Introduction

Bare Metal TEM Grids provide the fundamental support structure for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimen preparation. Manufactured with a standard diameter of 3.05 mm, these grids serve as the base substrate for thin sections, carbon films, Formvar films, and other support layers.

Our bare grids are precision manufactured to ensure smooth hole edges and consistent mesh geometry, supporting high-quality film deposition and high-resolution imaging.

Standard Dimensions

All grids feature:

• Standard diameter: 3.05 mm
• Thickness range: 10 µm to 25 µm (material dependent)

Grid thickness varies according to material selection to balance mechanical strength and handling stability.

Mesh Definition and Hole Geometry

Mesh size refers to the number of openings per linear inch.

For example:

• A 200 mesh grid has approximately 200 openings per inch.
• Along the 3.05 mm diameter (~0.12 inch), this corresponds to approximately 20 openings across the diameter.
• A 400 mesh grid has approximately 40 openings across the diameter.

Because the grid diameter is fixed at 3.05 mm, increasing mesh count reduces hole size.

Approximate hole sizes:

• 100 mesh → ~ 200 µm
• 200 mesh → ~ 97 µm
• 300 mesh → ~ 63 µm
• 400 mesh → ~ 42 µm

(Hole size values are approximate and may vary slightly depending on manufacturing tolerances.)

Smooth Hole Edges for High-Resolution Imaging

Our grids are manufactured with exceptionally smooth hole edges.

Smooth edges are critical because:

• They promote uniform film coating
• They reduce film stress concentration
• They improve film flatness
• They minimize edge-related artifacts
• They enhance support stability for high-resolution TEM imaging

A smooth edge profile contributes significantly to achieving flat carbon or polymer films, which is essential for advanced imaging applications.

Available Mesh Sizes

We offer a wide range of mesh sizes:

• 50 mesh
• 75 mesh
• 100 mesh
• 150 mesh
• 200 mesh
• 300 mesh
• 400 mesh
• 500 mesh
• 600 mesh
• Slot Grid - Single Hole

Available Materials

Bare TEM grids are available in:

• Copper (Cu)
• Iron (Fe)
• Titanium (Ti)
• Nickel (Ni)
• Molybdenum (Mo)
• Tungsten (W)
• Nylon

Material selection may influence conductivity, chemical compatibility, mechanical rigidity, and beam interaction characteristics.