Leica 100×/0.9 BD Objective for Metallography (Model 566203)

Overview

The Leica 100×/0.9 BD Objective (Model 566203) is a high-performance, dry-type metallurgical objective engineered for precision brightfield (BF) and darkfield (DF) imaging in routine and advanced metallographic analysis. Designed in accordance with ISO 8578 standards for objective nomenclature, marking, and optical performance verification, this RMS-threaded (18 mm pitch, 0.6 mm thread depth) objective delivers consistent resolution and contrast across polished, etched, and coated metallic specimens. Its 0.9 numerical aperture enables high light-gathering efficiency and optimal depth discrimination—critical for resolving fine microstructural features such as grain boundaries, precipitate distributions, inclusion morphology, and phase interfaces in ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. The strain-free optical design minimizes birefringence artifacts during polarized light examination, while the corrosion-resistant multi-layer anti-reflection coating ensures long-term stability under repeated solvent cleaning (e.g., ethanol, xylene) common in metallographic lab workflows.

Key Features

• Optimized for Leica DM series upright metallurgical microscopes (e.g., DM4 M, DM6 M) and compatible with all RMS-standard nosepieces
• Dual-mode illumination support: seamless transition between brightfield and darkfield without mechanical realignment
• Short working distance (~0.7 mm) calibrated for standard 0.17 mm cover-slip–free specimen preparation—ideal for epoxy-mounted, ground, and polished metallographic sections
• Thermally stable glass elements and precision-machined brass housing reduce focus drift during extended thermal cycling (e.g., hot-stage microscopy up to 150 °C)
• Marked with standardized engraving per ISO 8578: magnification (100×), NA (0.9), type (BD), and serial number for traceable calibration and GLP-compliant documentation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This objective is validated for use with standard metallographic specimens prepared per ASTM E3, ASTM E407, and ISO 643. It supports quantitative image analysis workflows compliant with ASTM E112 (grain size), ASTM E1245 (inclusion rating), and ISO 4967 (non-metallic inclusions). The optical path is compatible with automated stage mapping and tile-scanning protocols required for large-area microstructure assessment (e.g., weld zone characterization, heat-affected zone analysis). All optical components meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Annex XIV restrictions on hazardous substances. Documentation includes EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and CE marking under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for integrated microscope systems.

Software & Data Management

When used with Leica Application Suite X (LAS X) v3.7+, the objective enables hardware-synchronized acquisition of BF/DF channel pairs, Z-stack generation for topographic profiling, and automated focus mapping across multi-specimen trays. LAS X supports audit-trail logging per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable metadata embedding (objective ID, magnification, NA, timestamp, exposure parameters). Export formats include TIFF (16-bit linear), OME-TIFF (for FIJI/ImageJ interoperability), and Leica’s native .lif format—ensuring compatibility with third-party metrology tools (e.g., Thermo Scientific Phenom Desktop SEM correlation, MATLAB-based grain segmentation algorithms).

Applications

• Quality control of castings, forgings, and additive-manufactured (AM) metal parts per ASTM F3049 and ISO/ASTM 52900
• Failure analysis of fatigue cracks, stress corrosion cracking (SCC), and hydrogen embrittlement in aerospace Ti-6Al-4V and Ni-based superalloys
• Phase identification and volume fraction quantification in duplex stainless steels (e.g., ASTM A923 testing)
• Coating thickness and interdiffusion zone evaluation in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) and aluminide diffusion layers
• Intermetallic compound mapping in aluminum-lithium and magnesium-rare earth alloys under polarized illumination

FAQ

Is this objective suitable for oil immersion applications?
No. Model 566203 is a dry objective with a fixed 0.7 mm working distance and no oil immersion correction collar. Oil immersion objectives (e.g., Leica 100×/1.25 Oil) require separate specification and calibration.
Can it be used with non-Leica microscope platforms?
Yes—if the host system features RMS-threaded nosepiece compatibility and mechanical tube length alignment (160 mm finite conjugate or infinity-corrected with appropriate tube lens). Adapter rings may be required for Nikon or Olympus BF/DF stands.
Does it support Köhler illumination alignment?
Yes. The objective’s field and aperture diaphragm compatibility conforms to ISO 8578-defined parfocality and telecentricity tolerances, enabling precise Köhler setup on Leica and other ISO-aligned stands.
What maintenance protocol is recommended?
Clean only with lens-grade acetone or isopropanol using Class 100 cleanroom swabs; avoid ultrasonic cleaning or abrasive solvents. Store in desiccated environment at 20–25 °C and 30–50% RH to preserve anti-reflection coating integrity.
Is calibration certificate included?
A factory-issued optical performance report (including measured NA, resolution test chart results per ISO 19038-2, and wavefront error data) is provided with each unit. NIST-traceable calibration services are available via Leica-certified service centers.