3/7/97






We are in need of a vibration isolation pad for an Auger spectrometer,

which has the dimensions of a standard SEM. Can anybody recommend a

manufacturer or can recommend homemade solutions?

Weiland, Hasso

Hasso.Weiland@alcoa.com


Dear Hasso,

I have had some success reducing the vibration evident on my SEM by making

four pads from Sorbathane. I used a fairly stiff number of Sorbathane about

3/8 inch thick and cut four pads about four inches square. The shop made me

eight steel plates to go on either side of the Sorbathane and I put these

under the corners of the column section. The vibration on my SEM (from being

on the fourth floor) went down about half. It may not be enough for Auger

but it is inexpensive. TMC, who advertises in most JMSA journals, has a full

set of platforms. Phone:508-532-6330, fax:508-531-8682. I have no experience

with their service.

Mary Mager

Electron Microscopist

Metals and Materials Eng., UBC

6350 Stores Rd.

Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4

CANADA

tel:604-822-5648, fax:604-822-3619

e-mail: mager@unixg.ubc.ca


There are some low cost pneumatic mounts available from Barry

Controls in a wide range of load handling capacities. The trade name

is Stabl-Levl. I used these to successfully isolate a heavy FTIR unit

that was sensitive to vibration. Unless you can attach them directly

to your instrument, however, you will still need a stiff plate to set

it on with the pneumatic mounts between the plate and the floor. The

address and phone # I have for Barry Controls is:

700 Pleasant Street

Watertown, Mass. 02172

617-923-1150

Haven't ordered from them in a few years, so you might need to check

it if you can't connect. Disclaimer: I have no interest in Barry

Controls other than being a satisfied customer.

Andy Buechele

The Catholic University of America

409 Hannan Hall

Washington, D.C. 20064

(202) 319-4995 FAX: (202) 319-4469

andrew@rsrch.vsl.cua.edu


Our Auger with scanning tunnel microscope (with console)hangs from

ceiling beams on three springs

if you need details you may contact Prof. Achete

(achete@metalmat.ufrj.br) in this department

Best regards

Prof.Walter A.Mannheimer

Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

POBox 68505 21945 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Voice +5521 280-7443 (Dept.office) +5521 590-0579 (direct)

Fax +5521 290-6626 Email: wamann@metalmat.ufrj.br


[Return to Tips & Tricks Menu]