PELCO tripod polisher 590TEM for precision sample thinning

SKU: PEL59100   |   Availability ⓘ

PELCO tripod polisher 590TEM for precision sample thinning

SKU: PEL59100   |   Availability ⓘ
Pack Size
P.O.R.


The PELCO Tripod Polisher 590 was designed by researchers at the IBM East Fishkill Laboratory* to accurately prepare TEM and SEM samples of pre-specified, micron-sized regions. For TEM samples, this technique has been used successfully to limit ion milling times to less than 15 minutes and, in some cases, has eliminated the need for ion milling. Although this technique was designed for preparing semiconductor cross-sections, it has been used to prepare both plan-view and cross-section samples from such diverse materials as ceramics, composites, metals, and geological samples.

Features & Benefits

  •  Precise cross-sectioning at the TEM level
  • Repeatable and rapid production of TEM samples
  • Reduces ion milling time to minutes as opposed to hours
  • Produces large thin areas over the entire specimen


  Operation - Standard Technique

The PELCO Tripod Polisher 590 can be used to prepare a sample for both SEM and TEM cross-sectional analysis. To accomplish this, the sample is mounted on the face of a special SEM stud which is clamped into the slotted L-bracket of the PELCO Tripod Polisher 590. Initial grinding is done on a 15µm metal bonded diamond disc. Further lapping and polishing continues with a succession of diamond films ranging in size from 30µm to 0.5µm. The final polish is done with a colloidal silica suspension. As lapping progresses, the two rear micrometers are used to adjust the plane of polish. With periodic examinations in an inverted microscope, the plane of polish is adjusted until it is parallel to the plane of interest. At this point the SEM stud may be moved to an ion mill for a quick milling to remove fine scratches, polishing debris and to give the surface topography prior to SEM analysis. The SEM stud can be mounted directly in the SEM for analysis. When analysis is complete, a TEM sample of the same area is made. The sample is removed from the SEM stud and attached to a single aperture TEM grid. The slotted L-bracket is removed and the TEM grid is attached to the round sample mount which is affixed to the center of the polisher. The sample is now mechanically thinned using Diamond Lapping Film. During this process the sample is periodically examined in an inverted microscope and the micrometers are adjusted to maintain the correct plane of polish. The sample is FINAL polished to 1µm or less and then ion milled for up to 15 minutes.

Operation - Wedge Technique

The preferential thinning and surface topography that occurs in briefly ion milled samples makes the study of interfaces between dissimilar materials difficult. These problems can be reduced by completely eliminating the ion milling step and mechanically polishing the sample to electron transparency by employing the wedge technique. With this technique the SEM stud is replaced, in the slotted L-bracket, with a Pyrex insert. The sample is mounted on the face of this insert. After the plane of interest is obtained, the sample is removed and mounted on the bottom of the Pyrex insert. The two rear micrometers are adjusted and the micrometer nearest the sample is retracted to produce a wedge shape as material is removed from the sample. The sample, with the features of interest at the apex of the wedge, is thinned from the back side until the edge of interest is ~1µm thick. The sample is then polished on a final polishing cloth with a colloidal silica suspension until thickness fringes are visible (below a few thousand angstroms). The sample is then removed from the Pyrex insert and attached to a single aperture TEM grid for analysis.

PELCO tripod polisher 590TEM for precision sample thinning
Updated: 29-03-2024
Code Pack Size Availability* Price (ex GST)
PEL59100 Each 3 weeks P.O.R.

* Availability Explanation

X weeks – the estimated lead time, based on the average time taken previously to fill orders from this particular supplier. Lead times are from when we receive your order until when we fill your order. For delivery times, please see shipping information below.

In Stock – Plenty of stock on the shelf, ready to ship.

No ETA – our supplier has advised they cannot provide an accurate ETA. Generally there is some issue with supply, and it may be more than 6 months.

REFUNDS AND RETURNS

Please ask prior to returning any goods.

Defective products should be returned to us for replacement or credit. It is best to contact support with as much detail as possible, including pictures, so we can quickly resolve the issue. ProSciTech Pty Ltd complies with the ACCC guidelines, available here: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees/repair-replace-refund 

If you decide the item purchased does not suit your requirements, you may contact us to see if a return is possible. Some items may not be refunded, so please ask before purchase if you think a return may be necessary. The greater of $15 or 15% re-stocking charge  will be levied on materials returned due to an error on the part of the customer. We try to keep this charge minimal, however returns do have a cost to us.

SHIPPING INFORMATION

Shipping and Handling charges are $20 for Australian orders; free for orders over $200. 

In-stock items are generally sent same day. Orders are shipped shipped from Townsville, Queensland. Our couriers pick up from 2:30pm, so please place your order in plenty of time for processing and packing if you would like it sent same day. When items are not in stock, your order may be part-shipped. Items on back-order will be sent as soon as they become available.

ProSciTech will choose the courier for your order with consideration for the destination, value of parcel, weight and perishability of contents. It is our concern that our shipments reach you, our customer, rapidly and in good condition. Please contact us if you have any issues with a shipment and we will do our best to resolve it. Please keep in mind however, that our legal responsibility ends when goods are passed to the carrier.

Order Value Shipping and Handling charges
Greater than $200 - (exceptionally heavy or Dangerous Goods excluded). Free
Less than $200 $20
Express shipping $30

Delivery times:

Check your email for tracking details provided at time of shipping for updates of your parcel. We cannot guarantee delivery times, as this is outside of our control. The following are the delivery estimates as given by our couriers. 

Regular shipping
Queensland   1-3 business days 
Sydney   2-5 business days 

Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart or Canberra 

 3-10 business days 

WA, NT and non-metro areas

 4-10 business days 
Express shipping
Australia wide   1-2 business days

Urgent Orders:

Please request "Express" if you would like us to upgrade your shipment to express delivery. Providing your order fits in a satchel and/or is under 1kg in weight, we will ship your order either DHL, TNT or Express Post. Larger or heavy orders need a quotation for additional freight costs.

Dangerous goods:

See the table on the page for DG shipment costs by road. Please specify when ordering if you require air service (this can be prohibitively expensive). Please request a quotation. We will charge at cost.
 

Shipping to New Zealand Destinations

Orders are now shipped 'receipted delivery'.

Charges:

Order Value Shipping and Handling charges
Greater than $200 - (exceptionally heavy or Dangerous Goods excluded). Free
Less than $200 $26 Minimum Charge

Heavy items (e.g. benchroll or large quantities of microscope slides) may require an additional freight charge - please ask for a quote.

DANGEROUS GOODS shipped to New Zealand: Dangerous goods will be air-freighted and the freight charge billed at cost. Typically, this will be about AUD $600AUD to New Zealand (Up to 2kg).

Delivery times: by air with signature on delivery, depending on courier, delivery can take 3-14 working days. Customs delays are unpredictable and can extend the delivery. Due to COVID19 delivery times have been extended through the couriers and are out of our control.

Shipping to Rest of World Destinations

Contact us for a quote for shipping. 

Delivery times: by air with signature on delivery, depending on courier, delivery can be 7-21 working days. Customs delays are unpredictable and can extend the delivery time. Due to COVID19 delivery times have been extended through the couriers and are out of our control.

DANGEROUS GOODS shipped outside Australia: Not available

GUARANTEE

All products are guaranteed as advertised. Defective products should be returned to us for replacement or credit. Please contact us prior to returning goods. 

We endeavour to provide accurate descriptions, illustrations, prices and stock availability, but errors and omissions are possible. All quotations are E&OE (Errors and Omissions Excepted) 

LIABILITY

All products are intended for laboratory applications only and the user assumes all responsibility involved in use and handling. We accept no liability for loss or damage resulting from the use or abuse of our products. 

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