They are primarily intended for applications where a low X-ray background is required. Low toxicity, high purity and mechanical strength make diamond an attractive alternative to beryllium and other low atomic number composite materials. Diamond grids may also be used for specimens to be thinned by ion beam milling and for cryo applications. The grids can be cleaned and re-used. The plate is placed under distilled water and the surface supporting the film gradually lowered.
Excess water is removed by blotting from below.
The plate containing filmed grids can be transferred to a vacuum coating unit for carbon coating or to the freeze drying unit. This box accomodates 100 grids in numbered holes designed to hold either 3.05 or 2.3mm grids. Letters and numbers for individual slots are highlighted for easy identification. The same grid storage box, with an added feature. Each box carries its own unique number printed on the face and on one end.