Sample preparation microscopy

Conditions of use

The conditions of use for the equipment presented below are outlined in the Nutzungsordnung des Labors für Kryo-Rasterelektronenmikroskopie.


Rotary microtome Thermo Scientific Microm HM 340 E

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Manufacturer: Thermo Fisher Scientific

Short description Microtome for preparing thin sections to examine internal sample structures

Samples (after embedding if necessary): thermoplastics, duromers, elastomers in the form of bulk material, films, fabrics, particles, foams, etc.

Technical data
Section thickness range 0.5 to 100 µm
Resolution sectioning 0.5 µm to 20 µm
Trimming thickness range 5 to 500 µm
Resolution Trimming 5 µm to 50 µm
Specimen size max. 55 mm × 50 mm
Additional features
  • Section counter
  • Section thickness sum

Precision cut-off machine Q-ATM Qcut 150 M

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Manufacturer: ATM Qness GmbH

Short description Precision cut-off machine for cutting samples for subsequent examinations

Samples: (Reinforced) plastics in e.g. plate, rod or tube geometry

Technical data
Motor power 370 W
Rotational speed 150 to 3,000 U/min
Cut-off wheel diameter 75 to 203 mm
Cut-off wheel materials
  • Diamond
  • Corundum
Cooling Fresh water cooling
Specimen diameter max. 40 mm
Operation modes
  • Cutting with weight load (cutting force 0 to 10 N)
  • Cutting with hand lever
  • Cutting with table attachment

Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) – 467965905.


Cryo Cross-Section Polisher JEOL IB-19520CCP

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Manufacturer: JEOL Ltd.

Short description Argon polishing system for the preparation of specimen cross sections for SEM examinations including (temperature) sensitive materials or material composites with strongly varying hardnesses.

Samples: (Reinforced) thermoplastics, duromers, elastomers in the form of bulk material, films, fabrics, particles, foams, etc.

Technical data
Ion accelerating voltage 2 to 8 kV
Milling speed > 500 µm/h (Si)
ProSpecimen sizebengröße max. 11 mm × 8 mm × 3 mm
Operating modes
  • Intermittent
  • Stage swing for large-area cross-section preparations
Cryo mode Cooling with liquid nitrogen, temperature control down to -120 °C
Additional features
  • Coating of samples with carbon
  • Sample preparation and transport under air exclusion

Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) – 467965905.


Sputter Coater JEOL JFC-1300

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Manufacturer: JEOL Ltd.

Short description Sputter coater for conductive coating of specimens for SEM examinations. The rotary-tilting stage enables uniform coating of specimens.

Samples: All solid samples.

Technical data
Technology Magnetron sputter coater
Plasma gas Argon
Target materials Copper, Gold, Platinum, Silver
Diameter sample stage 57 mm
Additional features
  • Rotary-tilting stage
  • Thickness monitor

Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) – 467965905.