TEM sample preparation tools and instruments for cross section samples
Microsaw, Micropol and Microheat


Introduction

Sample preparation for TEM requires thinning the sample so far that it becomes transparent to the electron beam. Mechanical sample thinning must use techniques to avoid deformation of the sample. Mechanical thinning is also used prior to ion-beam thinning for cross sectional samples. For mechanical sample preparation for TEM samples (and in some cases small SEM samples), the following tools and instruments are offered:

All instruments are supplied with universal voltage: 100-240V / 50-60Hz.


Microsaw MS3 for precise cutting of sample under a stereo microscope

Microsaw MS3 for precise cutting of sample under a stereo microscope

The Microsaw MS3 is a compact versatile diamond wheel  which can be easily mounted under a stereo microscopes due to is small size. It is especially designed for cutting and sectioning as required during TEM sample preparation of solid and hard materials. The Microsaw MS3 comprises a precise helical drive train with reduced backlash to ensure precise and reproducible sectioning with 0.01mm accuracy.  The cutting speed of the diamond wheel is continuously adjustable. The specimen is mounted on the arm with adjustable tension, arm contact point and integrated down-stop control mechanism. Supplied with diamond wheel. Adjustable feet for levelling. The diamond cutting wheel runs in a reservoir for coolant.

  • Precise cutting with low deformation
  • Compact; fits under a stereo microscope
  • Easy and quick to use

 

Specifications of the Microsaw MS3

Sample size

Max. 10 x10mm

Minimum slice thickness

~ 100 um

Maximum sample size (LxWxH)

 ~ 10 x 10 x 2mm

Speed range

35 – 410 rpm

Diamond wheel dimensions

Ø50 x 0.15mm

Diamond wheel type

AC32 with 63/50um grit

Motor power

12V DC / 1.5A / 18W

Power input

100-240V / 50-60Hz

Dimensions

260 x 150 x 80mm


Ordering information for the Microsaw MS3

Microsaw MS3 incl. diamond cutting blade, 100-240V / 50-60Hz Microsaw MS3 incl. diamond cutting blade, 100-240V / 50-60Hz
Product # Description request quote
29-001100 Microsaw MS3 incl. diamond cutting blade, 100-240V / 50-60Hz


*Prices without VAT, but within the EU, we have to check for valid VAT-ID.
  
Diamond cutting blade, for Microsaw MS3, Ø50 x 0.15mm, 63/50 grit Diamond cutting blade, for Microsaw MS3, Ø50 x 0.15mm, 63/50 grit
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001110 each €270,00
Qty:

 

Micropol MC3 for precise grinding, polishing or dimpling of TEM samples

   Micropol MC3 for precise grinding, polishing or dimpling of TEM samples

The Micropol MC3 polisher is a compact, electrically controlled, precise mechanical sample grinder/polisher designed for planar grinding, dimpling, thinning and polishing of TEM samples. The polishing parameters (speed, load, time) can be adjusted according to the requirements of the specific specimens and materials. High quality samples are prepared with minimal efforts. The arm of the Micropol MC3 moves the specimen in a semi-random geometric pattern, pressing it gently to the polishing bowl which contains suitable abrasive material.  The abrasive materials can be grinding paper or suspensions of polishing compound on a polishing cloth. This versatile instrument is supplied with flat polishing discs and specimen holder for planar samples and with spherical bowls and specimen holder for dimpled samples. The bowls can be rapidly changed using  the quick exchange bayonet mounts. The Micropol MC 3 is supplied with a selection of bowls and consumable starter kit (Ø44mm abrasive papers 240 & 400 grit, polishing cloth, diamond paste 1 & 10um and thermoplastic wax). Thickness measuring kit included.

  • Versatile polishing and dimpling instrument
  • Variable speed control for precision polishing
  • Timer for automatic operation
  • Extremely light load for fragile TEM samples
  • Corrosion proof, rugged construction

 

Specifications of the Micropol MC3

Sample size

Ø10 - 15mm

Moving mass

150g max.

Moving speed of the arm

30 - 60 scans/min

Load

0 - 5N

Timer

1 – 3600 seconds

Specimen holders

2

Flat polishing bowls

4

Spherical dimpling bowls

4

Thickness measuring kit

included

Power consumption

85W

Power supply

100-240V / 50-60Hz

Dimensions

251 x 220 x 181mm


Ordering information for Micropol MC3

Micropol MC3 polishing / dimpling system, incl. bowls and starter kit, 100-240V / 50-60Hz Micropol MC3 polishing / dimpling system, incl. bowls and starter kit, 100-240V / 50-60Hz
Product # Description request quote
29-001200 Micropol MC3 polishing / dimpling system, incl. bowls and starter kit, 100-240V / 50-60Hz


*Prices without VAT, but within the EU, we have to check for valid VAT-ID.
  
Consumable package for Micropol MC3 incl. 10 ea  600 & 1200 grit grinding paper, 2 ea polishing cloths, 20g ea diamond paste 1 & 10µm and 1 stick of mounting wax MW135 Consumable package for Micropol MC3 incl. 10 ea 600 & 1200 grit grinding paper, 2 ea polishing cloths, 20g ea diamond paste 1 & 10µm and 1 stick of mounting wax MW135
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001210 each €870,00
Qty:

 

Sample holder - copper disc for Micropol MC3 Sample holder - copper disc for Micropol MC3
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001220 each €250,00
Qty:

 



Microheat MH4 for thermoplastic bonding of samples

   Microheat MH4 for thermoplastic bonding of samples

The Microheat MH4 is a compact, heat stabilized hot plate especially designed for embedding samples and for thermoplastic gluing under the stereo microscope. The compact and low profile unit can be easily placed under a stereo microscope to enable bubble free embedding and gluing which is important for cross-sectional samples for electron microscopy. The temperature of the hot plate can be adjusted over a wide range and is electronically kept at the adjusted level within ± 5°C. The actual temperature is shown on the LCD display of the Microheat MH4.  Desired temperature is usually reached within 1-3 minutes.

  • Heat-stabilized
  • Compact low profile
  • Ideal for thermoplastic gluing

 

Specifications of the Microheat MH4

Temperature range

50 – 150°C.

Power consumption

12V DC / 1.2A / 14W

Power input

100-240V / 50-60Hz

Dimensions

100 x 100 x 30mm


Ordering information for the compact Microheat MH4 thermoplastic gluing system

Microheat MH4 system, 100-240V / 50-60Hz Microheat MH4 system, 100-240V / 50-60Hz
Product # Description request quote
29-001300 Microheat MH4 system, 100-240V / 50-60Hz


*Prices without VAT, but within the EU, we have to check for valid VAT-ID.
  

X-TEM full sample preparation kit with Microsaw MS3, Micropol MC3 and Microheat MH4

   X-TEM full sample preparation kit with Microsaw MS3, Micropol MC3 and Microheat MH4

The complete X-TEM sample preparation kit includes the Microsaw MS3, the Micropol MC3, the Microheat MH4, 5 sizes of Titanium embedding rings, the HSS hand-tools kit, AT1 ion-beam resistant glue, conductive carbon cement, MW transparent glue and diamond pastes for 1 and 10um.


Ordering information for full sample preparation kit:

X-TEM full sample preparation kit for TEM sectioning, 100-240V / 50-60Hz incl. Microsaw, Micropol, Microheat, tools and consumables kit X-TEM full sample preparation kit for TEM sectioning, 100-240V / 50-60Hz incl. Microsaw, Micropol, Microheat, tools and consumables kit
Product # Description request quote
29-001500 X-TEM full sample preparation kit for TEM sectioning, 100-240V / 50-60Hz incl. Microsaw, Micropol, Microheat, tools and consumables kit


*Prices without VAT, but within the EU, we have to check for valid VAT-ID.
  
Consumable package for Micropol MC3 incl. 10 ea  600 & 1200 grit grinding paper, 2 ea polishing cloths, 20g ea diamond paste 1 & 10µm and 1 stick of mounting wax MW135 Consumable package for Micropol MC3 incl. 10 ea 600 & 1200 grit grinding paper, 2 ea polishing cloths, 20g ea diamond paste 1 & 10µm and 1 stick of mounting wax MW135
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001210 each €870,00
Qty:

 

Sample holder - copper disc for Micropol MC3 Sample holder - copper disc for Micropol MC3
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001220 each €250,00
Qty:

 



X-TEM HSS hand-tools kit for TEM sectioning sample preparation

   X-TEM HSS handtools kit for TEM sectioning sample preparation

Mechanical sample preparation prior to thinning usually requires special mechanical hand tools. The X-TEM HSS hand-tools kit contains four high quality, practical and reliable tools. The tools are designed for various tasks such as:

  • Adjusting sample in the X-TEM Ti discs
  • Removing of excess glue
  • Cutting
  • Adjusting the seat plate of the sample holder


Ordering information for X-TEM HSS hand-tools kit:

*Prices without VAT, but within the EU, we have to check for valid VAT-ID.
  
X-TEM HSS handtools kit for TEM sectioning sample preparation incl. 4 handtools X-TEM HSS handtools kit for TEM sectioning sample preparation incl. 4 handtools
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001510 set/4 €440,00
Qty:

 



X-TEM titanium embedding discs and consumables for TEM sample preparation

   X-TEM titanium embedding discs and consumables for TEM sample preparation

The X-TEM titanium discs have been developed to simplify mechanical preparation of cross section TEM samples. With the Ø3mm X-TEM Ti discs, sample can be place in the cavity and are held by mechanically deforming the thin strips on both side of the hole. By using this method, the samples don't need to be glued prior to embedding. The deformed strips both hold the sample in the disc and press sample pieces together before gluing. There is a range of hole openings available to accommodate sample pieces ranging from 0.6 to 1.3mm. The advantages of Titanium based disc based encapsulation technology are:

  • Low sputtering rate, excellent sample protection parameters
  • Low level of implantation into the encapsulated samples
  • Emission of blue light during ion beam treatment gives instant optical feedback
  • Excellent mechanical properties
  • Good machining properties

Specification of the X-TEM titanium embedding discs

Material

Titanium

Diameter

3mm

Thickness

0.3mm

Hole dimension width

0.6, 0.8, 1.0. 1.2 1.3mm

Hole dimension length

1.8mm



Ordering information for X-TEM titanium embedding discs and consumables for TEM sample preparation
*Prices without VAT, but within the EU, we have to check for valid VAT-ID.
  
EM-Tec  C38 strong conductive carbon cement, 25g bottle EM-Tec C38 strong conductive carbon cement, 25g bottle
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
15-001138 each €12,90
Qty:

Hazardous Symbol Explanation

hazard fee symbol = Hazard Shipping Fee
Cg = Suspected Carcinogen
F = Flammable
I = Irritant
S = Sensitizer
T = Toxic
Extra info 15-001138 :   F | I | SDS pdf download

 

Micro-Tec  DP1 oil based diamond polishing paste, 1µm, yellow colour , 5g syringe Micro-Tec DP1 oil based diamond polishing paste, 1µm, yellow colour , 5g syringe
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001580 each €8,50
Qty:

 

Micro-Tec DP10 oil based diamond polishing paste, 10µm, light green colour , 5g syringe Micro-Tec DP10 oil based diamond polishing paste, 10µm, light green colour , 5g syringe
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001590 each €8,50
Qty:

 

Ti sample holder disc, Ø3x0.3mm, 0.6x1.8mm hole Ti sample holder disc, Ø3x0.3mm, 0.6x1.8mm hole
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001520 each €12,50
Qty:

 

Ti sample holder disc, Ø3x0.3mm, 0.8x1.8mm hole Ti sample holder disc, Ø3x0.3mm, 0.8x1.8mm hole
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001530 each €12,50
Qty:

 

Ti sample holder disc, Ø3x0.3mm, 1.0x1.8mm hole Ti sample holder disc, Ø3x0.3mm, 1.0x1.8mm hole
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001540 each €12,50
Qty:

 

Ti sample holder disc, Ø3x0.3mm, 1.2x1.8mm hole Ti sample holder disc, Ø3x0.3mm, 1.2x1.8mm hole
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001550 each €12,50
Qty:

 

Ti sample holder disc, Ø3x0.3mm, 1.3x1.8mm hole Ti sample holder disc, Ø3x0.3mm, 1.3x1.8mm hole
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001560 each €12,50
Qty:

 

AT1 Ion beam resistant glue (Araldite with carbon powder), 20ml AT1 Ion beam resistant glue (Araldite with carbon powder), 20ml
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001570 each €85,00
Qty:

 

MC-SHB3 Hand polisher with ceramic inserts MC-SHB3 Hand polisher with ceramic inserts
Product # Unit Price* Add to Quote / Order
29-001610 each €600,00
Qty:

 




SEM Supplies

TEM Supplies

Calibration

Sample Preparation

AFM / SPM

  Product Menu with Images
  SEM Sample Stubs
  Carbon Tabs
  Sample Stub Adapters
  SEM Stage Adapters
  SEM Sample Holders
  SEM Preparation Stands
  Filaments / Cathodes
  Silicon Finder Grid
  Gatan 3View Pins
  FEI Volumescope Pins
  SEM Stub Storage Boxes
  Phenom Supplies
  JEOL NeoScope Supplies
  Hitachi TM Series Supplies
  Field & Lab Sampler Kits
  FlowView liquid sample Kit

Instruments

  Acoustic Enclosures
  Cressington SEM coaters
  TEM Sample Prep
  Diaphragm Pump
  Rotary vacuum Pump
  Precision diamond saw  
  TEM Grids
  TEM Support Films
  Silicon Nitride Films
  K-Kit Wet Cell Holder
  Graphene Films
  TEM Grid Boxes
  Cryo Grid Boxes
  TEM Sample Staining
  3mm Embedding Tubes
  Filaments/Cathodes
  Eyelash Manipulators

Cryo Supplies

  Cryo Grid Boxes
  Other Cryo Supplies

FIB Supplies

  FIB Lift-out Grids
  FIB Low Profile Stubs
  FIB Grid Holders
  FIB Pre-tilt Holders
  FIB Pre-tilt stubs
  FIB Grid Boxes
  SEM / FIB Magn. Calib.
  SEM Res. Test Spec.
  EDS / WDS Calibration
  TEM Calibration
  AFM / SPM Calibration
  LM Magn. Calibration

Vacuum Supplies

  Vacuum Gauges
  KF/NW Vacuum Parts
  KF/NW Vacuum Hoses
  ISO Vacuum flange parts
  Vacuum Oil and Grease
  Vacuum Sealant
  Diaphragm Pump
  Rotary vacuum Pump
  Vacuum Sample Storage
  Vacuum Pick-Up Pens

Sample Coating Supplies

  Sputter Targets
  Carbon Rods & Fibers
  Quartz QCM Crystals
  SEM Sample Coating Fluid

Evaporation Supplies

  Thermal Evaporation Sources
  Evaporation Materials
  Supports & Substrates
  SEM Preparation Stands
  Tweezers
  Probes & Picks
  Applicators & Swabs
  Plastic Transfer Pipettes
  Cutting Tools / Scissors
  Conductive Paint/Cement
  Conductive Tapes & Tabs
  Non-Conductive Adhesives
  Sample Storage
  Hand Tools
  Sorting Wire Mesh
  Preparation Surfaces
  Cleaning / Gloves
  Conductive Metal Powders
  Metallographic Sample Prep
  AFM/SPM Discs
  AFM/SPM Disc Pick-up Tool
  AFM/SPM Holders
  AFM/SPM Disc Storage
  Cantilever Tweezers
  AFM/SPM Discs Tweezers
  Nano-Tec Mica Discs
  HOPG Substrates

Light Microscopy

  Correlative Cover Slips
  Glass Microscope Slides
  Glass Cover Slips
  Quartz Microscope Slides
  Quartz Cover Slips
  Black Metal Slides
  Slide Storage Boxes
  LM Calibration
  Plastic Transfer Pipettes
  Optical Lens Tissue
  Glass Petri Dishes
  Digital Microscope
  PTFE Beakers