The QCSMS is a handheld microtome. Its name stands for Quick Cross Section Microscope Slide. These devices are both quick and practical to use but also durable and of high quality.
- Allows for cross-sectioning different materials quickly and easily with any sharp razor blade.
- Sized less than a microscope slide allows for direct microscope observation of cross-sections.
- Used properly one will have a lifetime of cross-sectioning.
- Made from high-quality stainless steel.
- Made in the USA.
The new M2020L, is a high-quality stainless steel device 2.7’’ (68 mm) x 1.0’’ (25 mm). Therefore, it fits any sample holder of a microscope stage.
This device has a thickness of only 0.02” (or 0.5 mm)! It has the most narrow slot of all the QCSMS microtomes I’ve built so far. Therefore, the M2020L is also practical for observing cross-sections under transmitted light.
The cross-sectioning area of the M2020L is minimal. It has a very narrow slot width (only 0.5 mm) and a slot length of 3 mm, ideal when only a limited sample is available for cross-sectioning. Therefore the new QCSMS is very good for forensic applications.
The M2020L now replaces the M2524L, and the cross-sections prepared with the new M2020L is 20 percent thinner and the slot width is 16 percent less.
“I’m a forensic fiber examiner and have used MIECO’s QCSMS microtome to prepare cross-sections of reference fibers from clothing. This practical microtome allows me to check quickly which different fiber types are present in fiber yarn. I can highly recommend it for forensic fiber examinations.” Said Kris De Wael, forensic scientist and author of “Microscopy in forensic fiber examinations. A practical photo atlas and training tool.”
"The MIECO microtomes that we purchased were of high quality and great craftsmanship. Due to the thin nature of the fixtures, it can be challenging to fabricate such devices. For fiber cross-sections it is best to have the slice as thin as possible for light transmission. We searched for a couple years to find one that was suitable. Many machine shops were willing to try, but none of them had much knowledge of the use of the final product. The fixtures they made were generally too thick and the slot too wide. They were rudimentary at best.
When I talked to Jay at MIECO, he recommended one of his fixtures. I asked if he could make it thinner. He was reluctant but gave it a shot. He sent them both but warned that the thinner one was unlikely to hold up. It has been five years since the two fixtures were put in use at our central lab. Both still look and work great. It is a tribute to Jay's craftsmanship and knowledge of the end use. It is also worth noting that technicians that are skilled at doing cross-sections are a contributing factor in the longevity of the fixtures." Said former Microscopy lab manager Jeff Bowen