Diamond Knives for Ultramicrotomy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ultra 35°


In 1989 J. C. Jésior demonstrated considerably reduced compression, smoother section surfaces and improved structural preservation thanks to the use of our ultra 35° knives. In the meantime, a large number of scientists have recognized the advantages of 35° knives, in particular for sectioning Lowicryls and non-homogenous specimens, as well as non-decalcified bone, dental materials, etc. The ultra 35° knives are perfect for sectioning relatively soft materials research specimens including metals and polymers, as well as hard specimens such as semiconductors, superconducting oxides, catalysts, nano-crystalline ceramics, etc. The ultra 35° knife has demonstrated it's usefulness as a standard knife for the majority of applications in both biological and materials research.

 

 

 

 

ultra 45°


Acknowledged as the appropriate knife angle for routine sectioning of both biological and material research specimens, it represents a balanced compromise between section quality and durability.

 

 

 

 

Histo & Histo Cryo


The histo knife is designed for the sectioning of hard and soft biological and material research specimens, non embedded or embedded in acrylic or epoxy resins. (Ref. Reymond).

Our histo cryo knives are delivered with a boat for wet sectioning using a DMSO/water mixture or in triangular holders for dry sectioning. They are made from a special copper-nickel alloy, which guarantees the best possible thermal conduction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cryo AFM & ultra AFM


The high quality Diatome diamond knives are not just perfect for producing ultrathin and semi-thin sections, but also for surfacing sectioning of all kinds of biological and industrial specimens for AFM investigation. Instead of a section as for TEM, the specimen surface is investigated using AFM.

In order to achieve the best results for AFM investigation, only the highest quality diamond knives should be used. Diatome ultra AFM and cryo AFM knives are specially tested to ensure that they meet the increased quality requirements of AFM investigation.

They produce extremely smooth sample surfaces and guarantee the best possible structure preservation.

 

 

 

 

 

Ultra Sonic


The knife was developed in collaboration with Dr. Daniel Studer, Lab. of Anatomy, University of Berne. The ultra sonic knife produces ultrathin sections almost free of compression. The sections become thinner at the same thickness setting: since the volume of the section remains the same, the increased length leads to a decrease in thickness. The best possible structure preservation may be expected, using the ultra sonic knife.

We have tested the ultra sonic knife with the following samples:

  		• Biological samples in Epon, Araldite, EM Bed, etc.
  		• Biological samples in acrylic resins (Lowicryls, LR White).
  		• Rigid polymers such as PS, PMMA, ABS, HIPS, modified PP, etc.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Manufacturing


    Natural diamonds of the highest possible gem quality are the basis for the manufacturing of our knives. Each diamond is carefully selected. The chosen diamonds have a regular crystal structure. An accurate crystal orientation and precise precutting are essential for the quality of the knife edge.

    Our diamond orientation allows us the final polishing parallet to the cutting edge. This leads to an extremely sharp, scorefree, durable cutting edge. With our highly trained specialists we are able to guarantee the high qualtity of Diatome diamond knives.

    Each knife undergoes a stringent optical check and a sectioning test according to the specifications of the knife types.

    The same testing is performed for new knives and for resharpened knives. Sophisticated testing and research methods are used in the development and manufacturing of our diamond knives: UM. LM, TEM, AFM, XRD, RBS, etc.