Surface Science Western | 2,334 followers on LinkedIn. Canada’s Premier Surface Analysis and Materials Characterization Facility | Surface Science Western (SSW) is a consulting and research laboratory specializing in the analysis and characterization of surfaces and materials. The high quality, reliable analytical services provided to our clients have facilitated development and production, decreased costly returns, innovated processes and increased profitability. Since its inception in 1981, SSW has successfully served a number of high profile clients across a range of industry sectors including: energy, mineral resources, health services, automotive, aerospace, environmental, electronics and plastics.