Surface and microanalysis techniques have a wide range of applications for biomaterials. In research and development, understanding surface chemistry can help to shorten development cycles & provide ways to compare the effectiveness of new materials early in the process. This can make it possible to bring products to market more quickly. In production, analysis techniques are valuable tools for quality assurance and quality control processes. In both R&D and production, as well as in dealing with returned or faulty product, failure analysis techniques can provide essential information to better understand what went wrong. Examples of how various surface analysis techniques can be used to address these areas will be covered in this talk.