Sample Preparation

Services, Equipment & Capabilities

The Manufacturing Innovation Recharge Center provides sample preparation services for researchers, industry partners and government organizations. Our sample preparation services help ensure specimens are properly prepared for materials characterization, mechanical testing and advanced analytical techniques. We support metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, electronic materials and additively manufactured components through precision polishing, ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum sealing and temperature-controlled sample preparation.

Sample preparation system used to produce high-quality polished surfaces for microstructural analysis.<br />

Vibratory polishing

Produce high-quality specimen surfaces for microstructural analysis, microscopy and materials characterization. This service minimizes surface damage while producing consistent finishes suitable for advanced analytical techniques.

Applications

  • High-temperature polymer 3D printing
  • Functional prototyping
  • Engineering prototype fabrication
  • Low-volume manufacturing

 

Equipment used

GIGA-S Vibratory Polisher

Ultrasonic cleaning system used to remove contaminants from samples prior to testing or analysis.<br />

Ultrasonic cleaning

Remove contaminants, debris and machining residues from specimens before testing or characterization using ultrasonic cleaning. This service helps improve sample quality and analytical accuracy.

Applications

  • Ultrasonic cleaning
  • Sample cleaning
  • Contamination removal
  • Pre-test preparation

Equipment used

Creworks Ultrasonic Cleaner

Vacuum sealing system used for packaging and protecting samples during storage and preparation.<br />

Vacuum sealing

Vacuum sealing helps preserve specimen integrity during storage, transportation and long-term research projects. This service minimizes contamination and environmental exposure to help maintain sample quality before testing and analysis.

Applications

  • Vacuum sealing
  • Sample preservation
  • Specimen storage
  • Sample packaging

Equipment used

VacMaster Vacuum Sealer

 

Gas-tight hot and cold thermal testing stage for controlled temperature exposure of samples.<br />

Temperature-controlled sample preparation

Condition and prepare specimens using precise thermal control before characterization or testing. This service supports research requiring stable environmental conditions to improve sample consistency and measurement reliability.

Applications

  • Temperature-controlled sample preparation
  • Thermal conditioning
  • Research specimen preparation
  • Environmental sample preparation

Equipment used

Instec HCP308SG-MK2000

Access, Rates & Scheduling

Services are available on a fee-for-service basis. For service details, rates, or scheduling, please contact Dr. Leila Ladani ([email protected]), Director of the Manufacturing Innovation Recharge Center.