SPI Supplies
SPI Supplies (Structure Probe, Inc.) is a privately held manufacturer, distributor, and analytical services provider specializing in sample preparation consumables and instruments for electron, light, and scanning probe microscopy laboratories worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1970
- HeadquartersWest Chester, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What SPI Supplies does
SPI Supplies is the trade name of Structure Probe, Inc., a privately held, family-owned manufacturer, distributor, and analytical services provider headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1970 by Charles A. Garber, Ph.D. as an electron microscopy testing lab, the company launched the SPI Supplies Division in 1975 to commercialize sample preparation consumables and instruments for SEM, TEM, light microscopy, and SPM/AFM laboratories. Since founder Charles Garber's death in 2007, the company has been led by Violet Garber as President and CEO. Operations occupy a 20,000-square-foot facility that combines laboratory, manufacturing, packing, and office space, supporting roughly 30+ employees and a global customer base spanning pharmaceutical, government, academic, and industrial end markets.
The product portfolio is built around two integrated pillars. The consumables pillar includes TEM grids (in copper, nickel, gold, molybdenum, Quantifoil, graphene, and proprietary silicon nitride membrane configurations), 150+ precision tweezers under the SPI-Swiss and Dumont brands, specimen storage systems (SPI-Dry, Slide-A-Grid, Twist-A-Grid), calibration standards, substrates, chemicals, filtration media, and vacuum accessories. The instruments pillar features proprietary plasma etchers/ashers/cleaners (Plasma Prep III, Jr., X, and RIE), UV Prep SEM sample cleaning systems, SPI-Dry critical point dryers, MiScope digital microscopes, and distributed lines from NuNano (AFM probes) and Kammrath & Weiss (SEM tensile and transfer stages). A2LA ISO 17025-accredited analytical laboratory services (SEM, TEM, EDS, light microscopy, ultramicrotomy, asbestos, and cryo-SEM) generate a parallel services revenue stream priced per sample.
SPI Supplies operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model through 2spi.com, the first commercial e-commerce website in its industry, supported by international distributor networks, a Mailchimp newsletter, a YouTube channel, and a content-rich website that functions as a reference resource for the global microscopy community. Pricing combines unit pricing with tiered volume discounts on consumables, quote-based pricing for instruments and bulk orders, and usage-based per-sample pricing for analytical services.
SPI Supplies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SPI Supplies
- Legal name
- Structure Probe, Inc.
- Website
- https://2spi.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1970
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- SPI Supplies (Structure Probe, Inc.) is a privately held manufacturer, distributor, and analytical services provider specializing in sample preparation consumables and instruments for electron, light, and scanning probe microscopy laboratories worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SPI Supplies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electron Microscopy Sample Preparation Supplies
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Metrology, Calibration & Testing Equipment (Balances, pH/DO, Standards) (HLAGAIAL), Test, Measurement & Lab Equipment Retail (CRACAKAH), Metrology, Inspection & Process Control Equipment (HDAHAEAH)
Keywords
Where SPI Supplies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- West Chester
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
SPI Supplies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Product Sales (Consumables and Instruments): Sale of microscopy sample preparation supplies including tweezers, TEM grids, specimen storage boxes, calibration standards, plasma cleaners, critical point dryers, and other laboratory instruments. Products sold individually with volume discounts available.
- Analytical Laboratory Services: Structure Probe Inc. (parent company) provides independent testing and analytical laboratory services specializing in electron microscopy and surface analysis, including SEM, TEM, EDS, light microscopy, ultramicrotomy, and asbestos analysis. Services priced per sample with volume discounts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard retail pricing with volume discounts |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | SEM Services - $250/hr with $700 minimum |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | TEM/Asbestos Analysis Services |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Quantitative Image Analysis - $200/hr |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
SPI Supplies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SPI Supplies manufactures, supplies, and distributes sample preparation equipment and consumables for electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), light microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy (SPM/AFM) laboratories. The catalog spans more than 150 tweezers, TEM grids in numerous materials, precision instruments such as plasma cleaners, critical point dryers, and UV prep systems, plus specimen storage solutions, calibration standards, substrates, chemicals, and filtration products. The parent Structure Probe, Inc. also operates an A2LA-accredited independent analytical laboratory providing SEM, TEM, and surface analysis testing services.
Product overview
SPI Supplies is a manufacturer, supplier, and distributor of sample preparation equipment and consumables for electron microscopy and related analytical laboratories. The company offers a comprehensive product portfolio centered around SEM, TEM, SPM/AFM, and light microscopy sample preparation supplies. Core consumable offerings include TEM grids (in various materials including copper, nickel, gold, Quantifoil, and graphene), precision tweezers (over 150 models from SPI-Swiss and Dumont brands), microscopy substrates, calibration standards, chemicals, and filtration products. The instrument portfolio features SPI-branded plasma etchers/ashers/cleaners (Plasma Prep III, Jr., X, RIE), critical point dryers, UV Prep systems, and digital microscopes (MiScope line). The company also distributes NuNano AFM probes and Kammrath & Weiss tensile testing modules for SEM. Accessories include specimen storage solutions (SPI-Dry boxes, Slide-A-Grid/Twist-A-Grid storage), slide storage boxes, and adapters. Structure Probe, Inc. operates an A2LA accredited analytical laboratory providing SEM, TEM, and materials analysis services. The company is headquartered in West Chester, PA with 20,000 square feet of manufacturing and laboratory space.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SEM Supplies Comprehensive range of scanning electron microscopy sample preparation supplies including SEM mounts, stubs, sputter coaters, carbon coaters, and accessories for electron microscopy operations. Used by SEM laboratory operators in research and industry.
- TEM Grids Extensive selection of transmission electron microscopy grids including copper, nickel, gold, molybdenum, Quantifoil holey carbon, graphene, and specialized membrane window grids in various materials, plus lift-out, finder index, and calibrated asbestos index grids.
- Tweezers Over 150 precision tweezers including SPI-Swiss brand (manufactured in Switzerland) and Dumont brand tweezers, with options in titanium, PTFE coated, anti-magnetic stainless steel, gold plated, and specialized tips for electron microscopy.
- Plasma Prep III Compact tabletop RF plasma ether/asher/cleaner delivering 1-100W with solid-state design for surface cleaning, etching, and ashing applications. Features integrated vacuum gauge and 4 inch diameter chamber.
- Plasma Prep Jr. Barrel microwave plasma etcher/asher using microwave energy for faster etch rates compared to RF systems, with 4 inch diameter chamber, water-cooled options, and power range of 100-700 watts.
- Plasma Prep X Parallel plate anisotropic etcher system designed for applications requiring directional etching without undercutting, such as passivation layer removal in microelectronics.
- Plasma Prep RIE Table-top reactive ion etcher with LED touch screen interface providing dry anisotropic etching technology, 13.56 MHz RF plasma, 10-200W continuous power, and optional turbo pump system.
- UV Prep for SEM UV-based sample cleaning system for removal of hydrocarbon contamination from SEM samples using a customized UV source and ozone scrubbing, with microprocessor control and 0-30 minute cleaning times.
- Critical Point Dryer SPI-Dry Critical Point Drying Apparatus for artifact-free drying of wet biological or polymer specimens by dehydrating samples without deformation from surface tension effects.
- Slide-A-Grid and Twist-A-Grid TEM Grid Storage Boxes TEM grid storage boxes with the Slide-A-Grid holding up to 100 grids and Twist-A-Grid holding up to 50 grids, featuring anti-static plastic formulation and an optional sequential numbering system compatible with all 3.05mm TEM grids.
- SPI-Dry Specimen Storage Boxes Desiccant-based specimen storage boxes for moisture-sensitive SEM samples, compatible with AMRAY, JEOL, Hitachi, ISI/Topcon, and FEI/Philips mount types, with color-indicating capsules that change from blue to pink when exhausted.
- Substrates Scientific substrates including HOPG highly ordered pyrolytic graphite, mica, glassy carbon, ITO-coated slides, silicon wafers, silicon nitride wafers, sapphire, 2D materials, and AFM stainless steel disks.
- Microscope Calibration Standards Calibration standards including calibrated microspheres, asbestos standards, stage micrometers, and nanometer calibration standards for SEM, TEM, and SPM instruments.
- Chemicals Laboratory chemicals including embedding resins, fixatives, stains, buffers, solvents, accelerators, plasticizers, methacrylates, and molecular sieves for electron microscopy sample preparation.
- Filtration Products Membrane filters including ANOPORE inorganic membranes, SPI-Pore silver membrane filters, polycarbonate membrane filters, and Anodic Aluminum Oxide anisotropic and isotropic membranes.
- Vacuum Products Vacuum pump accessories including fluids, oils, Vacseal products, greases, view ports, and pump parts for diffusion and mechanical pumps.
- MiScope Digital Microscopes Handheld digital microscope line including basic white LED, Megapixel 2, and Megapixel 2 IR/UV models with magnification ranges from 15x-140x and compatible with smartphones, tablets, and computers.
- Scientech Electronic Balances Series 12000 electronic balances with displacement detection system including semi-micro (0.01mg), analytical, and semi-analytical models with capacities from 50g to 12,000g and RS232 data interface.
- Ultra Compact Chiller UC170 Solid State Cooling Systems miniature recirculating chiller with 160-190W capacity, thermoelectric cooling, RS232 interface, and dimensions of 7.5 x 5 x 7 inches for temperature control of plasma etchers and other laboratory equipment.
- HookUpz 2.0 Smartphone Optics Adapter Universal smartphone adapter for connecting to optical devices including microscopes, stereoscopes, binoculars, and telescopes, accommodating phones with eyepiece diameters of 25-58mm.
- NuNano AFM Probes High-quality silicon AFM probes manufactured to tight dimensional tolerances including Scout series (70, 150, 350 kHz), Scout HAR high aspect ratio series, and SPARK conductive AFM probes with platinum coating, distributed by SPI Supplies.
- Kammrath & Weiss Tensile Module PC-controlled tensile/compression testing module for SEM with load ranges up to 10kN, featuring DDS-3 microprocessor electronics, MDS software, and options for heating/cooling and extensometer.
- Kammrath & Weiss Transfer Module SEM stage module for transferring sensitive specimens between glove box and SEM under inert atmosphere protection.
- Analytical Laboratory Services A2LA ISO 17025-accredited independent testing and analytical laboratory services specializing in electron microscopy and surface analysis, including SEM, TEM, EDS, light microscopy, ultramicrotomy, and asbestos analysis, priced per sample and per hour with volume discounts.
Quantifiable outcome
- Few independent analytical and testing laboratories can offer such a powerful combined capability today (referring to their combined SEM, TEM, LM, ultramicrotomy, vacuum deposition, ion milling capabilities)
Companies that use SPI Supplies
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
SPI Supplies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
SPI Supplies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NuNanocoreSPI Supplies is a proud distributor of NuNano AFM probes. NuNano specializes in design and manufacture of probes for atomic force microscopy and cantilever-based sensor devices. They offer high quality silicon AFM probes manufactured to the tightest dimensional tolerances available in the market, with minimal variation in spring constant and resonant frequency.
- Kammrath & WeisscoreSPI Supplies is the North American distributor for Kammrath & Weiss SEM stage modules including tensile testing modules (up to 10kN) for SEM and AFM, and transfer modules for glove box to SEM specimen transfer.
- Outils Dumont (Dumont)coreSPI offers a broad assortment of tweezers from Dumont including Dumostar, biology tip, Dumoxel anti-magnetic, and stainless steel tweezers.
- ScientechminorSPI Supplies distributes Sciantech electronic balances including semi-analytical and analytical models with various capacities and readabilities.
- Solid State Cooling SystemsminorSPI distributes Solid State Cooling Systems products including the UC170 Ultra Compact Chiller for temperature control of plasma etchers and other laboratory equipment.
- West Chester UniversityminorClose neighbor and partner of West Chester University with numerous educational and scientific interactions. WCU serves as a source for future employees.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
SPI Supplies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- JEOL USA: JEOL manufactures SEM and TEM systems with proprietary consumables and service contracts targeted at the same laboratories buying SPI's grids, mounts, tweezers, and accessories.
- Leica Microsystems: Leica is a broad microscopy incumbent (light, fluorescence, EM sample preparation) whose ultramicrotomy, staining, and tissue-prep workflow products overlap with SPI's life-science sample preparation and chemical catalog.
- Carl Zeiss Microscopy: Zeiss is a major SEM/light microscopy manufacturer whose service programs and bundled consumables compete for the same EM lab customers SPI serves, though at much broader scale and with vertically integrated instruments.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (Electron Microscopy / Materials Science): Thermo Fisher (through FEI/Thermo EM and the Fisher Scientific catalog) competes with SPI in analytical lab services, EM consumables, and procurement-portal access, although it operates at vastly greater scale across many life-science and lab categories.
Direct peers
- Ted Pella, Inc. Ted Pella is a leading direct competitor to SPI Supplies in EM and AFM sample preparation consumables, TEM grids, calibration standards, and microscopy accessories, with overlapping product catalogs and a similar specialty-laboratory customer base.
- Electron Microscopy Sciences (EMS): EMS supplies histology, EM, and microscopy sample preparation chemicals, embedding resins, consumables, and instruments — overlapping directly with SPI's chemicals, grids, fixatives, and stains catalog for the same EM/life-science lab buyers.
- Agar Scientific: Agar Scientific is a UK-rooted supplier of TEM grids, EM accessories, calibration standards, and sample preparation tools, serving the same microscopy lab customers as SPI with a comparable consumables-plus-instruments range.
- Dumont (Dumont Tweezers / Fine Science Tools): Dumont and Fine Science Tools supply precision tweezers, dissection tools, and microsurgical instruments — directly comparable to SPI's tweezer line (150+ models) sold to the same laboratory precision-handling buyers.
- Cressington Scientific Instruments: Cressington manufactures sputter coaters, carbon coaters, and glow discharge units used in SEM sample preparation, overlapping with SPI's Plasma Prep plasma etchers/cleaners and coaters in EM accessory workflows.
Emerging players
- NuNano (Nanoworld / SmartTip): NuNano is a specialized AFM probe manufacturer whose silicon probes SPI distributes; they intersect with SPI's SPM/AFM consumables line and serve the same nanoscale imaging researchers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SPI Supplies social profiles
Digital presenceSPI Supplies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SPI Supplies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
SPI Supplies subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
SPI Supplies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SPI Supplies 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 SPI Supplies
What does SPI Supplies do?
SPI Supplies manufactures, supplies, and distributes sample preparation equipment and consumables for electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), light microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy (SPM/AFM) laboratories. The catalog spans more than 150 tweezers, TEM grids in numerous materials, precision instruments such as plasma cleaners, critical point dryers, and UV prep systems, plus specimen storage solutions, calibration standards, substrates, chemicals, and filtration products. The parent Structure Probe, Inc. also operates an A2LA-accredited independent analytical laboratory providing SEM, TEM, and surface analysis testing services.
Is SPI Supplies a public or private company?
SPI Supplies is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was SPI Supplies founded?
SPI Supplies was founded in 1970. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SPI Supplies based?
SPI Supplies is headquartered in West Chester, United States, in the North America region.
How does SPI Supplies make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Product Sales (Consumables and Instruments) is the primary driver. The others are analytical Laboratory Services.
Who are SPI Supplies's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are JEOL USA, Leica Microsystems, Carl Zeiss Microscopy and Thermo Fisher Scientific (Electron Microscopy / Materials Science). Direct peers are Ted Pella, Inc., Electron Microscopy Sciences (EMS), Agar Scientific, Dumont (Dumont Tweezers / Fine Science Tools) and Cressington Scientific Instruments. NuNano (Nanoworld / SmartTip) is listed as an emerging player.
Does SPI Supplies have an API?
No public API is recorded for SPI Supplies.
What industry is SPI Supplies in?
SPI Supplies's product category is Electron Microscopy Sample Preparation Supplies. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAE, Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments, with a secondary code of HLAGAIAL, Metrology, Calibration & Testing Equipment (Balances, pH/DO, Standards). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.