Inverted Metallurgical Microscope

C. Description :

Metallurgical microscopes are sometimes referred to as materials microscopes and are available as an upright metallurgical microscope (shown above), as an inverted metallurgical microscope (image at right), or on a boom stand for viewing extra large samples. Upright metallurgical microscopes are used to view samples that will fit on the microscope stage. An inverted metallurgical microscope would be used to view larger parts, as the objective lenses are located beneath the stage and allow for placing heavy mechanical parts directly on the stage above the objectives. A boom stand metallurgical microscope is used with a bit more working distance is required than what an upright metallurgical microscope provides.

Metallurgical microscopes may look similar to compound biological microscopes, but they differ in a number of ways. Using a metallurgical microscope allows the user to view samples at high magnification (up to 500x and 1000x), without any light passing through the sample the way a biological sample is viewed. Stereo microscopes are another option when reflected illumination is required, however metallurgical microscopes provide a much higher resolution (and magnification) than a stereo microscope would provide.