Zeiss Axiotech User manual

Axiotech and Axiotechvario
Materials Microscopes
Operating Manual

Carl Zeiss Axiotech and Axiotechvario
II B 40-020 e 06/99
Knowledge of this manual is required for the operation of the instrument. Please therefore make yourself
familiar with the contents of this manual and pay special attention to hints concerning the safe operation
of the instrument.
The specifications are subject to change; the manual is not covered by an update service.
© Unless expressly authorized, forwarding and duplication of this document, and the utilization and
communication of its contents are not permitted. Violations will entail an obligation to pay
compensation.
All rights reserved in the event of granting of patents or registration of a utility model.
Issued by: Carl Zeiss
Microscopy
D-07740 Jena
Phone: ++49 36 41 64-16 16
Telefax: ++49 36 41 64-31 44
E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.zeiss.de/micro
Number of this manual: B 40-020 e
Date of issue: 06/99

Axiotech and Axiotechvario Carl Zeiss
B 40-020 e 06/99 III
CONTENTS:
Page
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................I
Title page ............................................................................................................................ I
Copyright........................................................................................................................... II
Table of contents................................................................................................................III
Notes on instrument safety ............................................................................................... VII
Notes on warranty..............................................................................................................X
Overall view of Axiotech 30 ............................................................................................... XI
Overall view of Axiotech 100 ............................................................................................ XII
Overall view of Axiotechvario 100.........................................................................................XIII
1 INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION..........................................................................................1-3
1.1 Name and intended application........................................................................................1-3
1.2 Instrument description and main features.........................................................................1-4
1.3 Microscope components and modules .............................................................................1-5
1.4 Objectives......................................................................................................................1-11
1.5 Eyepieces.......................................................................................................................1-13
1.6 Condensers ...................................................................................................................1-13
1.7 Stage micrometers and eyepiece reticles.........................................................................1-14
1.8 Microscope stages and specimen holders .......................................................................1-16
1.9 Binocular tubes..............................................................................................................1-17
1.10 Reflector sliders and microscopy techniques ...................................................................1-18
1.11 Technical Data............................................................................................................... 1-19

Carl Zeiss Axiotech and Axiotechvario
IV B 40-020 e 06/99
Page
2 START-UP ...................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.1 Unpacking the microscope .............................................................................................. 2-3
2.1.1 Axiotech 30 and Axiotech 100......................................................................................... 2-3
2.1.2 Axiotechvario 100 ............................................................................................................... 2-3
2.2 Setting up the microscope............................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.1 Axiotechvario - Attaching the microscope body to column X95 ............................................ 2-4
2.3 Screw in objectives ..........................................................................................................2-5
2.4 Attachment or change of binocular tubes and intermediate tubes .................................... 2-5
2.4.1 Attachment of binocular tubes ........................................................................................ 2-5
2.4.2 Attachment of intermediate tube for image projection..................................................... 2-6
2.4.3 Attachment of Optovar intermediate tube ....................................................................... 2-7
2.5 Insertion of eyepieces ...................................................................................................... 2-8
2.5.1 Insertion of the eyepiece reticle........................................................................................ 2-9
2.5.2 Compensation of ametropia when eyepiece reticles are used ......................................... 2-10
2.6 Setting of eyepiece (interpupillary) distance and viewing height...................................... 2-10
2.7 Attachment of condenser.............................................................................................. 2-11
2.8 Attachment, change and centering of the microscope stage........................................... 2-12
2.8.1 Axiotech 30 and Axiotech 100 with stage carrier A ........................................................ 2-12
2.8.2 Axiotech 30 and Axiotech 100 with stage carrier D and adapter..................................... 2-13
2.8.3 Axiotechvario 100 with stage carrier H = 140 mm ............................................................. 2-14
2.8.4 Centering of Pol rotary stage ......................................................................................... 2-15
2.9 Change of filters ........................................................................................................... 2-16
2.9.1 Equip the filter slider with filters and push it in the beam path........................................ 2-16
2.9.2 Change filters of reflector slider..................................................................................... 2-16
2.10 Setting of reflected-light luminous-field diaphragm ........................................................ 2-18
2.10.1 Axiotech 30 .................................................................................................................. 2-18
2.10.2 Axiotech 100 and Axiotechvario 100 ................................................................................. 2-18
2.11 Connection to the line and switching the instruments on and off ................................... 2-19
2.11.1 Connection of Axiotech 30............................................................................................ 2-19
2.11.2 Connection of Axiotech 100.......................................................................................... 2-20
2.11.3 Connection of Axiotechvario 100 ...................................................................................... 2-21
2.12 Reflected-light illumination equipment........................................................................... 2-22
2.12.1 Change of 6 V 30 W halogen lamp (Axiotech 30)........................................................... 2-22
2.12.2 Attachment of 12 V 100 W halogen illuminator, adjustment and change
of 12 V 100 W halogen lamp (Axiotech 100 and Axiotechvario 100) .................................. 2-23
2.12.3 Attachment and connection of N XBO 75 Xenon short-arc illuminator............................ 2-26
2.12.4 Attachment and connection of HBO 50 mercury-pressure short-arc illuminator............... 2-26
2.13 Transmitted-light illumination equipment....................................................................... 2-27
2.13.1 Change of 6 V 30 W halogen lamp in the stand base (Axiotech 30 and Axiotech 100).... 2-27
2.13.2 Connecting the 6 V 30 W halogen illuminator to the line (Axiotech 30 and Axiotech 100)2-28
2.13.3 Change of 6 V 30 W halogen lamp (Axiotechvario 100) ..................................................... 2-29
2.13.4 Connection of power supply for 6 V 30 W halogen illuminator (Axiotechvario 100) ............ 2-30

Axiotech and Axiotechvario Carl Zeiss
B 40-020 e 06/99 V
Page
3 OPERATION ...................................................................................................................3-3
3.1 Overview of operation and function controls....................................................................3-3
3.1.1 Operation and function controls of the Axiotech 30 .........................................................3-3
3.1.2 Operation and function controls of the Axiotech 100 .......................................................3-4
3.1.3 Operation and function controls of the Axiotechvario 100....................................................3-5
3.2 Switch on the microscope................................................................................................3-6
3.2.1 Switch on the Axiotech 30 and Axiotech 100 ...................................................................3-6
3.2.2 Switch on the Axiotechvario 100 (separate SNT 12 V DC, 100 W power unit, stabilized) .......3-6
3.3 Setting the microscope (basic settings) .............................................................................3-7
3.4 Illumination and contrasting techniques ...........................................................................3-7
3.4.1 Setting of reflected-light brightfield for KÖHLER illumination ............................................3-7
3.4.2 Setting of reflected-light darkfield..................................................................................3-10
3.4.3 Setting of reflected-light interference contrast................................................................3-12
3.4.4 Setting of reflected-light polarization contrast ................................................................3-15
3.4.5 Setting of epi-fluorescence.............................................................................................3-17
3.4.6 Change of filters in the reflector slider............................................................................3-21
3.4.7 Setting of transmitted-light brightfield for Köhler illumination.........................................3-22
3.4.8 Setting of transmitted-light polarization contrast ............................................................3-24
3.4.9 Setting of transmitted-light phase contrast.....................................................................3-29
3.4.10 3D Microscopy ..............................................................................................................3-30
3.5 Attachment of photomicrography equipment.................................................................3-31
3.5.1 Attachment of SLR camera, e.g. CONTAX Aria ...............................................................3-31
3.5.2 Attachment of MC 80 DX microscope camera (35 mm format with film cassette 35 mm)3-33
3.5.3 Attachment of MC 80 DX microscope camera (large format with 4" ×5" large-frame
attachment)...................................................................................................................3-34
3.6 Attachment of videomicroscopy equipment....................................................................3-35
3.6.1 Selection and assembly of adapters for video cameras ....................................................3-36
3.6.2 Attachment of video camera..........................................................................................3-37
3.7 Measuring, counting and comparing techniques using the microscope ...........................3-38
3.7.1 Length measurements using stage micrometer and crossline micrometer ........................3-38
3.7.2 Length measurement using the digital eyepiece measurement device..............................3-39
3.7.3 Determination of microhardness using the MHT-4 microhardness tester..........................3-42
3.7.4 Determination of grain sizes in material structures .........................................................3-43

Carl Zeiss Axiotech and Axiotechvario
VI B 40-020 e 06/99
Page
4 CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE ........................................ 4-3
4.1 Instrument care............................................................................................................... 4-3
4.2 Instrument maintenance.................................................................................................. 4-4
4.2.1 Performing checks........................................................................................................... 4-4
4.2.2 Changing the fuses .........................................................................................................4-4
4.2.3 Check instrument voltage and change it, if required......................................................... 4-5
4.3 Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................4-7
4.4 Table of spares, consumables and tools ......................................................................... 4-10
4.5 Requesting service......................................................................................................... 4-11
ANNEX...........................................................................................................................A-1
List of Abbreviations........................................................................................................A-3
Physical and Technical Units.............................................................................................A-4
Certification in Accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001/DIN EN 46001 .....................................A-5
EC Conformity Declaration ..............................................................................................A-7

Axiotech and Axiotechvario Carl Zeiss
B 40-020 e 06/99 VII
Notes on instrument safety
The Axiotech and Axiotechvario microscopes were designed, produced and tested in compliance with DIN
61010-1 (IEC 1010-1), Safety requirements for electrical measuring, control and laboratory instruments,
and meet the requirements of appendix I of directive 73/23/EC and the relevant CSA and UL directives.
The microscopes meet the requirements of the EC directive 89/336/EC and the EMC legislation of
November 9th 1992. This operation manual includes information and warnings which must be observed
by the user.
The following warning and information symbols are used in this manual:
☞NOTE
This symbol is a warning which you must observe under all circumstances.
CAUTION
This symbol is a warning which indicates a hazard to the instrument or instrument system.
CAUTION
This symbol is a warning which indicates a hazard to the user of the instrument.
CAUTION
Hot surface!
CAUTION
UV radiation is emitted!
CAUTION
Disconnect the instrument from the line before opening it!

Carl Zeiss Axiotech and Axiotechvario
VIII B 40-020 e 06/99
The Axiotech and Axiotechvario microscopes, including original accessories, may only be used for the
microscope techniques described in this manual.
Particular attention must be paid to the following warning notes:
The manufacturer cannot assume any liability for any other applications, possibly also involving
individual modules or single parts. This also applies to all service or repair work which is not
carried out by authorized service personnel. If this regulation is not observed, all the claims
against warranty will be forfeited.
The power plug must be inserted in a socket featuring a grounding (earth) contact. The
grounding effect must not be made ineffective by an extension cable which does not have a
protective ground wire.
If it is established that the protection measures are no longer effective, the instrument must be
switched off and safeguarded against inadvertent operation. Contact a Carl Zeiss service
agency or the Carl Zeiss microscopy service for the repair of the instrument.
The wide-range power unit which is integrated in the stand of the Axiotech 30 microscope
permits the use of line voltages in the range between 100 and 240 V ± 10%, 50 - 60 Hz,
without the need for the voltage to be changed at the instrument.
The time-tried, stabilized 12V 100 W power unit, which operates in the two switchable line
voltage ranges 115 V and 230 V AC ± 10 %, 50-60 Hz, is integrated in the stand of the
Axiotech 100 microscope.
Before the start-up of the Axiotech 100, compare the instrument voltage preset at the 230/115
V AC sliding switch on the rear of the stand to the available line voltage and change it, if
required!
Depending on the illumination equipment, only external power units are used for the
Axiotechvario 100, which must also be compared and adapted - if required - to the existing line
voltage.
Always disconnect the instrument from the line before opening the instrument and before
changing the fuses.
Make sure to use only fuses of the rated power required. The use of makeshift fuses and the
short-circuiting of the fuse holders are not permitted.

Axiotech and Axiotechvario Carl Zeiss
B 40-020 e 06/99 IX
The Axiotech and Axiotechvario microscopes are not equipped with any special devices for
protection from substances which are corrosive, toxic, radioactive or otherwise hazardous to
health. All the legal regulations for accident prevention, particularly those in the respective
countries, must be observed when handling such substances.
Gas discharge lamps, e.g. HBO 103, emit ultraviolet radiation which can cause burns on the
eyes and skin. Therefore, never look directly into the light of these lamps and avoid direct,
unprotected incidence of their light on your skin. When using the microscope, always use the
protective devices belonging to the instrument (e.g. special attenuation filters). When hot, gas
discharge lamps are under high internal pressure and must therefore be changed when cooled
down by using protective gloves and goggles (for detailed information please see the operating
manual B 40-065 e).
When fluorescence filters are used, the filter protecting from heat emitted by the microscope
illuminator must not be removed, since fluorescence filters are sensitive to heat and their
function might therefore be impaired.
Avoid touching the hot lamp housing. Always pull the power plug before changing the lamps
and allow the instrument to cool down for approx. 15 minutes.
Dust and dirt can impair the performance of the instrument. Therefore, the instrument must be
protected against these influences as far as possible, and covered with the dust cover if it is not
used for longer periods of time. Before covering the instrument, always check that the
microscope has been switched off and the lamp housing has cooled down.
Placing objects against or covering ventilation slats can lead to a build-up of heat which will
damage the instrument and, in extreme cases, cause a fire. Always keep the ventilation slats
clear and make sure that no objects enter the instrument through the ventilation slats.
The instruments must be operated by trained personnel only who must be aware of the
possible danger involved with microscopy and the relevant application. The Axiotech and
Axiotechvario are precision instruments which can be impaired in their performance or damaged
when handled improperly.

Carl Zeiss Axiotech and Axiotechvario
XB 40-020 e 06/99
Notes on warranty
The manufacturer guarantees that the instrument has no material and production defects when
delivered. You must inform us of any defects immediately and we must do everything to minimize the
damage. If the manufacturer is informed of such a defect, he is obliged to remove it; it is his decision
whether he does this by repairing the instrument or by delivering an instrument free of any defect. No
guarantee is provided for defects caused by natural wear (wearing parts in particular) and improper use.
The instrument manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by faulty operation, negligence or any
other meddling with the instrument, particularly the removal or replacement of instrument components,
or the use of accessories from other manufacturers. This forfeits all the claims against warranty.
With the exception of the work specified in this manual, no maintenance or repair of the Axiotech or
Axiotechvario may be performed. Repairs may only be performed by Carl Zeiss service staff or specially
authorized personnel. Should any defect occur with the instrument, please get in touch with your local
Carl Zeiss agency.

Axiotech and Axiotechvario Carl Zeiss
B 40-020 e 06/99 XI
Overall view of the Axiotech 30 reflected-light microscope

Carl Zeiss Axiotech and Axiotechvario
XII B 40-020 e 06/99
Overall view of the Axiotech 100 reflected-light microscope

Axiotech and Axiotechvario Carl Zeiss
B 40-020 e 06/99 XIII
Overall view of the Axiotechvario 100 reflected-light microscope

Carl Zeiss Axiotech and Axiotechvario
XIV B 40-020 e 06/99

Axiotech and Axiotechvario Carl Zeiss
B 40-020 e 06/99 1-1
INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Contents
1 INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION..........................................................................................1-3
1.1 Name and intended application........................................................................................1-3
1.2 Instrument description and main features.........................................................................1-4
1.3 Microscope components and modules .............................................................................1-5
1.4 Objectives......................................................................................................................1-11
1.5 Eyepieces.......................................................................................................................1-13
1.6 Condensers...................................................................................................................1-13
1.7 Stage micrometers and eyepiece reticles.........................................................................1-14
1.8 Microscope stages and specimen holders.......................................................................1-16
1.9 Binocular tubes..............................................................................................................1-17
1.10 Reflector sliders and microscopy techniques ...................................................................1-18
1.11 Technical Data...............................................................................................................1-19
List of illustrations
Fig. 1-1 Microscope components and modules (sheet 1) ...............................................................1-5
Fig. 1-2 Microscope components and modules (sheet 2) ...............................................................1-6
Fig. 1-3 Microscope components and modules (sheet 3) ...............................................................1-7
Fig. 1-4 Microscope components and modules (sheet 4) ...............................................................1-8
Fig. 1-5 Microscope components and modules (sheet 5) ...............................................................1-9

Carl Zeiss Axiotech and Axiotechvario
1-2 B 40-020 e 06/99

Axiotech and Axiotechvario Carl Zeiss
B 40-020 e 06/99 1-3
1INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
1.1 Name and intended application
Manufacturer's description: Upright reflected-light microscope for technical applications
Instrument name: Axiotech and Axiotechvario
The Axiotech and Axiotechvario instruments fit as follows into the line of upright microscopes from Carl
Zeiss:
Axiolab A
Axiotech 30, Axiotech 100 and Axiotechvario 100
Axioplan 2
Axiophot 2
The Axiotech and Axiotechvario technical microscopes in a modular design feature a sturdy stand and a
medium-size stand. The Axiotech and Axiotechvario microscopes permit applications in reflected and
transmitted light. Simple operation and the flexible use of the various microscope components open up a
wide range of applications in technical microscopy and in the OEM area. The following microscopy
techniques can be performed:
Reflected light Transmitted light
Technique brightfield
darkfield
polarization
interference contrast
fluorescence
3D microscopy
brightfield
darkfield
phase contrast
polarization
3D microscopy

Carl Zeiss Axiotech and Axiotechvario
1-4 B 40-020 e 06/99
1.2 Instrument description and main features
Two models of the Axiotech microscopes are available: Axiotech and Axiotechvario. Both are upright
microscopes with a medium stand size. The Axiotech models are also equipped with transmitted-light
illumination which is integrated in the stand. Furthermore, Axiotech microscopes feature the
characteristic pyramid design, while the Axiotechvario models are based on a column stand.
Standardized customer interfaces for the Axio line of objectives/eyepieces, illuminators and tubes, and
interfaces on the camera/TV port, permit the use of a variety of additional components. The modular
design and the user-friendly and clear arrangement of controls guarantee the fast adaptation of the
instruments to the required application.
A new reflected-light optical system in the time-tried ICS line (Infinity Color-corrected System) guarantees
a high optical performance for all techniques (field number 23, tube factor 1×).
The objectives in the Epiplan line are universal objectives. There are two different groups: "Epiplan" for
brightfield and "Epiplan HD" for the additional use of reflected-light darkfield. Of course, all the other
objectives in the ICS line can also be used.
Depending on the configuration, Axiotech microscopes are equipped with - or prepared for - a 30 W or
100 W halogen illuminator for reflected-light applications and with a 30 W halogen illuminator for
transmitted-light applications. The lamp voltage is adjustable and can be read off a LED line on the
Axiotech. The correct color temperature for color photography is reached automatically at the end stop.
The new 6V 30W wide-range power unit for line voltages between 100 and 240 V AC is integrated in
the stand of the Axiotech 30 microscope. The Axiotech 100 stand contains the time-tried, stabilized
12 V 100 W power unit which operates in the two switchable line voltage ranges 100 .. 127 or 220 ...
240 V AC. For the Axiotechvario 100, external power units are provided, depending on which illuminator is
used. Before start-up, the user of these power units must ensure that the voltage of the power unit and
the line voltage are identical.
The Axiotech and Axiotechvario reflected-light microscopes are equipped with a camera port for
photo/video documentation as a standard feature.
Photomicrography applications are possible with various adapters and 35 mm SLR (mirror reflex) cameras
from various manufacturers, or the two microscope camera systems from Carl Zeiss, MC 80 DX and MC
200 CHIP (35 mm and large format).
Videomicroscopy and documentation can also be performed using commercially available video
cameras..

Axiotech and Axiotechvario Carl Zeiss
B 40-020 e 06/99 1-5
1.3 Microscope components and modules
12
Fig. 1-1 Microscope components and modules (sheet 1)

Carl Zeiss Axiotech and Axiotechvario
1-6 B 40-020 e 06/99
Fig. 1-2 Microscope components and modules (sheet 2)