TenuPol-5 is an automatic electrolytic thinning system for preparing metallographic specimens for transmission electron microscopy. It combines voltage scanning, stored methods, simultaneous two-sided thinning and infrared perforation detection to prepare 3.0 mm or 2.3 mm discs with minimal deformation.
| System type | Automatic electrolytic TEM specimen thinning |
|---|---|
| Final specimen diameter | 3.0 or 2.3 mm |
| Method database | 18 supplied methods; up to 200 user methods |
| Pre-thinning material diameter | 12–21 mm |
| Pre-thinning target | Below 0.5 mm thickness over an area up to 10 mm diameter |
| Thinning mode | Simultaneous from both sides |
| End-point detection | Infrared detector with preset light-stop value |
| Control layout | Separate control and thinning units |
| Cooling system | Insulated reservoir with cooling coil plus uninsulated reservoir |
A scanning function evaluates a predefined voltage range to establish a current-density curve. The selected thinning voltage and related parameters can then be stored for reuse.
The database contains 18 supplied methods—eight for pre-thinning and ten for final thinning—and accepts up to 200 user methods.
When perforation appears at the center of the specimen, an infrared detector stops the process according to the preset light-stop value. Current, electrolyte temperature and elapsed thinning time are displayed during operation.
The control unit contains the power supply, programming and monitoring functions. The separate polishing/thinning unit can be placed in a fume cabinet away from the control unit.
The thinning unit includes an insulated electrolyte reservoir with a cooling coil and a second uninsulated reservoir. Chemical compatibility and ventilation requirements must be confirmed for the selected electrolyte before operation.
POLISHX technical profile · 2026-10-13 02:31:58