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South Bay Technology

D500i

DimplerSouth Bay Technology D500i family
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D500i — uwaterloo.ca
Fig. 01D500iuwaterloo.ca[1]

What it is

The South Bay Technology D500i Dimpler is a sample preparation instrument used for dimple grinding samples for transmission electron microscopy.[1]

The D500i is part of the dry sample preparation equipment in the QNC metrology labs at the University of Waterloo.[3]

How it works

The South Bay Technology D500i can dimple grind samples to thicknesses of less than ten micrometres.[1]

The D500i uses real time measurement of tool height, specimen thickness, and tool runout to control the dimpling process.[1]

Where it fits in the process flow

Pre thinning with the D500i reduces the time required to ion mill a sample until it becomes suitably electron transparent.[1]

Applications

The D500i is used for transmission electron microscopy sample preparation.[1]

  • Dimple grinding for TEM sample preparation

What do the numbers mean?

Dimensions & facilities2

Measurement
Real time measurement of tool height, specimen thickness, and tool runout[1]
Accurate?
Tool height measurement
Real-time[2]
Accurate?

Configuration & options11

Purpose
Dimple grinding of samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM)[1]
Accurate?
Dimple thickness capability
to thicknesses of < 10 μm[1]
Accurate?
System feature
Z position sensing and automatic termination[1]
Accurate?
System feature
Variable damping of arm to reduce vibrations[1]
Accurate?
System feature
Automated controls[1]
Accurate?
Thinning thickness
< 10 μm[2]
Accurate?
Specimen thickness measurement
Real-time[2]
Accurate?
Tool runout measurement
Real-time[2]
Accurate?
Z position sensing and automatic termination
Yes[2]
Accurate?
Variable damping
Yes[2]
Accurate?
Automated controls
Yes[2]
Accurate?
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Where are the manuals?

Generated from public-source data on file. Enter your email to access — nothing is published; details are routed privately.

Not publicly documented

Field notes

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the South Bay Technology D500i Dimpler?

The D500i is used for dimple grinding samples for transmission electron microscopy.[1]

What sample thickness can the D500i reach?

The D500i can dimple grind samples to thicknesses of less than ten micrometres.[1]

What does pre thinning with the D500i do in TEM sample preparation?

Pre thinning with the D500i reduces the time required to ion mill the sample until it is suitably electron transparent.[1]

Not publicly documented

The following facts about the D500i are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

  • No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the D500i are on record.

    Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement

  • No publicly documented variants, configuration options, or revision breakpoints of the D500i are on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM product catalog or an engineer who ordered or specified the tool

  • The control-system platform and OS era of the D500i are not on record.

    Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records

  • No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the D500i are on record.

    Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician

  • The process node or technology generation of the D500i is not on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report

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Sources & citations

Sources (3)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
  1. [1]uwaterloo.ca — uwaterloo.cauwaterloo.ca
  2. [2]uwaterloo.ca — uwaterloo.cauwaterloo.ca
  3. [3]QNC metrology labs | Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility | University of Waterloo — uwaterloo.cauwaterloo.ca
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Last updated Oct 3, 2026.