NMCF Sample Preparation and Hardness Testing

The High-Tech Autopolisher is a programmable semi-automatic sample polisher and grinder for < 1 inch samples, located in Jesser Hall Room 129.

Use the Autopolisher calendar for scheduling time on this instrument.

Programmable parameters include: force mode, platen speed (40-600 RPM), comp/contra rotation (sample holder/platen), 0-120 minutes (15 second increments) cycle time, sample force (LbF or N), sample rotation speed, water rinse and force reduction (on/off, %).

Mager BR220 Precision Cut-Off Saw 8'' in Jesser Hall room 129.

A Struers Labotom-5 manual cut-off saw is located in the basement of Jesser Hall.

Use the Allied Tech Techcut4 slow speed saw in Jesser Hall room 129 for cutting smaller samples.

As for all cut-off saws, you need to bring your own blades.

Jesser Hall room 129 in MSB houses four polishing and lapping wheels, three 8 inch wheels, one 12 inch wheel, and one 8 inch auto/manual polisher.

The Hitachi IM4000 system, located in Jesser Hall room 131, is used as the final preparation step to obtain flat samples for SEM and for hardness testing. The IM4000 also allows preparation of large cross sections of samples by using specimen masks.

The Gatan 682 PECS, located in Jesser Hall room 131, allows for etching of surfaces and for sputter coating of different materials. For non-conductive samples to be studied in SEM a conductive layer can be deposited with the PECS.

The Technics coater in Jesser Hall room 131 allows sputter coating 30 nm of AuPd in 1 minute. We can coat a large sample up to 2" in diameter and up to 3/4" tall, or multiple SEM stubs at one time: 6x 1/2" stubs or 3x 1" stubs. Training videos for the Technics coater are available and should be reviewed prior to instrument training. Heat-sensitive samples can not be sputter coated with the Technics coater, instead, use the PECS system for sputter coating of heat-sensitive materials.

The Cressington sputter coater in Jesser Hall room 131 allows sputter coating 30 nm of AuPd or Pt in 1 minute. We can coat a large sample up to 2 1/2" in diameter and up to 3" tall, or multiple SEM stubs at one time: 12x 1/2" stubs or 5x 1" stubs. Heat-sensitive samples can be sputter coated at a large working distance using the manual mode of the Cressington sputter coater.

The MultiPrep™ System enables precise semiautomatic sample preparation of a wide range of materials for microscopic (optical, SEM, FIB, TEM, AFM...

The Gatan 691 PIPS system, located in Jesser Hall room 131, is used as the final preparation step for many types of TEM samples. 3 mm disks cut from bulk materials or from embedded cross sections are thinned to less than 50 micron before argon ion milling in the FIB.

The Fischione model 170 Ultrasonic Disc Cutter for cutting 3 mm discs is located in Jesser Hall room 131.

The Henniker HPT100 Plasma Cleaner in Jesser Hall room 131 removes carbon and other contamination from surfaces. In addition surfaces can be activated for improved adhesion using specific settings.

Fischione Model 150 Dimple Grinder in Jesser Hall room 131 is used to reduce sample thickness in the center of a 3 mm disc for TEM sample preparation.

The Fischione model 110+140 Electro-Polisher is useful for final thinning of metallic samples. It may also be used for sample polishing of materials. This instrument is located in Jesser Hall room 131.

Wilson Model 4 Rockwell Hardness Tester in Jesser Hall room 162.

The Tinius Olsen FH 14-1 is a new-generation Micro Vickers, Vickers, and Knoop hardness tester. Load range calibrated for 100 or 500g. Meets or exceeds ISO, ASTM, and JIS standards. Located in Jesser Hall Room 162.