Leica EM TXP User manual

Leica EM TXP
Operating Manual
Version 16214032 10/2010

Important Note
Leica reserves the right to change technical specications as well as manufacturing
processes without prior notice. Only in this way is it possible to continuously improve
the technology and manufacturing techniques used to provide our customers with
excellent products.
Any copyrights of this document are retained by Leica Mikrosysteme GmbH, Vienna.
Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or any parts thereof) by printing, photocopy-
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permission in writing.
Issued by:
Leica Mikrosysteme GmbH
Hernalser Hauptstrasse 219
A-1170 Vienna

Leica EM TXP
Operating Manual
Leica EM TXP Serial Number:
Date of purchase:
For the instrument serial number, please refer to the name type label on the
back of the instrument!
Please read this instruction manual carefully
before operating the instrument.

Table of contents
1. Safety instructions..................................................................................................................4
2. Description...............................................................................................................................5
3. Design and principle of operation .........................................................................................6
4. Installation of the Leica EM TXP............................................................................................ 7
4.1 Unpacking the instrument..................................................................................................7
4.2 Installation of the stereo microscope.................................................................................8
4.2.1 If the instrument is equipped with S6 stereo microscope:........................................... 8
4.2.2 If the instrument is equipped with M80 with objective adaptor:................................... 8
4.2.3 If the instrument is equipped with M80 and moveable objective adaptor:...................9
4.2.4 Eyepieces....................................................................................................................9
4.3 Electrical connections (rear side of the instrument).........................................................10
4.4 Connection of the extraction and filtration unit.................................................................10
4.5 Back light illumination......................................................................................................11
4.6 Inserting the milling tool...................................................................................................11
4.7 Inserting the cut-off wheel or arbor for polishing foil carrier.............................................12
4.8 Adaptor for specimen holder............................................................................................12
4.9 Angle adjustment adaptor (optional)................................................................................13
4.10Inserting the specimen holder..........................................................................................13
4.11Installing the lubricant/cooling system.............................................................................14
4.12Attaching the polishing foil onto the carrier......................................................................15
5. Description of the control panel ..........................................................................................16
6. Settings .................................................................................................................................. 18
6.1 Rotation speed setting.....................................................................................................18
6.2 Lubricant flow setting.......................................................................................................19
6.3 Saw speed setting ...........................................................................................................19
6.4 Count down setting..........................................................................................................20
6.5 Step size setting ..............................................................................................................20
6.6 Force limit setting.............................................................................................................20
6.7 Cutting window setting.....................................................................................................21
6.8 Light menu.......................................................................................................................22
7. Milling a specimen.................................................................................................................24
7.1 Switching on the instrument.............................................................................................24
7.2 Clamping the specimen block..........................................................................................25
7.3 Insert the miller (as described in 1.6)...............................................................................25
7.4 Adjusting and centring the specimen...............................................................................25
7.5 Milling the cutting face.....................................................................................................27
7.6 Producing a pyramid or a sloping face ............................................................................28
8. Distance determination.........................................................................................................29
8.1 Approaching a specimen target along the longitudinal axis.............................................29
8.2 Distance measurement....................................................................................................30
8.2.1 Calibrating the reticule...............................................................................................30
8.2.2. Distance measurement..............................................................................................31
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9. Sawing/polishing sample preparation examples ...............................................................32
9.1 PCB crosssectioning of a through hole............................................................................32
9.2 Example results...............................................................................................................36
9.3 Slicing..............................................................................................................................37
9.3.1 Front face slicing .......................................................................................................37
9.3.2 Back face slicing........................................................................................................37
10. Useful hints.......................................................................................................................... 39
10.1Recommended sample size ............................................................................................ 39
10.2Diamond disc cutter.........................................................................................................39
10.3Diamond miller.................................................................................................................39
10.3.1Surfacing of ductile materials and hard polymers......................................................39
10.4Sample holders................................................................................................................40
11. Maintenance......................................................................................................................... 41
11.1Replacing the fuse...........................................................................................................41
11.2Replacing the tubes of the peristaltic pump.....................................................................41
Page 2 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10

Page 3 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
Symbols in this manual and their meaning:
Attention, take extra care!
Important information.

1. Safety instructions
The instrument has been designed and manufactured so the user is not exposed to
any danger if the instrument is used as intended.
It is necessary that the user is trained in the use of this type of instrument.
The instrument should be opened by authorized service personnel only.
Before opening any covers the instrument must be disconnected from the electrical
supply.
The instrument is equipped with protected ground. Before connecting it to the local
electrical supply make sure that the mains has the required ground and that the
instrument is connected to it according to the local regulations.
Unplug the instrument before installing or changing fuses.
High speed motor spindle
When switching on the mains switch, the motor spindle mechanism initialises and the
instrument is ready for use. The miller is shielded by a protective cover allowing the
miller to operate only when it is closed.
The user must not make any manipulation in the milling area while the miller is on
and rotating.
Only tools recommended for use with this machine should be used.
The tools must be installed in accordance with the instructions (chapter 4.6. and
4.7.). Loose or wrongly installed tools can lead to injury and may damage the
machine.
Using the feed hand wheel (2) or HOME button, the spindle has to be retracted
completely before operation to prevent a collision between tools and specimen
holder.
The angle of the pyramid is adjusted with the lever (3). For milling and sawing only, a
setting between 0 and 30 is recommended. Higher angle values can lead to a
dangerous and destructive contact between specimen holder and tool (depending on
the protruding length of the sample).
Page 4 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10

ating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
2. Description
1 stereo
microscope
2 feed and wheel
3 specimen pivot arm lever
4 control panel
5 top light ring illuminator
6 protective cover
7 tool control lever (E-W movement)
7.1 lever for auto E-W movement
8 lubricant/cooling system
9 adjustment mechanism
10 hose connection of the extraction unit
11 mains switch and electrical connections
1
2 7.1
7
3
4
5
7 6
8
9
10 11
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ating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
3. Design and principle of operation
The Leica EM TXP is a unique target preparation device especially developed for
cutting and polishing samples prior to examination by SEM, TEM and LM techniques.
It excels with challenging specimens where pinpointing and preparing barely visible
targets becomes easy. Sawing, milling grinding and polishing exactly to the target is
performed during observation via the stereo microscope. Investigation of the
prepared surface can be done without removing the sample.
The EM TXP is a preparation unit with variable speed from 300 to 20 000 rpm, with
an integrated stereo microscope and ring LED illuminator. A pivot arm and
adjustment assembly holds the specimen carrier for maximum orientation.
It can be used with either milling tools, cut-off wheel or polishing tools.
The area of interest can be centred +/- 2mm and rotated about its longitudinal axis
with the 90° click stop adjustment mechanism. The selected detail remains in the
centre of the field during each operation.
The 90° rotation view allows distance definition i.e. from the front face of the sample.
90° rotational viewing
Processing observation
Front face observation
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ating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
4. Installation of the Leica EM TXP
4.1 Unpacking the instrument
Unfold the four lateral walls (1) from the outer carton. Remove separate packaging of
the stereo microscope and accessories. Unfold the lateral wall (2) and remove plate
(3). Two persons should lift the instrument out of the box using carton handles (4).
Place the instrument on the working table. Remove transport lock of the miller
control lever (5). The top light ring illuminator is connected to the stereo microscope
carrier with cable ties. Remove these using wire cutters.
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ating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
4.2 Installation of the stereo microscope
4.2.1 If the instrument is equipped with S6 stereo microscope:
Insert stereo microscope in the carrier and clamp it with the knurled screw. Slide the
top-light ring-illuminator onto the objective mounting of the stereo microscope. Clamp
the illuminator with attached screw.
4.2.2 If the instrument is equipped with M80 with objective adaptor:
Screw in the objective adaptor into the M80 carrier. Insert objective in the objective
adaptor. Place the ergo-wedge and the binocular tube onto the M80 carrier. Insert
stereo microscope and illuminator in the same manner as described above.
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Page 9 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
4.2.3 If the instrument is equipped with M80 and moveable objective adaptor:
Insert stereo microscope in the carrier of the instrument and clamp it with the knurled
screw (1.1) Slide the movable lens adaptor (1.2) onto the M80 carrier to the end stop.
Clamp the movable adaptor (1.2) with the two hexagonal screws. Locate the vertical
set screw (1.3) in the same vertical orientation as the clamping screw (1.1) of the
stereo.
Screw the objective lens into the movable lens adaptor.
Slide the top light ring illuminator onto the objective mounting of the stereo
microscope. Clamp the illuminator with attached screw.
Place the ergo-wedge and the binocular tube onto the M80 carrier.
The movable objective adaptor is equipped with two set screws allowing a shift of the
objective lens +/- 5mm. Both set screws are provided with an indicator mark for the
centre position of the lens. See chapter 8.2.2. for further information.
Please see information about operation of stereo microscope in the manual
enclosed in the packaging of the microscope.
4.2.4 Eyepieces
Insert the eyepieces into the binocular tubes of the stereo microscope. Make sure the
eyepiece with the reticule is inserted in the side of your dominant eye.
1.3
1.1
1.2

Page 10 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
10
4.3 Electrical connections (rear side of the instrument)
The instrument is equipped with a full range power supply for a voltage input range
from 100 to 240VAC 50/60 Hz. Insert the plug of the power cord into the socket
(11.1).
The switched outlet (11.2) is provided to supply mains voltage from the wall
outlet to the Leica extraction and filtration unit only!
Connecting any other vacuum cleaner could destroy the instrument. Other
vacuum cleaners have to be connected directly to the wall outlets.
4.4 Connection of the extraction and filtration unit
(supplied by Leica)
Connect the mains cord of the extraction unit to the switched outlet (11.2). Using this
connection will switch the extraction unit on and off automatically when the trimming
motor is switched on and off.
Note: make sure the mains switch of the extraction unit is in the on position (see
manual of the extraction unit)
Insert the straight end of the extraction hose into the opening (10) on the rear side of
the instrument. Insert the end with the sleeve into the extraction unit.
11.1
11.2

Page 11 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
To exchange the filter inserts of the extraction unit please see extraction unit manual.
The extraction and filtration should only be used during milling and sawing
without activated lubricant system (PUMP OFF). Any liquid which is extracted
into the filtration unit will damage the unit. Please remove the exhaust tube
when the lubricant system is in use.
4.5 Back light illumination
The instrument is equipped with a special back light illumination component (5.1)
which increases the visibility of the sample. To maintain its brightness keep the
illumination foil clean. It can be removed for cleaning if necessary.
Reinstall the illuminator (5.1) with the black pins of the safety cover inserted into the
white holes of the component.
4.6 Inserting the milling tool
Remove the transparent protective cover (6). Hold the spindle with the flat wrench no.
16 and loosen the nut manually or with flat wrench no. 14. Carefully insert the miller
with protective cover all the way to the end stop and tighten the nut until the miller is
firmly clamped. Remove protective cover from the miller.
When using the glass slide holder (optional) the miller can be pulled out by 4mm in
order to mill samples with a thickness less than 4mm.
5.1

Page 12 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
The miller is enclosed by a protective casing. A magnetic switch allows the miller to
operate only when it is closed. A brake function of the motor ensures the miller stops
as quickly as possible when the cover is opened.
Do not manipulate inside the protective chamber with any magnetic tool or
while wearing magnetic decoration while the instrument is connected to the
mains.
Do not use the diamond miller for trimming of:
glass or glass fibre enforced material since this will physically damage
the diamond miller
material containing iron, cobalt, nickel, manganese, chromium,
tungsten, tantalum, titanium and zirconium as it will result in the
cutting edge wearing out very quickly.
4.7 Inserting the cut-off wheel or arbor for polishing foil carrier
Remove the transparent protective cover (6). Hold the spindle with the flat wrench no.
16 and loosen the nut manually or with flat wrench no. 14. Carefully insert tool into
the nut until the indication mark is aligned with the rim of the nut and tighten the nut
until the tool is firmly clamped.
The chuck is equipped with a safety clamping mechanism. To remove the tool
from the chuck open the nut with the two flat wrenches, manually turn the nut
to its next stop, then use the two wrenches again to open chuck completely.
4.8 Adaptor for specimen holder
Insert the adaptor into the adjustment mechanism of the pivot arm and lock it with the
locking screw using the Allen key (9.1).

9.1

Page 13 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
4.9 Angle adjustment adaptor (optional)
If the sample needs to be accurately aligned (+/-5°) an angle adjustment adaptor can
be inserted instead of the above mentioned adaptor.
Swivel the specimen pivot arm in the 90° viewing position (chapter 8.1). Insert
adaptor to its end stop position. Swivel specimen pivot arm to the 0° position (chapter
7.5.). Adjust adaptor with the horizontal set screw (located at the top position) and the
vertical set screw (located on the right hand side). Use the reticule of the eyepiece for
alignment after opening the knurled head clamping screw. Use the indication marks
on the set screw for the 0 position.
4.10 Inserting the specimen holder
The specimen holder is inserted in one of the adaptors and locked with the locking
screw. The adjustment mechanism (9) of the pivot arm permits centring of the
specimen into the middle of the field of view (chapter 7.4.)
9

4.11 Installing the lubricant/cooling system
The instrument is equipped with a lubricant/cooling system which must be activated
when using the diamond cut-off wheel and the polishing foil inserts. It can also be
used for cooling during milling to improve the surface quality. The bottle is normally
filled with water and a few drops of liquid soap.
A peristaltic pump (8.1) is located inside the case. The right hand tube should be
inserted into the lubricant bottle (8.2) and the left to the spout (8.4). Insert one tube
into the lubricant bottle through the hole of the lid to the bottom of the bottle. The
other tube is connected to the spout located on the protective cover (6). Insert spout
(8.4) into the alignment part (8.5) of the cover, either with the straight end from the
outer side or from the inner side (pictured and recommended), depending on the
sample length. By tilting and turning the spout the water stream can be adjusted to
the tool.
Place the waste container (8.3) beneath the milling area close to the corner of the
instrument. Connect the grey cable of the level sensor into the pug near the tube of
(8.1).
If the bottle is empty and the level sensor is connected, the instrument will not
stop automatically to protect the sample during an automated run
will be displayed on the LCD display on the control panel). If the
sensor is disconnected the instrument will run (when using other
suspensions).
6
8.3
8
8.4
8.5
run or will
(EMPTY
Page 14 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10

4.12 Attaching the polishing foil onto the carrier
There are two different types of carrier available. One steel carrier which is useful for
the diamond foils used for hard and brittle material. Using this carrier the so called
“edge rounding” is almost avoided but the durability to the foil is less than with the
other carrier which is equipped with a rubber layer and recommended for use with
aluminium oxide foils.
Before attaching the foil, clean the carrier with ethanol to make sure no particles are
on the surface which could influence the polishing result.
The polishing foils have an adhesive film which is covered by a transparent foil.
Remove this foil with the finger nail or razor blade. Place the polishing foil on a finger
tip and avoid touching the adhesive film. Centre the polishing foil to the carrier and
press it onto the carrier starting at the rim to avoid air bubbles between foil and
carrier.
Recommended scope of the polishing foils:
Diamond polishing foils
are suitable for hard and brittle materials like:
glass, ceramic, chilled cast iron, carbide, silicon, sapphire.
Aluminium oxide foils are suitable for materials like:
aluminium, brass, copper, titanium, mild steel, tool steel, high-grade steel,
nickel and some hard polymers.
For hard and soft material (e.g. gold wire bonding on Si) the use of SiC foils on
steel carrier subsequent a diamond past applied on the neoprene cloth is
recommended.
Page 15 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10

5.
Page 16 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10
5. Description of the control panel
Change speed from 300 to 20000rpm using
+/- button.
Change speed of the E_W spindle
movement from 0.025 to 0.5 mm/sec. Press
button again to change over to set the
lubricant flow from 2 to 20 ml/min .(value is
displayed on the upper left corner of the
LCD display). Use +/- button to set values.
Press button once DIST is displayed to set
distance count down or press it again to set
TIME count down value with the +/- button
while the LED is blinking.
Button to activate force function. Press
button longer than one second to set force
limit (LED blinks) using +/- button.
Set advance indication to zero.
Freeze advance indication.
Page 16 Operating Manual Leica EM TXP 10/10