MetPrep
MetPrep is a UK-based specialist distributor (est. 1991, Coventry) of metallographic preparation equipment, hardness testers, microscopes, handheld XRF/LIBS analyzers, and laboratory consumables serving industrial and university metallurgical and petrographic laboratories across the UK and Ireland.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersCoventry, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What MetPrep does
MetPrep Ltd is a UK-based specialist distributor (established 1991, headquartered at 1 Falkland Close, Coventry) supplying metallurgical and petrographic laboratories with analytical instrumentation, microscopy and image-analysis systems, metallographic preparation equipment, hardness testers, and a comprehensive consumables portfolio. The company holds exclusive UK and Ireland distribution rights for multiple premium OEMs, including SciAps (XRF and LIBS handheld analyzers), QATM (cutters, polishers/grinders and hardness testers, formed from the Qness + ATM merger), ZEISS (compound, confocal, inverted and automated scanning microscopes), and CRAIC Technologies (UV-visible-NIR and Raman microspectrometers). Its proprietary assets include the NanoFix System (PET-backed adhesive-free Silicon Carbide papers), a Weld-Check Pro imaging system integrated with ZEISS ZEN software, and an extensive database of 100+ preparation procedures covering ferrous, non-ferrous, superalloy, titanium, composite, ceramic, petrographic and biomedical materials.
The business model combines one-time capital equipment sales (Brillant/Qcut cutters, Qpol/Saphir polishers, ZEISS microscopes, SciAps analyzers, CRAIC spectrometers) with a high-frequency consumables stream (cut-off wheels, mounting compounds, polishing cloths, diamond suspensions, UKAS-certified hardness test blocks and indenters), supported by a UKAS-accredited service department, a field sales team, and a demonstration/training laboratory at the Coventry headquarters. Revenue is generated through catalogue-based pay-as-you-go pricing with no minimum order quantity, direct field-rep engagement, an online ordering storefront, and annual roadshow-style events at the AMP Technology Centre in Rotherham.
Customers are industrial metallurgical and petrographic laboratories (manufacturing, aerospace, oil and gas, failure analysis) plus university research departments across the UK and Ireland, with recent expansion into digital slide scanning services via the wholly-owned subsidiary Micro SlideScan UK. The 30+ year operating history, multi-OEM distribution moat, comprehensive consumables catalogue with overnight delivery, and dedicated training facility (the Jim Ashby Training & Research Laboratory, opened 2018) underpin MetPrep's self-described position as the UK's leading supplier in its niche.
MetPrep firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MetPrep
- Legal name
- Metprep Ltd
- Website
- https://metprep.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- MetPrep is a UK-based specialist distributor (est. 1991, Coventry) of metallographic preparation equipment, hardness testers, microscopes, handheld XRF/LIBS analyzers, and laboratory consumables serving industrial and university metallurgical and petrographic laboratories across the UK and Ireland.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MetPrep industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Metallographic and Petrographic Laboratory Equipment and Consumables
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Metrology, Calibration & Testing Equipment (Balances, pH/DO, Standards) (HLAGAIAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Laboratory Consumables & Plasticware (Tips, Tubes, Plates, Filters) (HLAGAIAH), General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens) (HLAGAIAC)
Keywords
Where MetPrep is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Coventry
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
MetPrep business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Laboratory Equipment Sales: Sale of metallographic preparation equipment including abrasive cutters, mounting presses, polishers/grinders, hardness testers, microscopes, and analytical instruments. Equipment ranges from manual bench-top units to fully automated systems.
- Consumables: Comprehensive range of quality consumables including cut-off wheels, mounting compounds, grinding materials, polishing suspensions, diamond abrasives, and specimen preparation accessories. All consumables in stock for immediate overnight delivery.
- Service and Support: Fully staffed service department providing maintenance, calibration (UKAS certified), and technical support for equipment. Also offers training programs through the Jim Ashby Training & Research Laboratory.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | No minimum order quantity policy |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Consumables and equipment - catalogue pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
MetPrep product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MetPrep distributes and supports laboratory equipment, instruments, and consumables used for metallographic and petrographic sample preparation, materials testing, microscopy, and chemical analysis. Offerings include QATM abrasive cutters, mounting presses, grinder-polishers and hardness testers, SciAps handheld XRF and LIBS analyzers, ZEISS microscopes, CRAIC microspectrometers, and a comprehensive consumables range (cut-off wheels, mounting compounds, polishing cloths, diamond suspensions, hardness test blocks and indenters), together with UKAS-accredited calibration, training, and technical support.
Product overview
MetPrep is a specialist supplier to Metallurgical and Petrographic laboratories offering a comprehensive product portfolio comprising four main categories: (1) Analytical Instrumentation including SciAps handheld XRF (X-550, X-200, X-50) and LIBS (Z-902, Z-901 Li) analysis guns for positive material identification; (2) Microscopy and Image Analysis featuring ZEISS compound, confocal (LSM 900) and inverted (Axiovert 5 & 7) microscopes, CRAIC UV-visible-NIR and Raman microspectrometers, MOTIC imaging solutions, and Weld-Check Pro imaging system; (3) Materials Preparation Equipment under QATM brand including Brillant/Qcut precision cutters (from 150A to 600 BOT robotic systems), Qpol/Saphir grinders/polishers (250, 300, 550, 560, XL, Vibro), and mounting presses; (4) Comprehensive Consumables including cold and hot mounting compounds, polishing cloths, diamond suspensions, cut-off wheels, hardness test blocks and indenters. All products are backed by experienced in-house staff, service department, and demonstration facilities in Coventry.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SciAps X-Series XRF Analyzers (X-550, X-200, X-50) Handheld X-ray fluorescence analyzers for positive material identification (PMI), alloy and geochemical analysis. Models range from the entry-level X-50 (PiN diode) to the premium X-550 (1.3kg, narrow head for tight spaces). Target users: industrial PMI laboratories, alloy sorters, mining and environmental testing labs.
- SciAps Z-Series LIBS Analyzers (Z-902, Z-901 Li) Handheld Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analyzers for alloy analysis including carbon, and dedicated lithium testing in soils, ores and rocks. Target users: steel mills, alloy manufacturers and lithium exploration laboratories.
- ZEISS Microscopes and Imaging Platforms Full ZEISS microscope range for materials science: Axiovert 5 & 7 inverted smart microscopes, LSM 900 materials confocal microscope, AxioScope compound instruments, and AxioScan 7 Geo automated slide scanner (up to 100 thin sections). Target users: industrial materials laboratories and university research groups.
- CRAIC Microspectrometers (508PV UV-VIS-NIR, Apollo M Raman) UV-visible-NIR and Raman micro-spectrophotometers that integrate onto ZEISS (AxioImager, AxioScope, AxioLab) microscopes for new-build or upgrade configurations, and upgrade existing Leica, Nikon or Olympus instruments. Target users: thin-section analysts, microelectronics, forensic and pharmaceutical laboratories.
- Weld-Check Pro Imaging System Self-contained weld examination, recording and analysis system with built-in 5MP colour camera, LED illuminator and unique optics, linked to ZEISS ZEN software for measurement and reporting. Target users: welding inspection and quality control laboratories.
- QATM Qness 200 Universal Macro Hardness Testers (CS and CSA+) Universal macro hardness testers offering Vickers, Micro Vickers, Knoop, Rockwell and Brinell scales, including manual (CS) and fully automated (CSA+) variants with automatic tool changers and XY slide. Target users: industrial QC and materials testing laboratories.
- QATM Brillant / Qcut Abrasive Precision Cutters Range of abrasive precision cutters spanning compact bench-top units (e.g. Brillant 210A / Qcut 150 A with 8 inch / 203mm blade) and fully automatic cutting robots (Qcut 600 BOT with 5 axes for 24 inch / 610mm wheels). Target users: metallographic preparation laboratories across all scales.
- QATM Saphir / Qpol Grinder-Polishers Electronically controlled twin-wheel and single-wheel grinding and polishing machines (Saphir 250, 550, 560, Qpol 300, Qpol XL) plus the Saphir Vibro vibratory polisher for EBSD sample preparation. Target users: metallographic and petrographic laboratories performing routine and advanced sample preparation.
- Metallographic Consumables Range (mounting compounds, polishing cloths, diamond suspensions, cut-off wheels) Complete metallographic consumables portfolio including cold and hot mounting compounds, polishing cloths (magnetic and adhesive), diamond suspensions and pastes, abrasive and diamond cut-off wheels, all stock-held for immediate overnight delivery with no minimum order quantity. Target users: metallurgical and petrographic preparation laboratories.
- NanoFix System (Proprietary Adhesive-Free Silicon Carbide Papers) Proprietary adhesive-free Silicon Carbide grinding paper system using NanoDisc PET-backed surface technology enabling quick release, quick reuse and wrinkle-free operation by attachment to NanoBase. Target users: metallographic laboratories seeking reusable, adhesive-free grinding consumables.
- UKAS-Certified Hardness Test Blocks and Indenters UKAS-certified reference test blocks (Vickers HV2-HV100, Low Force/Micro Vickers, Knoop, Rockwell and Superficial scales) and UKAS-certified hardness testing indenters (Macro/Micro Vickers, Macro/Micro Knoop, Rockwell) certified to BS EN ISO and ASTM standards. Target users: regulated industrial QC laboratories requiring traceable calibration.
- MOTIC Microscopy Imaging Solutions MOTIC microscopy and imaging solutions including cameras and image analysis software for routine and educational materials microscopy applications. Target users: materials preparation laboratories needing entry-level digital microscopy.
- Micro SlideScan UK (Digital Slide Scanning Service) Dedicated digital slide scanning service business launched by MetPrep, providing high-resolution digital imaging of prepared microscope slides. Target users: petrographic, geological, materials science and biomedical laboratories seeking digital archive and remote-review capability.
- MetPrep Service Department (UKAS Calibration, Maintenance and Training) Fully staffed service department providing equipment maintenance, UKAS-certified calibration, technical support and customer training programmes delivered via the Jim Ashby Training & Research Laboratory. Target users: existing MetPrep equipment customers requiring lifecycle service, calibration and training.
Quantifiable outcome
- Overnight delivery on all consumables
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use MetPrep
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MetPrep technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability2 records
Feature4 records
MetPrep partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- CRAIC TechnologiescorePartnership to provide UV-visible-NIR and Raman micro-analysis capabilities. CRAIC solid-state technology is integrated onto ZEISS microscope platforms (AxioImager, AxioScope, AxioLab) for new-build or upgrade applications. MetPrep can also upgrade existing Leica, Nikon or Olympus instruments with these spectroscopic capabilities.
- QATMcoreUK distributor for QATM products following the merger of Qness and ATM brands. QATM (Quality Assured) offers metallographic preparation equipment including cutters, mounting presses, polishers/grinders, and hardness testers under the Qpol, Qcut, and Opal product lines.
- ZEISScoreStrategic partnership with ZEISS, a global technology leader in microscopy and metrology solutions. MetPrep serves as a key distribution and demonstration partner for ZEISS imaging equipment in the UK market. The partnership includes a dedicated ZEISS Application Suite at MetPrep's Coventry facility for customer demonstrations.
- SciApscoreUK and Ireland distributor for SciAps range of XRF (X-series) and LIBS (Z-series) portable analytical instruments for positive material identification (PMI). SciAps is a Boston-based company with over 25 years expertise in mobile testing technology, including the world's first Z model with carbon detection capability in engineering steels.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights5 records
MetPrep competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Pace Technologies: US-based manufacturer and distributor of metallographic equipment and consumables (cutters, polishers, mounting presses) competing in the same product category as MetPrep's QATM-branded preparation equipment.
- Kemet International: UK-based specialist in metallographic consumables and diamond polishing products, directly competing with MetPrep's consumables offering to the same UK metallurgical laboratory customer base.
- Allied High Tech Products: US-based supplier of metallographic preparation equipment and consumables, directly comparable to MetPrep's metallographic consumables and equipment distribution business.
- Struers: Denmark-headquartered global manufacturer and supplier of metallographic preparation equipment, hardness testers and consumables — the closest direct competitor to MetPrep's core metallographic equipment and consumables portfolio.
- Buehler (ITW): US-based global leader in metallographic equipment, hardness testing and preparation consumables; directly overlaps with MetPrep's QATM, polishing, cutting and hardness testing product lines.
Broad incumbents
- LECO Corporation: US-based manufacturer of materials testing and analytical instrumentation (carbon/sulfur analyzers, OES, hardness testers) — a broader incumbent with overlapping product categories in elemental analysis and materials testing.
- Oxford Instruments: UK-based broader scientific instruments group with materials analysis and microscopy product lines that overlap with MetPrep's analytical instrumentation (XRF/LIBS/microscopy) distribution offering.
- Hitachi High-Tech: Global manufacturer of analytical and materials science instruments including XRF, OES and electron microscopes — broader incumbent whose product lines overlap with MetPrep's SciAps XRF/LIBS and ZEISS microscopy distribution.
Others
- Carl Zeiss Microscopy: ZEISS is both a key strategic distribution partner for MetPrep and an enabling/principal supplier of microscopes; included as an adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.
Regional players
- PRESI: France-based manufacturer of metallographic cutting, mounting, grinding and polishing equipment — competes with MetPrep in continental Europe and indirectly in UK/Ireland through its own distribution channels.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MetPrep social profiles
Digital presenceMetPrep compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
MetPrep financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MetPrep leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
MetPrep subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
MetPrep funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MetPrep 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 MetPrep
What does MetPrep do?
MetPrep distributes and supports laboratory equipment, instruments, and consumables used for metallographic and petrographic sample preparation, materials testing, microscopy, and chemical analysis. Offerings include QATM abrasive cutters, mounting presses, grinder-polishers and hardness testers, SciAps handheld XRF and LIBS analyzers, ZEISS microscopes, CRAIC microspectrometers, and a comprehensive consumables range (cut-off wheels, mounting compounds, polishing cloths, diamond suspensions, hardness test blocks and indenters), together with UKAS-accredited calibration, training, and technical support.
Is MetPrep a public or private company?
MetPrep is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was MetPrep founded?
MetPrep was founded in 1991. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MetPrep based?
MetPrep is headquartered in Coventry, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does MetPrep make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Laboratory Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are consumables and service and Support.
Who are MetPrep's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Pace Technologies, Kemet International, Allied High Tech Products, Struers and Buehler (ITW). Broad incumbents are LECO Corporation, Oxford Instruments and Hitachi High-Tech. Carl Zeiss Microscopy is listed as an others. PRESI is listed as a regional player.
Does MetPrep have an API?
No public API is recorded for MetPrep.
What industry is MetPrep in?
MetPrep's product category is Metallographic and Petrographic Laboratory Equipment and Consumables. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAL, Metrology, Calibration & Testing Equipment (Balances, pH/DO, Standards), with a secondary code of HLAGAIAH, Laboratory Consumables & Plasticware (Tips, Tubes, Plates, Filters). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3821.