NOGAMI

Sample preparation tools for cross-sectional observation

ーC technique jig and S technique jigー

Produce high-quality, damage-free samples while significantly reducing ion milling processing time.

Ideal for:

  • Cross-sectional observation of sulfide-based
    all-solid-state batteries.
  • Pre-cutting samples for degradation observation of
    batteries after charge–discharge testing.
  • Creating cross-sections that preserve the stacked
    structure and condition of the sample as-is.
  • In-situ observation of battery degradation
    states and electrochemical reactions.
C工法治具
S工法治具

HOW TO USE

Preparation of high-quality samples
for cross-sectional observation

You can obtain high-quality samples with minimal damage
through a two-step process of pre-cutting and final finishing,
using two jigs developed by Nogamigiken.

― Process 1: Pre-cutting ―

Punching jig for cross-sectional observation samples
―C technique jig

Capable of punching highly brittle materials prone to cracking without causing fracture

Enabled by a proprietary technique developed by Nogamigiken, even materials that will typically shatter under conventional punching can be processed and retrieved without destruction.

Illustration of punching
C工法治具
Punching jig for cross-sectional observation samples -C technique jig

― Process 2: Cut surface finishing ―

Cut surface finishing jig for cross sectional observation samples
―S technique jig

Processing with minimal damage achieved through a proprietary technique

Processing can be performed with virtually no damage, without applying stress in the thickness direction of the material. Smooth, high-quality cross sections can be obtained with no interlayer delamination, cracking, or collapse/material loss.

Illustration of finishing process
S工法治具
Cut surface finishing jig for cross sectional observation samples -S technique jig

RESULT

Key benefits of using two jigs

You can obtain high-quality samples with minimal damage.

全固体電池_打抜き加工

Nogamigiken’s proprietary processing technology minimizes stress on the sample during processing to the greatest extent possible, enabling the production of high-quality samples.

You can reduce ion milling processing time drastically.

全固体電池 断面

Along with cost reduction, the reliability of observation results is significantly enhanced. Thanks to the smooth cross-sectional finish achieved by the S technique Jig, even all-solid-state batteries can be processed by ion milling with high precision and in a significantly shorter time.

They make operations inside the glove box easier while also reducing overall processing time.

Designed specifically for glove box applications, these lightweight and compact jigs are easy to handle even in limited workspace and can be conveniently transferred through the antechamber.

Customer Testimonials

  • Drastic reduction in ion milling processing time

    Previously, cracking was unavoidable, and we were unable to produce a square specimen with all four sides intact.
    With the C technique Jig, we can obtain high-quality cross sections, which significantly reduces ion milling processing time. It has truly been a tremendous help to us.
    A Japanese automotive manufacturer
    A user of the C technique jig
  • Improved reliability of evaluation results

    Until recently, we were unable to determine whether cracks in the battery were caused by repeated charge-discharge cycling or by damage introduced during sample preparation. Since we started using the S technique Jig, however, we have been able to accurately evaluate degradation resulting solely from charge-discharge cycling.
    A Japanese automotive manufacturer
    A user of the S technique jig

PRODUCTS

Product details

Punching jig for cross-sectional
observation samples
―C technique jig―

断面観察用試料 打抜き治具
Punching jig for cross-sectional observation samples

This tool is designed to punch out samples for advanced material characterization and analysis, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Utilizing Nogamigiken’s proprietary processing method and jig mechanism that minimize material damage based on the principle of shearing, it significantly reduces damage to sample edges. As a result, even hard and brittle materials can be processed without cracking, chipping, or interlayer delamination.

  • Optimized for preparing samples for ion milling through precision punching.
  • Ideal for in-situ observation of battery degradation states and electrochemical reactions.
  • Enables safe processing of charged-cell samples without reducing cell voltage or causing short circuits.

Key features of the C technique jig

C工法治具 試料回収

Capable of processing highly brittle materials prone to cracking without causing fracture

Enabled by a proprietary technique, even materials that will typically shatter under conventional punching can be processed and retrieved without destruction.

C工法治具 セラミック製加工部

Choice of blade materials to suit your application

The blades are available in two material options: coated cemented carbide and ceramic. For the processing of charged batteries, we recommend the ceramic blade, which helps prevent short circuits.

Application example: Processing a silicon wafer (100 μm thick)

All four sides can be processed simultaneously with high precision in a single press operation.

Simple, user-friendly operation allows anyone to accurately punch and prepare samples without damaging the material.

C工法治具_グローブボックス

Safe to use inside a glove box with excellent operability

Simply lower the lever to perform the operation, making work inside a glove box quick and easy. Furthermore, because your hands never touch the blade, there is no need to worry about damaging your gloves.

Application examples

Specifications

Overall dimensions (in mm)W152×D210×H225
WeightApproximately 8 kg
Blade material optionsCemented carbide with a special surface coating
Ceramic (for short-circuit prevention)
Main body materialStainless steel
High-strength aluminum alloy
Processing dimensions5.00 mm × 5.00 mm
(Custom dimensions up to 20.00 mm × 20.00 mm are available.)

Cut surface finishing jig for cross- sectional observation samples
―S technique jig―

断面観察用試料 仕上げ治具
Cut surface finishing jig for cross sectional observation samples

This tool is designed to create ultra-smooth cross sections on sample observation surfaces for advanced material characterization and analysis, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It delivers smooth cross sections free from metal-foil smearing and interlayer delamination, dramatically reducing ion milling processing time. By eliminating damage caused during sample preparation, it enables highly reliable observation and evaluation.

  • Ideal for pre-cutting samples for degradation observation of batteries after charge–discharge testing.
  • Designed for creating cross-sections that preserve the stacked structure and condition of the sample as-is.
  • Enables safe processing of charged-cell samples without reducing cell voltage or causing short circuits.

Key features of the S technique jig

Proprietary processing technology that minimizes material damage

Using a proprietary processing method, this technology suppresses interlayer delamination and metal-foil smearing within the sample, resulting in smooth, high-quality cross sections.

S工法治具_加工刃

Choice of blade materials to suit your application

The blades are available in either high-rigidity cemented carbide or ceramic. The ceramic option helps prevent short circuits, making it ideal for use with charged batteries.

S工法治具_マイクロスコープ

Equipped with a microscope for inspecting the cross-sectional finish

The magnified view of the processed cross section allows you to inspect its condition in detail, enabling you to monitor the quality of the finish at every step of the process.

S工法治具_グローブボックス

Safe to use inside a glove box with excellent operability

The entire workflow, from sample setup through processing to sample retrieval, can be completed easily and reliably within the glove box.

Application examples

Specifications

Overall dimensions (in mm)W181×D242×H230
WeightApproximately 5.5 kg
Blade material optionsCemented carbide with a special surface coating
Ceramic (for short-circuit prevention)
Main body materialStainless steel
High-strength aluminum alloy
MicroscopePower source: 3.7 V DC, USB power supply
Magnification: Approximately 1x to 70x (manual)
Resolution: VGA 640 × 480, 1M 1280 × 720, 2M 1920 × 1080
Interface: Micro USB 2.0
Display : 4.3 inches
Focal length: 10 mm to 40 mm
Language display: Japanese, English, Chinese, French, German, Korean, Italian, Russian, Spanish
Processable sample dimensionsMaximum thickness: 3 mm
Maximum width: 25 mm
Depth: 2.5 mm to 10 mm

Material Processing Test

We offer a free Material Processing Test, including a standard test report.

材料加工テスト_断面観察用試料作製ツール
Example of a standard test report for a Material Processing Test

Examples of observation and analysis equipment available at Nogamigiken

From inquiry to delivery

FAQ

In addition to sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries, the C technique jig is widely used for preparing cross sections of laminated polymer materials for observation and analysis.
We also provide free trial processing for a wide range of other materials.
If you have a material you would like us to evaluate, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Based on your material, quality requirements, and other specifications, we will propose the most appropriate test for your application. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we can. We have a glove box manufactured by Miwa Manufacturing and are able to perform testing in an argon atmosphere with a dew point below -80°C and an oxygen concentration below 1 ppm.

You can order custom dimensions of up to 20.00 mm × 20.00 mm.

No. the dimensions cannot be changed. To ensure extremely precise sliding performance, the C technique jig is manufactured with fixed dimensions and is assembled and finished using dedicated processes.

Yes. The material removal depth can be easily set and adjusted in 10 μm increments using the adjustment knob. In addition, the included display allows you to view a magnified image of the machining area, enabling precise processing while monitoring the results in real time.

Maintenance interval of the C technique jig
With all-solid-state battery samples, the C technique jig has been successfully used for more than 1,000 sample punching operations.
Please note that this figure is provided for reference only and is not guaranteed, as durability may vary depending on the material to be processed and the operating conditions.
If the blades become worn, we offer maintenance services such as regrinding to restore performance, so you can continue using the jig with confidence.


Durability of the blade used in the S technique jig
Approximately 300 processing operations can be performed when working with all-solid-state battery samples. The blade features an effective length of 20 mm, and by adjusting the position of the blade using the built-in adjustment scale, you can make full use of the entire cutting edge and maximize blade life.

Instructions for routine maintenance, including blade cleaning, are provided in the included user’s manual. When the blades become worn, we offer maintenance services such as regrinding to restore their performance.


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