Model 170 – Ultrasonic Disk Cutter
Key Features
Key features of the Fischione Model 170 Ultrasonic Disk Cutter include:
- Minimal mechanical and thermal damage
- Thin specimens (>10 µm) or thick (<1 cm)
- Rapidly cuts disks, rods, or rectangular specimens
- Automatic termination
Overview
The Fischione Model 170 Ultrasonic Disk Cutter rapidly cuts transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimens from hard, brittle materials without causing mechanical or thermal damage. It produces disk specimens from materials as thin as 10 µm or cylindrical rods up to 10 mm long from bulk samples or rectangular wafers that are subsequently used in the preparation of cross-section TEM specimens.
Unique Design
The unique design of the Model 170 Ultrasonic Disk Cutter means that the specimen is always presented parallel to the cutting axis. An optional microscope facilitates site-specific cutting by helping to locate an area of interest in the bulk material. A dial indicator accurately displays the depth of the cutting tool. The process is automatically terminated once the specimen has been cut.
Optimised Cutting
The cutting tool movement is controlled by the excitation of Lead zirconate titanate crystals oscillating at a frequency of 26 kHz. The cutting is effected using an abrasive slurry of boron nitride or silicon carbide. The action of the tool is optimised to cut at the maximum rate, while at the same time minimising mechanical and thermal damage to the specimen.
