Sample preparation

Our lab allows advanced processing of ceramics samples. A Diamond wire saw with 170 µm thickness is the working horse for geeting samples into shape. Two standard polishing machines enable simple grinding and polishing where a high level of expertise is retained by frequent use and targeted introductions. Single crystal samples can be oriented using a Laue camera and can be accurately cut on the same sample holder afterwards. Tiny residual damage from polishing in the surface of ceramics and their single crystal can be removed with extremely gentle vibrationally polishing.

Automatic polisher Phoenix 4000

The automatic polisher Phoenix 4000 can operate in single or central force application mode. The single force specimen holder can cater for up to six 50 mm samples. The central force specimen holder can cater up to six 30 mm samples. The pressure in the head is adjustable and is depending on the hardness of the material that is being polished. The combination of polishing pads and a diamond paste (the following pastes are available : ¼μm, 1 μm, 3 μm, 6 μm, 15 μm ) results in a mirror finish on the surfaces.

Automatic polisher Phoenix 4000
Automatic polisher Phoenix 4000
System Configuration: Polisher base with pneumatic-driven
head
Operation: Semiautomatic or manual
Sample Capacity: Individual force mode, up to 6 samples; central force mode, up
to 10 samples per holder, depending on the holder
Sample Sizes: 25mm to 50mm diameter mounted samples;
Platen Speeds: 150/300 rpm or 50-600 rpm
Head Speed: 150 rpm

Well diamond wire saw model 4240 benchtop

Precision diamond wire saw with vertical wire design to cut hard and brittle materials like ceramics. It utilizes the gravity to achieve and maintain a consistent feed rate. Thus, smooth and sharp cuts are formed. The cutting tool used is a stainless streel wire in which are crimped diamonds. The absence of heat generation is ensured by water cooling during cutting.

Accuracy of the micrometer table 10 µm
Wire speed up to 2,5 m/s
Wire diameter 0,17 mm
Heat generation < 30 °C
Suitable for small sample geometries

Precision surface grinding machine ELB SWH-5 ND

The ELB SWH-5 ND has a hydraulically driven table with an external hydraulic unit. The total usable grinding area is 500 mm x 250 mm. The grinding water is cleaned of coarse grinding residues by an automatic paper filter and sprayed back onto the workpiece by a pump.

The motor with an output of 4.5 KW provides the necessary power to move the tool evenly over the workpiece to be machined. The movement can be intermittent or continuous in the X- , Y- or Z-axis. A mechanical lock for the Z-axis ensures precise cuts in the cut-mode.

The following operating modes are possible:

Grooving – face grinding with automatic in the Y-axis / infeed – sparking out – return

Grinding length 500 mm
Grinding width 250 mm
Workpiece height 275 mm
Dimensions (LxWxH) 1800 x 1450 x 2200 mm
Machine weight ca. 1450 kg
Table speed 2 -28 m / min
Cross way 230 mm
Rapid traverse 1200 mm / min
Cross feed automatically 1 -25 mm / Hub
Rapid traverse vertical 0,15 m / min
Grinding wheel speed 1400 / 2800 U / min
Grinding wheel bore diameter 51 mm
Grinding spindle drive 4,5 kW

Precision surface grinding machine ELB SWH-4 ND

The ELB SWH-4 ND has a hydraulic table with an external hydraulic unit. The actually usable grinding area is 450 mm x 200 mm. The grinding water is cleaned of coarse grinding residues by means of an automatic paper filter and a pump is sprayed back onto the workpiece.

The motor with a power of 4.5 KW generates the force required to move the tool over the workpiece. The movement can work intermittently or in the X, Y or Z axes.

The following operating modes are possible:

Grooving – face grinding with automatic feed in the Y-axis / feed – spark out – return

Grinding length: 450 mm
Grinding width: 200 mm
Workpiece height: 250 mm
Table speed: 0 – 60 mm / Hub
Table size: 600 x 200 mm
Rotational speed: 2600 U / min
Motor power:
4,0 kW
Weight: ca. 1450 kg

Sputter Coater EmiTech K950X

The sputter coater enables the deposition of thin metal or carbon layers. As a result, electrodes with a thickness of several nanometers can be deposited on non-conductive surfaces.

Ultimate vacuum 7,5 x 10^-5 bar
sputterable Elements Au, Ag, Pt, Ag / Pd und C