I''ll add my reinforcement to what Joe Epperson and James Quinn said. You really need to consider what you want to do and what you're looking at. If you're adding digital capability to your stereomicroscope, the capability of low magnification Keyence to tilt the microscope as well as the sample can give you a tremendous amount of flexibility in your imaging. The connectivity of Keyence has improved, but there still seems to be a lot of custom computing which can give your IT department fits if they are security minded. I've become very attached to our Nikon SMZ25 with controlled Z stepping and HDR. The ability to get quasi-confocal imaging with variable brightness across the field of view can be very appealing. I've been able to get amazing images of the half cylinder visible of polished stainless steel rods. It does have some polarization capabilities with transmission lighting. However, our microscope stand only allows a maximum 3 inch sample height.
Paul Tibbals' comments about the benefits of a good metallurgical microscope are also spot on. The advantages of bright field, dark field and reflected polarization are tremendous. Consider whether you want an inverted or upright microscope. If you only look at polished samples an inverted metallograph makes polished samples and any sample height a breeze. If you deal with polished to transparency rock slices, you'll need transmitted light and an upright scope may fit better.
On the other hand, if you're looking at something to easily get digital images at higher magnification than a lens on your phone, and you're out in the boonies of the Bakken, it may be adequate to get a $200 digital scope that plugs into your laptop. It has lousy depth of focus, crummy resolution and minimal capabilities, but you can get quick, cheap magnified imaging out in the field. Though the very thought of using such a thing may make some microscopists cringe, if it adequately fits your needs consider it. Even if it fits only some of your needs, it's not much of an outlay. You might not need an air stabilized microscope setup if you're looking at drilling sludge next to a pump jack in the Badlands of North Dakota.
Steve
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Steven Axdal
Staff Engineer
Abbott
St. Paul MN
(651) 260-6013
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-25-2022 12:30
From: John Dawson
Subject: Suggestions for selecting the correct microscope.
I am looking for suggestions on digital microscopes and the best way to narrow down the choices to fit a lab's needs. Our lab currently has a stereoscope and I believe a digital microscope would have an immediate impact on our analysis capabilities. I was wondering if anyone has suggestions on brands/models that they have really enjoyed using and would recommend I take a look at? Our lab reviews a large variety of materials related to the natural gas industry so versatility is very important in the microscope we choose. I appreciate any and all feedback and look forward to networking with members of this society.
Thank you,
Jack Dawson
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Jack Dawson
Engineer I
One Gas
Topeka, KS
(785) 215-5859
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