Petrographic Analysis Through Rock Thin Sectioning
Petrography is a branch of science that studies the description of rocks based on texture, structure, and mineralogy through microscopic observation. Petrographic analysis is conducted by thinning rock samples, a process known as thin sectioning. Thin rock sections are the most effective means of describing rocks due to the relatively easy, affordable, and quick preparation process. Over time, thin sections have also been applied in disciplines beyond geology, such as archaeology, civil engineering, and materials engineering. Thin section preparation can be carried out efficiently with the right tools and materials, such as rock-cutting machines, slide glass adhesives, grinding machines, polishing machines, and more advanced microscopes.
Thin Section Preparation Process
Thin sections are prepared by cutting rock or material using a rock-cutting machine, after which the sample is attached to a slide glass heated on a hot plate. The sample is then adhered with epoxy or Canada balsam and ground to a thickness of approximately ± 0.03 mm using a grinding machine, with carborundum powder acting as an abrasive during the grinding process. At this thickness, a cover glass is applied to the surface of the sample, which can then be observed using a polarized microscope with transmitted light.
Latest and Fast Technology in Thin Section Preparation
With the latest technology, thin section preparation can be done more easily, efficiently, and with higher quality. This is achieved through the use of high-quality equipment, from rock-cutting machines, slide glass adhesives, grinding, surface polishing, to covering with slide glass. The thin section preparation process can now be completed faster with advanced systems. Rock-cutting machines are available in several types, ranging from irregular-shaped rock cutters (abrasive cutting) to precision cutting that aligns with the shape of slide glass.
Thin Sections with Advanced Tools: Thin Section
The development of the latest and most advanced innovations has enabled PT. Sentral Lab Genetik to provide a variety of cutting-edge tools that support the full range of petrographic research, particularly in thin section preparation. We offer various equipment such as Baincut for rock cutting, Bainthin for precision cutting, Bainpol for grinding and polishing, along with other tools that ensure high-quality and accurate thin section results. All of our equipment is designed with advanced features for ease of use, suitable for both beginners and experts, and comes with automatic systems as well as safety features like emergency buttons.
REFERENCE
Nugroho, I. S., dkk. (2016). Teknik Pembuatan Sayatan Tipis Batuan. Departemen Teknik Geologi, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Yogyakarta: Universitas Gadjah Mada.
https://chennaimetco.com/category/metallography-equipment/cutting-machines/precision/
