) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
COXEM product offering
Product offeringCore offering
COXEM manufactures and sells scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), including compact tabletop SEMs (EM-30, EM-40 series), full-size normal SEMs (CX-200K, CX-300), field emission SEMs (FE-SEM), and atmospheric SEMs (Eirtron) using proprietary graphene-membrane technology. The company also produces complementary ion beam polishers (IP-10K), ion sputter coaters (SPT-20), and modular accessories (EDS, EBSD, BSE, STEM, cool stage, air-protection modules) for research institutions, universities, semiconductor manufacturers, battery companies, and industrial QA/QC labs.
Product overview
COXEM specializes in Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) technology, offering a comprehensive product portfolio comprising three main SEM product lines (EM tabletop series, CX full-size series), ion beam polishing equipment (IP series), and sputter coaters (SPT series), complemented by a wide range of optional accessories including EDS detectors from Oxford/Bruker, Bruker EBSD detectors, BSE detectors, STEM imaging modules, cool stages, and air-protection modules. The core SEM products range from compact tabletop systems (EM-40, EM-30) for research and education to full-size industrial-grade systems (CX-200K, CX-300) for advanced analysis, with optional attachments enabling specialized capabilities such as elemental analysis (EDS), crystallographic analysis (EBSD), transmission imaging (STEM), and temperature-controlled observation. Recent innovations include the 2026 launch of FE-SEM for high-resolution applications and Eirtron atmospheric SEM using proprietary graphene membrane technology for air-based observation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- EM-30 / EM-30P / EM-30N Series Tabletop SEM Standard tabletop SEM series with up to 150,000x magnification and 5nm spatial resolution for research, education, and entry-level industrial use; supports SE, BSE detectors and EDS options.
- EM-40 / EM-40PE Series Tabletop SEM Latest tabletop SEM with 5th-generation Nanostation V5 signal processing, 13 fps frame rate, 250,000x magnification, motorized XYZ stage, auto-focus, Variable Pressure mode for non-conductive samples, Deep3D 3D reconstruction, and Nano-Particle Analyzer; EM-40PE optimized for membrane filter particle analysis.
- CX-200K / CX-300 Series Normal (Full-Size) SEM Full-size normal SEM lineup for R&D, quality control, and industrial analysis. CX-200K offers up to 500,000x magnification with self-diagnostic system; CX-300 features NaviCam navigation camera and expanded chamber for large-area analysis.
- IP-10K / IP-8K Ion Beam Polisher Argon ion beam polisher for precise cross-section preparation of samples; IP-10K achieves 1,000 μm/h milling speed at 8kV on Si wafer with Cross-section Milling, Flat Milling modes, and optional Cooling Module (-25°C) and Air-Protection Module for heat- and air-sensitive samples.
- SPT-20 Ion Sputter Coater DC sputtering coater for depositing conductive layers (Au, Pt, Pd, Pt-Pd) on sample surfaces to enable SEM observation of non-conductive samples and protect surfaces from electron beam damage.
- STEM Imaging Module Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy module that attaches to tabletop SEM for transmission imaging of internal structures in biological and nanostructured samples; supports bright-field and dark-field modes with solid-state detector.
- BSE Detector (Backscattered Electron Detector) Backscattered Electron Detector providing Z-contrast imaging based on atomic number differences, with 10nm resolution and 4-channel solid-state detection for composition and topography imaging of metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and composites.
- Bruker EBSD Detector (e-Flash XS) EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction) system from Bruker for crystallographic analysis in tabletop SEM; features e-Flash XS detector with up to 520 fps, CMOS technology, and QUANTAX EDS integration for combined orientation mapping, phase identification, and elemental analysis.
- EDS Detector (Oxford AZtecOne / Bruker QUANTAX Compact) Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy detector from Oxford (AZtecOne with XploreCompact 30/65mm²) and Bruker (QUANTAX Compact) for elemental composition analysis; detection range B(5) to Cf(98), energy resolution <129 eV at Mn Kα, with automated element identification and quantification.
- CSU-2 Cool Stage (Temperature-Controlled Stage) Temperature-controlled stage for SEM maintaining samples at -25°C to 50°C, enabling observation of wet, moisture-containing, and heat-sensitive biological samples in their natural state by preventing evaporation, deformation, and contamination.
- Air-Protection Module (Air-Free Transfer System) Air-free transfer system for transporting samples between Ion-beam Polisher (IP-10K) and SEM (CX-200K, CX-300) without air exposure; prevents oxidation and contamination of air-sensitive materials including batteries, reactive metals, and sensitive samples.
Quantifiable outcome
- Tabletop SEM ranks 5th globally in CP (cross-section SEM) market share
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use COXEM
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
COXEM technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability9 records
Feature7 records
COXEM partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) / Korean Standards and Science Research Institute (KRISS)coreCOXEM is collaborating with the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) and Korean Standards and Science Research Institute (KRISS) along with major university researchers to develop core technologies for AI-based atmospheric SEM (Eirtron 300-AI). KRISS previously transferred charged-particle optics technology to COXEM, which enabled the company's foundational SEM capabilities. The company was established based on technology from national research institutes.
- APsystemcoreCOXEM signed an R&D contract with semiconductor and display equipment company APsystem (265520) to develop ion beam modules for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. COXEM applied its proprietary ion etching technology to develop ion beam modules, which APsystem integrates into its next-generation semiconductor fab equipment. In 2026, COXEM successfully delivered 3 ion beam modules to APsystem as the first production units, marking COXEM's formal entry into the semiconductor equipment market. The modules are expected to serve as core components in APsystem's future semiconductor fab equipment.
- Oxford InstrumentscoreCOXEM signed an ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) supply contract with UK-based Oxford Instruments for ion polisher equipment. Oxford Instruments attaches COXEM's ion polisher as a bundled accessory with their EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction) products. After more than 4 years of product development and evaluation, COXEM won this supply contract, demonstrating that its technology and quality management meet the standards of a global scientific research leader. Oxford Instruments was founded in 1959 and holds a leading position in the EBSD market.
- 리암솔루션 (LIAM Solution)minorCOXEM invested in LIAM Solution by acquiring newly issued shares, establishing a strategic equity partnership. LIAM Solution is a Korean optical microscope manufacturer founded in 2017 that has launched products in the fluorescence microscope market dominated by global top 4 brands. The partnership aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of atmospheric SEM (A+SEM) by combining COXEM's electron microscopy expertise with LIAM Solution's experience in life science applications.
- 디노티시아 (DinoTicia)minorCOXEM and AI systems company DinoTicia signed an MOU for joint development of the world's first AI electron microscope solution. The companies had been conducting joint research since 2023 to apply AI technology to electron microscopy with goals of reducing imaging time and improving video quality. The MOU formalized their technology productization and ongoing research cooperation based on successful proof-of-concept results. The companies aimed to launch a commercial product within 2024.
- Ministry of Science and ICT / Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)coreCOXEM was selected for Phase 2 of the AI Global Big Tech Business initiative organized by the Korea Research Institute for Superconductivity and Electronics Technology (KISET) under the Ministry of Science and ICT. The company will receive 46 billion KRW in government funding over 3 years to develop and commercialize the AI-based atmospheric SEM 'Eirtron 300-AI'. COXEM is collaborating with the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and major university researchers on core technology development.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
COXEM competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Oxford Instruments: UK-based analytical instrument company and EBSD market leader. Both a strategic ODM customer of COXEM (bundling COXEM's ion polishers) and a peer in adjacent electron microscopy accessories, with overlap in crystallographic analysis workflows.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (FEI): Global leader in electron microscopy through its FEI subsidiary, offering high-end SEM and DualBeam systems across life science and industrial markets. Directly competes with COXEM in SEM but at the premium tier with much broader scale.
- JEOL: Pioneering Japanese manufacturer of electron microscopes (SEM and TEM) and analytical instruments. Directly competes with COXEM in SEM across research and industrial segments with a strong installed base in academia and materials science.
- TESCAN: Czech-based manufacturer of SEM and focused ion beam (FIB) systems, comparable mid-tier competitor to COXEM with similar price-competitive positioning against premium incumbents. Particularly active in materials science and semiconductor applications.
- Phenom (part of Thermo Fisher): Specialist in desktop/tabletop SEM with a strong installed base in industrial and academic markets. Directly competes with COXEM's EM series in the compact/tabletop SEM segment where COXEM holds the 5th global market share.
Broad incumbents
- Hitachi High-Tech: Major Japanese SEM manufacturer with a broad analytical instrument portfolio spanning electron microscopes, semiconductor metrology, and industrial inspection. Competes with COXEM in tabletop and full-size SEM, particularly in Asia.
- Carl Zeiss Microscopy: German premium electron and optical microscopy leader, competing with COXEM in SEM for advanced materials and life science applications. Operates as a broad incumbent with a portfolio spanning light, X-ray, electron, and ion microscopy.
Emerging players
- Bruker: Global analytical instrument company with QUANTAX EDS and EBSD detectors used in COXEM SEM systems. Acts as both an integration partner and adjacent competitor in EDS/EBSD sub-systems that attach to third-party SEMs including COXEM's.
- Delong Instruments: European SEM manufacturer offering LVEM and tabletop SEM systems, comparable emerging competitor in compact electron microscopy with similar targeting of life science and materials science applications.
Regional players
- Park Systems: Korean-listed (KOSDAQ) manufacturer of atomic force microscopes (AFM) and nano-metrology tools. Adjacent Korean peer in nanoscale measurement instrumentation, serving overlapping semiconductor and research customers with complementary rather than directly competing technology.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
COXEM social profiles
Digital presenceCOXEM compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
COXEM financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
COXEM leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
COXEM subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
COXEM funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
COXEM M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about COXEM
What does COXEM do?
COXEM manufactures and sells scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), including compact tabletop SEMs (EM-30, EM-40 series), full-size normal SEMs (CX-200K, CX-300), field emission SEMs (FE-SEM), and atmospheric SEMs (Eirtron) using proprietary graphene-membrane technology. The company also produces complementary ion beam polishers (IP-10K), ion sputter coaters (SPT-20), and modular accessories (EDS, EBSD, BSE, STEM, cool stage, air-protection modules) for research institutions, universities, semiconductor manufacturers, battery companies, and industrial QA/QC labs.
Is COXEM a public or private company?
COXEM is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was COXEM founded?
COXEM was founded in 2007. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is COXEM based?
COXEM is headquartered in Daejeon, South Korea, in the Asia region.
How does COXEM make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. SEM Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are ion Beam Polishers & Accessories, industrial/Semiconductor Equipment & Modules and aftermarket Services & Consumables.
Who are COXEM's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Oxford Instruments, Thermo Fisher Scientific (FEI), JEOL, TESCAN and Phenom (part of Thermo Fisher). Broad incumbents are Hitachi High-Tech and Carl Zeiss Microscopy. Emerging players are Bruker and Delong Instruments. Park Systems is listed as a regional player.
Does COXEM have an API?
No public API is recorded for COXEM.
What industry is COXEM in?
COXEM's product category is Electron Microscopy Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHADAK, Metrology, Inspection & Machine Tool Accessories (CMMs, Probing, Gauging). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.