VCR Group Core Drill (right)

Used to produce TEM specimens by removing a disk or "core" from a variety of bulk materials (metals, ceramics, inter-metallics, etc...)

• Variable speed control: 200-20,000 RPM
• Precision depth control to 0.001"
• Precision x-y table capable of positioning to within 0.01 mm with optional magnetic mount
• Capable of small hole drilling or milling: 0.004" to 1/8" diameter
• Assorted core drill bits
  • 2.3 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 diameter cores
  • Diamond coated, high strength steel and aluminum

MINIMET Polisher/Grinder (left)

Used to polish or grind specimens until flat or until the desired interior structures are exposed.

• Variable load control
• Automatic load reduction with time control
• Variable speed control
• Automatic timer termination of polishing
• Uses glass platens to insure flat, even polishing of each specimen. Platens are kept separated according to polishing media used to minimize contamination.
• Assorted polishing media
  • Silicon Carbide disks, 600 grit, for rough grinding
  • Diamond paste, 1 to 25 micrometers, for medium polishing
  • Alumna suspensions, 0.5 to 0.03 micrometers, for fine polishing