Struers TenuPol-5
Prepares TEM sections of electrically conductive materials through electrolytical thinning
Eligibility
Prerequisites
- Users must have an active Badger account
- Must complete Moore 184 safety orientation
- Read and understand the SOP
- Schedule and complete one in-person training session with the sample prep staff
Overview
The Struers TenuPol-5 is an electrolytic polishing unit that makes transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sections of metal samples. This unit has two main capabilities, it can punch out 3mm diameter samples for final thinning from large 10 mm diameters samples, and perform final thinning on 3mm diameter samples. Main system components are listed below.
- Control unit
- Polishing unit
- Insulated electrolyte container
- Pump
- Thermometer
- Specimen holder
- Polishing cell
- Jet holder
The polishing procedure is conducted using an electrolyte solution and electricity. The electrolyte solution has to be mixed in the lab, and the sample is placed into the electrolyte solution. The control unit is used to control the voltage and current that is applied to both sides of the sample. Different electrolyte solutions are used for different metals. Some of the electrolyte solutions provided int he lab are listed below.
- Electrolyte D2, a phosphoric acid solution
- Electrolyte A2, a perchloric acid solution
System Specifications
Mains voltage: Single‑phase, 100-120/220-240V, 50‑60 Hz.
Power consumption: 220‑240V / 1.50A/110‑120V / 3.15A
Output: 0-100V / 0-2A
specimen: 3 mm dia., max. 0.5 mm thick