electropointer installation and operations guide rev2

1

High Magnification

Installation andOperations Guide

Revision 2.0 - EPoint Software 2.1.1

Copyright © 2006-2011 Simplex Scientific LLC

ElectroPointer is a trademark of Simplex Scientific LLC

Windows XP is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in theUnited States and/or other countries.

Simplex Scientific

1910 Mayflower Dr

Middleton, WI USA 53562

608 831 4476

www.simplexsci.com

Simplex Scientific ElectroPointer Installation and Operations Guide 3

Introduction

The Simplex Scientific ElectroPointer provides a fast andeasy method of preparing samples for analysis in a 3D-Atom probe. The ElectroPointer works by electropolishingthe sample, slowly removing material until the desired sizeis obtained. The electropolishing process is the opposite ofelectroplating. The sample is the anode, and a platinumring is the cathode. The polishing ring is periodically dippedin an electrolyte solution and through surface tension,carries a drop of electrolyte up to the sample for polishing.The ring is moved up and down, and current is applied toremove the material. The integrated video microscope andchart in the EPoint windows software monitor the process.By zooming the microscope onto the tip of the sample, thesample can be inspected to insure it is the proper size.


Installation

The ElectroPointer kit consists of a video monitor with (thesmaller) power supply, the ElectroPointer unit, a 12-volt(larger) power supply, USB cable, power cable, video andmonitor power cables, an electrolyte container, 2 Magneticsample holders and the EPoint CD.

Connect the USB cable to the far left connector on the backof the ElectroPointer. Connect the USB to the computer inthe following step. Connect the monitor cable to the back ofthe ElectroPointer and to the side of the monitor. Plug thetwo power supplies into an AC connection. Connect thelarger Power supply into the ElectroPointer and the smallerinto the side of the monitor.

Installation

2 ElectroPointer Installation and Operations Guide Simplex Scientific

Next, plug the USB cable into the computer.

When the computer detects the new USB device and asksfor a driver disk, load the CD. Depending on the version ofWindows, a message may be displayed stating that theD2XX.CAT file cannot be located. If this occurs, select theskip file button. With some version of Windows a messagewill be displayed stating that the driver has not been tested.Click to Continue Anyway button

To install the EPoint software, using Windows Explorer orthe Run command located under the Start button, executethe Setup program on the CD.

The large connector on the back right of the unit can beused to vent the electrolyte fumes. Air is pulled through thevent surrounding the video port on the front of the unit.The tube has a 1-inch OD and can be connected to a localvent system using tubing and a hose clamp.


Electro-Pointer Unit

Front Panel and Controls description:

The XYZ stage has three controls to move the sample so itis in the integrated microscope field of view and centered inthe polishing loop.

The there is a focus knob on the left hand side of theElectroPointer, which is adjusted for the best focus.

The zoom control is located just below the Focus control.Turning the control from left to right adjusts themagnification of the microscope changing the Field of viewon the display from 1,500µm to 145µm. In operation, thecontrol is usually set to the minimum magnification settingduring polishing and then zoomed to the maximummagnification to inspect the finished tip. At the highestmagnification a proper tip will just be visible at the limit ofthe system’s resolution. If any bluntness is detected the tipwill likely need to be further polished.

The power switch is located on the bottom left of the unit.When the unit is switched on, the white LED will light, andthe system will make two beeping sounds.

The electrolyte stage is located just below the white LEDand is used to hold the electrolyte 10 ml beaker. When firstset up, it is recommend that the Load Point button in theEPoint software (described below) be selected to test thelocation of the load point and to adjust it if necessary.

ElectroPointer Unit


The polishing arm, which holds the polishing ring, is heldby a thumbscrew. To adjust the arm, loosen thethumbscrew, move the arm and retighten. On the bottom ofthe polishing arm assembly is a manual control foradjusting the loop position. This can be used for fineposition adjustment of the loop or manual polishing.

The sample to be polished is placed in the magnetic sampleholder. Remove the holder from the XYZ stage by graspingthe sides and pulling.

The position of the sample is adjusted by using the XYZcontrols.

To the right of the power switch is the Manual switch toenable the remote. When in the on or up position theremote polish switch can be used for fine polishing. ThePower LED must be lit for the remote to operate. See theManual section of the software for details.


For Manual polishing, thesilver knob below the loopholder can be used to movethe loop up and down. In theautomatic mode, it isrecommended it be set to thehighest position.


Electro-Pointer Setup

Remove the magnetic chuck from the XYZ stage. Using atweezers, place a sample in the chuck and replace it on theXYZ stage. Adjust the controls until the sample appears onthe video screen.

Loosen the thumbscrew that holds the polishing arm,adjust the loop until it is aligned with the sample, andretighten the thumbscrew.

ElectroPointer Setup


EPoint SoftwareThe EPoint software is total new software package replacingthe EPolish. It is compatible only with the newElectroPointer HM. EPoint provides current charting,control of the polishing runs and parameter setting.

The Software is divided in to a number of Functional Blocks describedin detail below.

Chart

During a polishing run, the chart displays current vs. cycle.A cycle is the each time the polishing loops goes from theHome Position to the End Polish and returns. This allowsthe user to monitor the progress of polishing as the currentgenerally decreases, and as the sample tip gets smaller.The icons on the top of the chart can be used to change theview of the data or to save or print a copy of the chart. TheClear Chart button is used to clear the chart for the nextsample. The Chart can also be used in the Manual mode byselecting the Chart on button located in the Manual Modesection.


Speed Control

The speed control selects the polishing speed. The speed selectedonly is for the polishing motion. The movement to and from theelectrolyte will always be at the Normal speed.

Polish Run

The Polish Run control is where a run is started. Enter thenumber of cycles per electrolyte which is the number ofpolishing cycles that done between each movement to theelectrolyte position. A title can be entered which is added tothe current chart. The Clear Chart button removes allprevious data from the chart. If not selected, pressing theRun button will append the new data to the existing chartdata. The Run button is selected to begin a Polishing run.The current power settings are sent to the ElectroPointerand the run is started. The Run button becomes the Stopbutton, which is used to interrupt a polishing run. Anymovement in progress by the ElectroPointer will be finishedand the run will stop. Pressing the Run button again canrestart the run or the Power Settings can be adjusted andthe Run restarted.

Current



The Current meter and digital display shows the polishingcurrent. It is continual sampled and displayed during therun or when in the Manual Mode with the Power On.

Electrical Setup

The Electrical Setup parameters allow the user to set avoltage and select DC (direct current) or AC (alternatingcurrent). The voltage range is from 4 to 55 volts. Use themouse to drag the knob to change the voltage. The selectedvoltage is displayed in the center of the knob. Use themouse to drag the selector to change from DC to AC.Changes in the power settings will be enabled the next timethe Polish Run or Manual Mode, Power On is selected.

Run Finish Setup

These three parameters, Number of Cycles, Minimum

Current or Total Charge, can be used to stop the polishingprocess. Any, all or none of these parameters can be set foreach run. When the criteria for any set parameters are met,the current polishing run will be stopped. When preparingsimilar samples, noting the results from the preparation ofthe first sample can be used to set appropriate values forsubsequent samples so the majority of the polishing can bedone unattended.

Voltage vs. Current Test

The Voltage vs. Current Test option is a quick test to helpdetermine the proper voltage to use for polishing. It recordsa current for each voltage between the range values.


Voltage

Polishing

The resulting curve usually resembles the curve above. Thearrow shows the recommended voltage range to set for thepolishing run. The curve for a sample can vary especiallywith high-end voltages. If the electrolyte begins to bubblevigorously, the current will decrease and the right end ofthe curve will dip. Reset the range to reduce the endingvoltage and thus eliminate that problem.

Manual Mode

The manual mode can be used for fine control of thepolishing when nearing the breaking point of the sample.The Power On / Off button sets the voltage and currenttype selected by the Power controllers. When the Power ison the Red LED on the screen and on the front of theElectroPointer will be lighted. To have the power applied tothe sample, the relay needs to be turned on. This isaccomplished by pressing the Relay On button or using thebutton on the Remote Control Box.



Position Control

The position control provides quick selectionof positions to move the polishing ring andthe ability to drag in order to set newposition.

The control consists of four buttons to moveto the preset positions and three moveablearrows, two red and one green, which allowsetting new positions. The blue pointerrepresents the current position of the loop orthe destination of the loop if it is currentlymoving.

Buttons

The Top button moves the polishing ring tothe upper most location. It also zeros theposition counter so should be selected if theloop has lost position.

The Home button moves the loop to the home position,which is represented by the upper most Red arrow. Thehome position is usually set to the upper limit of the videoscreen so polishing can be monitored.

The End Polish button is the bottom of travel for polishingand is represented by the lower red arrow. It is usually setfor the bottom of the video screen.

The Electrolyte button moves the polishing loop to theposition indicated by the Green Arrow, which is set so theloop contacts the electrolyte in the beaker.

Setting Positions

Dragging the pointers with the mouse to a new location setsthe positions. Once a pointer has been moved and isreleased (the button on the mouse is release) the polishingloop will move to that location. The Home, End Polish andElectrolyte positions are all set by dragging thecorresponding arrows, Upper Red for Home, Lower Red for


End Polish and Green for Electrolyte. These positions arerecorded are reset the next time the software is restarted.



General Description of Operation

Automated:Electropolishing is accomplished by applying a voltagebetween the specimen (object to be electropolished) andthe loop containing an appropriate electrolyte. Motion ofthe loop and the refresh rate of the electrolyte arecontrolled by user-supplied parameters. Termination canalso be defined by minimum threshold current, number ofpasses, or summed current reading (integrated current).

Manual Polishing and finishing:The ElectroPointer can operate in a manual mode forcontrolled finishing of a sample. Turn the manual switchon the front to on or the up position. In the software, enterthe needed voltage then push the On button located in theManual group of controls. The red Polish light will be onbut now power will be applied to the sample until the redbutton on the remote is pressed. The fine position controlon the bottom of the Arm assembly can be used to movethe ring while polishing power is applied via the remote. Torefresh the electrolyte in the loop, press the Load button inthe Manual group periodically.


Definitions:

Electropolishing: Process whereby the sample is theanode (+) and the current flow removesmaterial. This is the reverse ofelectroplating.

Specimen: Metal wire to be electropolished.Loop: Platinum counter electrode that carries the

electrolyte that does the electropolishing.Home: Top most position that the loop will occupy during

the electropolishing process.End Polish: The bottom of the travel of a polishing cycleLoad: Position that the loop will go to when trying to

refresh the electrolyteTop: Upper most travel of the loop as defined by a limit

switch (all loop positions are measuredrelative to this point).

Speed: Speed of the polishing motion or cycles. Themotion to and from the Electrolyte is fixedand the highest speed.

Cycles: One cycle is the motion from the Home position tothe End Polish position and back.



General Algorithm:After Run is initiated the following will happen…1) The selected voltage and current type are sent to

the unit and recorded on the chart.2) The power is briefly turned on and zeroed. The

Red Polishing LED will light and the currentreadout will register a number. The relay is notenabled so no current is traveling through thesample or loop.

3) The loop will first move from its current positionto the electrolyte then return and start polishing.If it is at the electrolyte to start then it will moveup and begin polishing

4) The polishing cycles will continue until stoppedeither by selecting the Stop button or one of thecriteria in the Run Finish Setup module are met.

Note: During polishing cycles, there is a distance of0.013mm turnaround on each end where thepolishing power is not applied. This distance is fixedand not adjustable.


Startup Instructions:1) Switch on ElectroPointer

a. ElectroPointer white LED should light and theunit will beep twice.

2) Start ElectroPointer EPoint Softwarea. The software will communicate with the

ElectroPointer and have move to the top thenthe Home position.

3) Inspect the appropriate Home, End Polish andElectrolyte positions. On startup they will be in thesame position as they were the last time thesoftware was run.

4) Set the Zoom at the fully left or lowest power. Placethe specimen and adjust the XYZ stage to center inthe video screen and loop. Adjust the focus asneeded.

5) Set the required voltage and current type

6) Adjust the cycles per electrolyte as needed

7) Press the Run button to begin polishing


Electro-polishing

Electrolytes

Iron Alloys and Steel (Universal)10% perchloric acid in glacial acetic acid

Other Electrolytes2% perchloric acid in butoxyethanol

5% sodium hydroxide

5% Potassium hydroxide

7:1 methanol to sulfuric acid

For more information:

Simplex Scientific LLC1910 Mayflower Dr

Middleton, WI 53562

Phone 608-831-4476FAX 608-831-4478

[email protected]: www.simplexsci.com

electropointer installation and operations guide rev2

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