Specimen Preparation
From Northwestern University Center for Atom-Probe Tomography
NUCAPT has facilities to prepare metallic atom probe tips from bulk material in-house. Our rates are published. Northwestern's SPF in EPIC and the metallographic lab have additional sample preparation instruments. Please contact Dieter Isheim with any questions regarding sample preparation.
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[edit] IsoMet 5000
The Buehler Isomet 5000 is a high speed precision saw capable of serial sectioning. It is used to cut tip blanks with a square cross-section from bulk material. Diamond and abrasive blades are available from the facility or you can bring your own blade (between 3" and 8" in diameter with a 1/2" arbor).
[edit] Notes on Basic Usage
These are not a substitute for training or the user manual, but only to serve as general reminders.
- Log all instrument usage and ask for help if you need it.
- Reset to hard home by holding down blue zero button
- Please start with moderate rotation (~3000 rpm) and feed-through rates.
- Correctly mount the blade between flanges (flat side of flange away from blade).
- Dress diamond blades
- Run with enough coolant
- Clean the work area when done:
- Remove both specimens and scrap
- Use coolant hose to clean the saw
- Reset to hard home and turn off
[edit] Electropolishing station
[edit] Electropointer
The Simplex Electropointer is a computer-controlled electropolishing station.
