Ion Beam Milling System Leica EM TIC 3X

Triple‑beam ion milling for pristine, large‑area cross‑sections

Create high‑quality milling surfaces using three broad argon ion beams to reveal true microstructure and maximize analysis yield.

  • Uniform milling with reduced curtaining over large areas
  • High material removal rates for fast preparation
  • Simplified setup—triple broad‑beam milling with no stage rotation 

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Why EM TIC 3X

Show answer High‑quality preparation results, fewer artifacts

High‑quality preparation results, fewer artifacts

Produce pristine, artifact‑reduced surfaces across hard, soft, brittle, or heterogeneous materials—ideal for SEM, EBSD, and advanced microstructural analyses.

Show answer High throughput for busy labs

High throughput for busy labs

Accelerate sample preparation with a workflow adapted to high‑throughput labs, including multiple‑sample stage options and a streamlined path from pre‑preparation to ion milling.

Show answer Shorter lead‑times with EM TXP

Shorter lead‑times with EM TXP

Maintain consistent sample orientation and support by using the same holder across EM TXP and EM TIC 3X, cutting handling steps and saving time.

Show answer Protect sensitive samples with EM VCT500 transfer shuttle

Protect sensitive samples with EM VCT500 transfer shuttle

Transfer under cryogenic or vacuum conditions to minimize contamination and ice formation—keeping sensitive samples protected up to coating and (cryo)‑SEM.

What you can achieve

Show answer Batteries & energy storage

Batteries & energy storage

Clean cross‑sections of separators and electrodes with minimal redeposition or delamination for high‑resolution SEM analysis and QC/FA.

Show answer Electronics: PCBs, ICs & assemblies

Electronics: PCBs, ICs & assemblies

Reliable cross‑sections for structural and chemical analysis—streamlined from pre‑cutting to final ion milling.

Show answer EBSD & materials science

EBSD & materials science

Uniform, high‑quality surfaces EBSD demands—even on mixed crystallographic materials.

The Triple Ion Beam Milling System - How it works (workflow synergy)

  1. Target the area of interest with EM TXP for efficient pre-preparation.
  2. Mill with EM TIC 3X: three broad ion beams create large, uniform cross‑sections and high‑quality finish—no stage rotation required.
  3. Transfer with EM VCT500 under cryo/vacuum to preserve sample integrity up to coating and analysis. 

Technical highlights

  • Triple ion beam system for uniform milling and reduced curtaining – no stage rotation.
  • Large area & fast removal: cross sections > 4 × 1 mm; uniform flat‑milled areas up to Ø 25 mm).
  • Flexible setup: exchangeable stages (standard, multiple sample, rotary, cooling) and intuitive UI for fast, precise alignment.
  • Flexible setup: exchangeable stages (standard, multiple sample, rotary, cooling) and intuitive UI for fast, precise alignment.

For research use only.

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Frequently asked questions

Show answer What is ion beam milling and why choose triple‑beam?

What is ion beam milling and why choose triple‑beam?

High‑energy argon ions remove material to produce ultra‑smooth, artifact‑reduced surfaces. EM TIC 3X’s triple‑beam design yields uniform, high‑quality surfaces over large areas—without stage rotation.

Show answer Which materials can I process?

Which materials can I process?

Metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and more—including soft, porous, brittle, or heat‑sensitive samples.

Show answer Can I work with cryo or atmosphere‑sensitive samples?

Can I work with cryo or atmosphere‑sensitive samples?

Yes. With cooling and EM VCT500 transfer, you can maintain cryogenic temperatures or vacuum/protected atmosphere through preparation to analysis.

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