Five Advantages of Inverted Microscopes Compared to Upright Microscopes in Industrial Applications
With an inverted microscope, you need to view the sample from below because the optics of an inverted microscope are located below the sample, while with an upright microscope, you need to view the sample from above. Historically, inverted microscopes have been used primarily in life science research, as gravity sinks the sample to the bottom of the holder containing the aqueous solution, making it impossible to see much from above. Recently, however, inverted microscopes have also become more popular in industrial applications. Let's now take a look at the advantages of inverted microscopes for industrial applications.
1) Inverted microscopes give you more freedom than upright microscopes
For upright microscopes, the size of the sample is limited to an average height of 80 mm and a weight of 3 kg, which also depends on the objective used. This limitation does not apply to inverted microscopes. Since the optics are mounted below the stage, the sample is placed above the objective. This means that the user has a better working distance and can handle large and heavy samples weighing up to 30 kg. So if you're working with larger, heavier samples, or working with samples that vary widely in size and weight, an inverted microscope can give you the freedom you need. 2) Inverted microscopes allow you to observe more samples in less time
When using an inverted microscope, you only need to place the sample on the stage and focus on the surface for imaging. Samples remained in focus at all magnifications and further samples of the same type remained in focus.
With an upright microscope, the workflow includes more tasks for the operator: you need to lower the stage, remove it, remove the sample holder and install a new one, position and secure the sample, Use the sample clamp to level the sample surface before switching to a lower magnification for positioning. Operators need to practice all these steps, but there is still a risk of failure in different steps in each operation.
Sample placement can be a daunting task for an untrained operator; with an inverted microscope, placing the sample on the stage is a 'piece of cake' and the entire operation requires fewer steps. few.
One more thing: all the steps of an upright microscope can be very time-consuming, especially when you need to observe sample by sample and the sample size is large. Assume that an experienced user is operating an upright microscope. Even if each step takes only 5 seconds, the user of an inverted microscope is easily ahead of other colleagues: The following example compares the time consumption of users of upright microscopes and inverted microscopes (such as Leica DMi8) in industrial applications. Their task is to analyze standard metallographic samples.
3) The objective lens will not crush the sample when using an inverted microscope
It has long been a well-known secret that objectives crush samples. This risk with upright microscopes is significant. Once this problem occurs, you not only need to buy a new objective lens, but also throw away the sample. In most cases, spare objectives are not immediately available and will need to be reordered. This results in a loss of sample throughput and, if a second microscope is not available, complete interruption of work.
The design of inverted microscopes helps to greatly reduce the risk of compressing the objective lens against the sample. First, the objective lens is located below the stage, so it is more protected. Second, instruments for industrial applications such as the Leica DMi8 feature an upper focus stop that provides additional safety by defining the converter's top dead center. So, while protecting your investment, you can focus on the job and not spend time worrying about possible damage to tools and samples.
4) Inverted microscopes can save time and cost of sample preparation
Less sample preparation is required as the sample can be directly extracted and placed on the stage for observation. Furthermore, only one side of the sample needs to be processed. This saves time as there is no need to embed samples and to cut oversized samples. There is no need to use a sample clamp to level the sample while working on it on the microscope. 7 sample preparation steps turned into 2. This can help you save time and money.
