Allied Manual Sample Holder Kit

Overview

The Allied Manual Sample Holder Kit (Model Series 69-50000) is a precision-engineered solution for secure, repeatable specimen mounting during metallographic sectioning, grinding, polishing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) preparation. Designed for laboratories requiring high positional stability without motorized automation, this manual holder employs a cam-lock clamping mechanism to deliver consistent compressive force across diverse sample geometries—ranging from brittle ceramics and soft polymers to hardened alloys and composite laminates. Its electroplated aluminum architecture ensures dimensional stability under thermal cycling and resistance to common lab solvents and acidic etchants used in microstructural analysis. Unlike vacuum-based or magnetic chucks, the mechanical cam-lock system provides deterministic, operator-controlled fixation with no risk of sample slippage during abrasive planarization or ion-beam milling. The kit is fully compatible with standard metallurgical sample preparation workflows per ASTM E3, ISO 14487, and ASTM E1558, supporting both cold-mount and hot-mount embedding protocols.

Key Features

• Electroplated aluminum frame offering superior corrosion resistance and long-term dimensional integrity in humid or chemically aggressive environments
• Dual-side cam-lock lever assembly—field-reconfigurable for left- or right-handed operation without tools
• Integrated aluminum cross-section handle enabling direct SEM stage loading; eliminates need for secondary transfer or re-mounting
• Modular accessory interface: accepts removable 3.1 mm SEM-compatible mounting pins (Part #15-1010) for standardized stage registration
• Non-marring PTFE feet (Part #69-30010) prevent scratching on precision lapping plates and optical tables
• Ergonomic hand grip geometry maintains unobstructed optical path clearance—fully compatible with inverted and upright metallurgical microscopes

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The kit accommodates specimens up to 50 mm in diameter and 30 mm in height, including irregularly shaped fracture surfaces, thin foils, embedded cross-sections, and multi-layered PCB substrates. All included consumables meet laboratory safety and regulatory benchmarks: EpoxyBond 110™ (Part #71-10000) complies with ISO 13822 for epoxy resin systems used in material science embedding; hot-mounting wax (Part #71-10040) conforms to ASTM D2551 temperature-stability requirements; glass coverslips (Part #72-20000) are certified low-autofluorescence and free of heavy-metal contaminants per USP . The entire system supports GLP-compliant documentation when used with traceable mounting logs and batch-recorded adhesive curing parameters.

Software & Data Management

As a purely mechanical, non-electronic toolset, the Allied Manual Sample Holder Kit requires no firmware, drivers, or proprietary software. However, its standardized dimensions and pin-mount interface enable seamless integration into digital lab workflows: sample position metadata can be logged directly into LIMS platforms (e.g., LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager) using barcode-labeled storage cases; mounting timestamps and operator IDs may be appended to SEM image headers via vendor-neutral TIFF tags compliant with DICOM-SR and MIAME standards. For audit readiness, all consumable lot numbers—including EpoxyBond 110™ and cleaning soap—are documented in the kit’s physical inventory card, supporting 21 CFR Part 11–aligned record retention.

Applications

• Preparation of cross-sectional samples for failure analysis in aerospace turbine blades and automotive powertrain components
• Mounting of brittle intermetallic phases for focused ion beam (FIB) lift-out prior to TEM lamella fabrication
• Stabilization of porous battery electrode coatings during sequential argon ion polishing
• Securing polymer composites for atomic force microscopy (AFM) topography mapping without substrate drift
• Embedding of geological thin sections for quantitative mineralogical mapping via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)

FAQ

Is the cam-lock mechanism calibrated or adjustable for torque control?
No—the cam-lock lever delivers fixed mechanical advantage optimized for 12–18 N·m clamping force. For applications requiring quantified pressure, users may integrate external load cells during method validation.
Can the aluminum frame be anodized for enhanced wear resistance?
Yes—Allied offers optional Type II sulfuric acid anodization (0.0002″ thickness) upon request; this increases surface hardness to 350–400 HV and improves abrasion resistance during repeated grinding cycles.
Are replacement pins and PTFE feet available as standalone parts?
Yes—Part #15-1010 (SEM mounting pins) and #69-30010 (PTFE feet) are stocked globally through Allied’s authorized distribution network with lead times under 5 business days.
Does the kit comply with RoHS or REACH directives?
Yes—all metallic components are RoHS 2011/65/EU compliant; epoxy adhesive and cleaning soap carry full REACH SVHC declarations available upon request.
Is technical support available for embedding protocol optimization?
Yes—Allied’s Applications Engineering team provides complimentary method consultation for hot-mount cycle development, adhesive selection, and thermal stress mitigation strategies.