Analytical TableTop Microscope TM3000 by Hitachi High Technologies America, Inc.

"We have been using the TM3000 for over two years now as a compliment to light microscopy. This SEM has proved indispensable. It is extremely easy to use so realistically someone could be trained in the operating basics in 15 minutes. After that it is quick to get started. A sample can be mounted, inserted into the chamber, and within minutes you will have an image, or if desired, a picture. Magnification, focus, brightness, and contrast are all available from your mouse or by using the touch screen. The standard stage is manual so more time will be spent on moving the sample than on the software driven SEM functions. To date, we have not coated any samples yet have viewed many non-conductive samples without issue using the charge reduction mode at magnification up to 5000-6000X. Depending on the sample good quality images can be obtained up to 10,000-12,000X. As for maintenance, in two years we have replaced only one filament."