Sample Prep Equipment

Equipment availability and reservation information can be found on the MSE iLab equipment page.

Equipment Items

Allied Autopolisher  

For use with grinding/polishing pads of 60 to 1200 grit only (no diamond polishing). Polish up to 4 samples at a time. For 1-2 samples at a time please use the EcoMet 30.

Buehler EcoMet 30 and LECO Grinding and Polishing Wheels  

Grinding: 60 grit, 240 grit, 320 grit, 400 grit, 600 grit, 800 grit 

Diamond Polishing: 6 µm (microns), 3 µm, 1 µm 

Alumina Polishing: 15 µm, 5 µm, 0.3 µm, 0.1 µm and 0.05 µm. 

Buehler SimpliMet 4000 Mounting Press  

Mounting press for mounting metallography and ceramic samples. Creates samples 1.25″ in diameter. Bakelite and Diallyl Phthalate thermosetting powders available. 

Buehler VibroMet 2 Vibratory Polisher  

Vibratory polisher removes minor deformation remaining after mechanical preparation, revealing the stress-free surface without need for the hazardous electrolytes required by electro-polishers. 

The VibroMet 2 oscillates almost entirely horizontally, maximizing the length of time the specimen touches the polishing cloth. 

Combine the VibroMet 2 with MasterMet™ 2 Colloidal Silica to chemomechanically polish a specimen to a surface finish suitable for electron-backscatter diffraction (EBSD). 

LECO MSX 255 Sectioning Saw  

Use the LECO sectioning saw to cut sample pieces. 

Available saw blades: 

• LECO 811-035-010 – HRC 45-60+ Hardened for hard metals
• LECO 811-049-010 – HRC Range Soft Materials for soft metals 

Slow-Speed Diamond Saw  

Isomet Saw (oil and water) 

Diamond wafering blades available for: 

glass, ceramics, brittle materials (15LCU) 

ferrous and nonferrous alloys, copper, aluminum, metal matrix, composites, titanium (15HCU) 

hard/tough materials structural ceramics, boron carbide, boron nitride, and silicon carbides (20LCU) 

Vibro-Energy Mill (Shaker Mill)  

Maximum reservation time is 12 hours because maximum run-time for the Shaker Mill is 12 hours.