Description
The ultrasonic disc cutter is used to produce 3 mm diameter discs or rods from ceramic, metal, semiconductor, and geological samples for TEM analysis. It operates using a titanium cutting tool driven by a lead zirconium titanate (PZT) crystal at a frequency of 26 kHz. Cutting is performed using a boron or silicon carbide slurry, enabling precise material removal for delicate specimen preparation.
Capabilities
- 3 mm disc/rod production – Prepares samples suitable for TEM analysis
- Ultrasonic cutting (26 kHz PZT-driven tool) – Provides precise, low-damage material removal
- Wide material compatibility – Works with ceramics, metals, semiconductors, and geological specimens
- Thin sample processing (down to 40 µm) – Capable of handling very thin materials
- Rod fabrication (up to 10 mm length) – Supports cylindrical sample preparation
- Electrical continuity detector – Automatically stops cutting to prevent over-processing
- Microscope-guided positioning – Enables site-specific cutting with ~10 µm accuracy
Limitations
- Maximum sample diameter: 40 mm – Restricts size of input material
- Slow cutting for very hard materials – Materials like sapphire require longer processing times
Related Equipment
Location: SUPP 237
Model: E.A. Fischione Instruments, Inc., Model 170