pdf download link

EM-Tec conductive soft jaw lining kit for vise type SEM sample holders.

Order conductive soft jaw lining kit

EM-Tec conductive soft jaw lining kit for vise type SEM sample holders
1 With rubber pads   2 With soft aluminium or soft copper SEM tape
Introduction

When using vise type SEM sample holders, the sample is generally clamped between two vise jaws. This method of clamping holds the SEM sample securely for subsequent examination. Conductivity is provided by the metal vise jaws.  This method of clamping with metal vises is suitable if the sides of the sample are sturdy and any marring is acceptable. Using a soft layer of conductive material enables clamping of more delicate samples as well. This technical support bulletin is applicable with the following EM-Tec vise type sample holders:


Clamping delicate SEM samples:

  • If the samples are too delicate or too brittle to clamp with vise jaws, do not attempt to use a vise clamp but use a conductive adhesive to mount the sample on a sample stub.
    On other delicate samples which are strong enough to clamp, the metal clamping jaws can potentially damage or mar the sides or surface of the sample. Example: surface treated or threaded samples.
    There are solutions to mitigate this problem:

    • Quick stop gap solution: Cover the clamping jaws with multiple layers of soft aluminium or soft copper SEM tape (at least 5-10 layers). This will create a soft conductive buffer which will hold the sample but is much less damaging. This solution is generally for single use only and suitable for surfaces with sharp ridges.
    • Better and lasting solution: Use conductive rubber pads on the inside of the jaws like EM-Tec #12-003207.  The soft jaw linings are adhered to the jaws with a layer of conductive adhesive. The rubber is relatively soft and conductivity is maintained. The elasticity of the rubber pads allows for multiple use. If the rubber pads are damaged, they can be simply replaced.

Provide conductivity for epoxy embedded samples

If conductive samples are embedded in non-conductive embedding material, conductivity has to be provided in a different way. We suggest to use conductive aluminium or copper SEM tape to provide a conductive path from sample to clamping jaw.



TSB 12-003207 Clamping delicate samples in vise type SEM holders Revision 1



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