Model 200 Dimpling Grinder

Conventional specimen preparation

An easy-to-use, state-of-the-art, mechanical thinning instrument designed for the reproducible preparation of high-quality transmission electron microscopy specimens

High-quality specimens for transmission electron microscopy need to have a large electron transparent area for analysis, but be rugged. One method that accomplishes both prerequisites is dimpling.

Dimpling is a rapid technique that involves simultaneously rotating the specimen on one axis and a grinding wheel on a perpendicular and intersecting axis. This combination of motions provides a specimen with its central area reduced to a thickness of a few microns. By thinning only the central area of the specimen, a thick, rugged outer rim remains, eliminating the need for special handling techniques for fragile specimens. An abrasive slurry that is in contact with the grinding wheel and the specimen removes the material.