130 South Bay Technology Lapping and Polishing Fixture

The South Bay Technology Shim Controlled Series Lapping and Polishing Fixtures are designed to accurately produce polished parallel, tapered or critically oriented samples with minimal sub-surface damage. A series of specialized fixtures has been developed for lapping and polishing samples up to 6" in diameter, TEM samples and oriented crystals. In addition to size and shape, the fixtures differ in the type of thickness control techniques they employ. The Lapping and Polishmg Fixtures are designed to be used either by hand or with a lapping machine. Sample Mounting Fixtures are also designed to be used in conjunction with these fxtures to ensure that the sample is mounted parallel to the mounting block and that a thin, uniform layer of wax exists between the mounting block and the sample.

The shim method for thickness control employs a set of precision shims which serve to create a space between the outside ring assembly and the center slide assembly of the fixture The procedure involves placing shims into the fixture that correspond to the amount of material to remain when lapping or polishing has been completed. Thickness can be adjusted from .0010" to 0400" in .0005" increments. Once the thickness is set, the sample is lapped until it is near its final thickness using the weight of the center slide to gravity feed the sample toward the lapping plate. The load on the sample is variable by adding weights or finger pressure to the top of the fixture. When the desired sample thickness is approached, the fixture is tightened. Lapping or polishing continues until the sample surface is parallel to the tungsten carbide feet and the final thickness has been obtained. The shim controlled fixtures are ideal for ongoing processing of materials where the same sample thickness is required.