Celebrating 90 Years of Innovation in Materials Preparation & Analysis

Delivering Trusted Solutions since 1936

For 90 years, Buehler has been a global leader in materials preparation, hardness testing, and materials analysis by helping labs around the world deliver more accurate results, greater efficiency, and higher confidence in every sample.

Founded in 1936 in Chicago, Illinois, by Swiss immigrant Adolph I. Buehler, the company began with a vision to simplify and improve the way materials were prepared and analyzed. Starting with the first commercially available mounting press and developing industry-leading sample preparation equipment, Buehler quickly became synonymous with innovation and reliability.

Today, as a proud division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), Buehler supports customers in 100+ countries with offices worldwide and decades of expertise behind every solution.

Highlights of 90 Years of Innovation

Pioneering Materials Lab Tools

First Commercial Abrasive Cutter

First Commercial Mounting Press

First Semi-Automated Metallurgical Polisher

In 1957 Introduction of MetaDi DiaMond Products

First Commercial Precision Saw

Advanced Hardness Testing

In 2011, Buehler and Wilson Hardness united the respected Reicherter, Wilson, and Wolpert legacies under one organization, creating one of the world’s most comprehensive hardness-testing portfolios. Today, Buehler delivers trusted Rockwell, Knoop/Vickers, and Brinell testing solutions, along with advanced software, certified test blocks, and complete accessories used across aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and medical industries.

Through global Buehler Solution Centers, customers collaborate with applications specialists using the latest preparation technology and DiaMet^® software to solve real testing challenges and optimize workflows. For 90 years, Buehler has remained a strong, reliable partner, helping laboratories achieve consistent, confident results in materials preparation, testing, and analysis.

Founded in 1927

Founded in 1899

Founded in 1920

Buehler's Global Reach

From its beginnings in Chicago to a global presence spanning more than 100 countries, Buehler has built a reputation as a trusted partner to materials laboratories worldwide. Today, Buehler solutions support critical work across a wide range of industries, helping organizations achieve accurate, repeatable results in quality assurance, research, and advanced manufacturing. Industries served include:

Aerospace and Defense — supporting performance validation, failure analysis, and mission-critical material testing
Automotive — enabling durability testing, process optimization, and production quality control
Energy and Electronics — ensuring reliability in power generation, semiconductors, and electronic components Medical and Education — advancing research, teaching, and biomedical materials evaluation
Medical and Education — advancing research, teaching, and biomedical materials evaluation
Primary Metals — supporting metallurgical analysis, process control, and material development
And many more industries where precision, consistency, and confidence in material performance are essential

Across every sector, Buehler combines global reach, technical expertise, and trusted technology to help labs deliver dependable results and drive innovation forward.

Join the Celebration!

90 Years of Material Science Excellence

Why 90 Years Matter

For nearly a century, Buehler has moved materials science forward — combining:

Trusted legacy with modern innovation
Hands-on expertise with advanced automation
Global support with local access

Whether you’re in quality control, research, academia, or advanced manufacturing, Buehler’s solutions help you meet the challenges of today’s labs — from micro structures to macro scale components.

Be Part of the Story

Explore our Anniversary Content

Milestone timeline: 1936 – 2026
Depth resources on hardness testing heritage (Wilson^® legacy)

Celebrate With Us
Share your Buehler story using #Buehler90Years Follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Spirit That Drives Us

Innovation. Quality. Reliability.
From a small lab in Chicago to labs around the world, Buehler continues to put science, service, and success at the center of everything we do.

Thank you for 90 years of trust and partnership. Here’s to the next 90.