Where lab space is at a premium, scientists in environmental analysis, biology, and superconductivity research may want to consider replacing their huge bell-jar vacuum deposition systems with a new desktop model. Balzers' new MED 010 vacuum deposition system is said to provide fast, accurate rotary shadowing of specimens with carbon, a process that gives a better three-dimensional view of a sample for transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

According to Brett Rock, product specialist for Hudson, N.H.-based Balzers, environmental testing laboratories will find this system especially useful in asbestos monitoring, a relatively new and rapidly expanding testing area. EPA regulations now require testing for friable asbestos in all public and private schools, and the agency has mandated rotary shadowing with carbon as the coating technique. "This is one of the processes for which our MED 010 is superbly equipped," says Bill Flaherty, Balzers' product manager.

The MED 010 coater features a glass...

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