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POLISHX/TenuPol electrolytic preparation equipment
PRODUCT INFORMATION

TenuPol electrolytic preparation equipment

A dedicated preparation machine for thinning metallographic specimens prior to analysis under transmission electron microscope. With a range of automatic features, TenuPol prepares metallographic samples in minutes.

Technical specifications

Manufacturer / publisherStruers
LanguageEnglish
CategoryChemical & special polishing
Updated2026-10-17
Struers published content
Source: https://www.struers.com/en/products/electrolytic-preparation/electrolytic-equipment/tenupol · Original publication: 2026-10-16. Manufacturer claims and terminology are reproduced as source material.Explore Equipment & product families ↗

TenuPol electrolytic preparation equipment | Struers.com

A dedicated preparation machine for thinning metallographic specimens prior to analysis under transmission electron microscope. With a range of automatic features, TenuPol prepares metallographic samples in minutes.

TenuPol

Prepare thin specimens for transmission electron microscopy in minutes.

TenuPol-5 facts

Scanning function

Method Database

High specimen quality

The TenuPol-5 is designed for automatic electrolytic thinning of specimens for examination in a transmission electron microscope. Establishing parameters for new materials and storing them in the method database is simple, using the built-in scanning function and additional enhancement functions. The TenuPol-5 consists of two separate units - the control unit and the polishing or thinning unit.

 A perforated specimen for transmission electron microscopy is prepared in a few minutes using a sample with a diameter of 3.0 or 2.3 mm.

How does TenuPol support your Electrolytic Preparation

Fast determination of method settings

TenuPol-5 is equipped with a unique scanning function that scans a pre-defined voltage range to determine the current density curve. This curve is used to define the correct polishing voltage for the thinning process, allowing the user to store the parameters in order to find the correct method settings again after a single scan of a new material sample. The TenuPol-5 comes with filter and enhance functions to facilitate finding the correct voltage settings for polishing and etching.

Comprehensive method database

The built-in method database contains 18 Struers methods and up to 200 user methods. The 18 methods consist of eight methods for pre-thinning and ten methods for the final thinning of various materials. This means that the user can prepare a wide range of materials immediately without time-consuming trials. The user can also use the methods in the database as a starting point for developing their own methods for other materials.

High specimen quality

The specimen is polished from both sides simultaneously, thus providing a structure with an absolute minimum of deformation. When the perforation appears, the polishing can automatically be stopped by the infrared detector system, and the specimen is ready for TEM examination. No special operator training is required.

Fast determination of method settings

Comprehensive method database

High specimen quality

As soon as a hole appears in the center of the specimen, the process is shut off in accordance with the pre-set light stop value.

Automatic shut‑off

The basic material with a diameter of 12‑21 mm is pre-thinned using a special specimen holder to a thickness of less than 0.5 mm in an area up to 10 mm in diameter in order to avoid deformations of the finished sample.

Pre‑thinning

TenuPol-5 enables electrolytic “punching” of several 3.0 mm (or 2.3 mm) specimens from the foil material without introducing any deformation at all.

Electrolytic “punching”

TenuPol-5 is made of corrosion‑resistant materials, allowing for polishing using most chemicals such as perchloric acid and other highly corrosive electrolytes.

Chemical thinning

TenuPol-5 consists of two separate units, the control unit and the polishing or thinning unit. The control unit contains the power supply and the programming and monitoring functions. Touchpad operation and a back-lit display of all parameters, such as current, electrolyte temperature, and elapsed thinning time, enables monitoring of the entire process

Control unit

The separate unit design enables the polishing/thinning unit to be placed away from the control unit in a fume cabinet, for example. The TenuPol-5 comprises two electrolyte reservoirs, an insulated one for use with the built‑in cooling coil, and an uninsulated one for cooling the electrolyte.

Polishing/thinning unit

Facts

Model types

Struers’ equipment is in conformity with the provisions of the applicable international directives and their appurtenant standards. Struers’ products are subject to constant product development. Therefore, we reserve the right to introduce changes to our products without notice.

TenuPol-5

TenuPol-5
Control unit, with electronic thermometer and adapter for the connection of TenuPol polishing unit, with specimen holder for three mm dia. specimens, sets of jets, pump, cooling coil, insulated PVC container, non-insulated PVC-container, and a built-in photo cell.

Technical Data

TenuPol Technical Data Sheet

Struers Technical Data Sheets are designed to help you make the best choice of equipment for your particular purpose. You can find important information such as capacity and performance specifications, dimensions, weight, electrical data, noise levels, ambient conditions, and safety. In many cases you can also obtain an overview of accessories offering higher capacity and performance.

TenuPol Technical Data Sheet

The TenuPol-5 is designed for automatic electrolytic thinning of specimens for examination in a transmission electron microscope. Establishing parameters for new materials and storing them in the method database is simple, using the built-in scanning function and additional enhancement functions. The TenuPol-5 consists of two separate units - the control unit and the polishing or thinning unit.

 A perforated specimen for transmission electron microscopy is prepared in a few minutes using a sample with a diameter of 3.0 or 2.3 mm.

Read more

Read more

Method development

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.

Specimen preparation sequence

  • Starting material 12–21 mm in diameter can be pre-thinned to less than 0.5 mm over an area up to 10 mm in diameter.
  • Final discs are prepared at 3.0 mm or 2.3 mm diameter.
  • Electrolytic punching can produce several discs from foil without mechanical punching deformation.
  • Both sides are thinned simultaneously to minimize preparation deformation.

Automatic endpoint control

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.

Equipment layout and handling

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.

Files & downloads

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