
IM4000II & ArBlade 5000
Ion Milling Systems
Advanced ion milling for fast, high-quality SEM sample preparation.
- High milling rate: Fast and efficient sample preparation for hard materials
- Cross-section & flat milling: Flexible options for different applications
- Cryogenic cooling (optional): Reduces damage to temperature-sensitive samples
- User-friendly interface: Intuitive touch-screen controls for ease of use
- Optimized for SEM & AFM: Compatible with Hitachi and third-party microscopes
Overview
The Hitachi IM4000II and ArBlade 5000 ion milling systems provide high-precision sample preparation for scanning electron microscopy. Whether you're analyzing metals, semiconductors, polymers, ceramics or layered materials, these systems ensure high-quality cross-sections and surface polishing with minimal artifacts.
Designed for academic research, industrial quality control, and materials science labs, both systems deliver fast, repeatable results, making them essential for advanced electron microscopy applications.
IM4000II
The IM4000II is an all-in-one system for both cross-section and/or flat milling, making it a flexible option for labs needing a basic sample prep tool.
ArBlade 5000
The more advanced ArBlade 5000 features a higher milling rate and wide-area cross-section milling, making it perfect for demanding applications and labs that need high throughput
Features and benefits
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Fast & precise milling for a wide range of materials
Reduce turnaround times without compromising sample integrity.
- The IM4000II achieves a 500 μm/h milling rate, while the ArBlade 5000 offers an impressive 1 mm/h or more (for Si sample with protrusion of 100 μm).
- Perfect for hard materials like metals and semiconductors that need extended milling.
- The IM4000II achieves a 500 μm/h milling rate, while the ArBlade 5000 offers an impressive 1 mm/h or more (for Si sample with protrusion of 100 μm).
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Cross-section & flat milling for flexible sample preparation
Get the flexibility to prepare samples exactly how you need them.
- Cross-section milling produces smooth, undistorted surfaces without mechanical stress—ideal for examining internal structures of composite materials, multilayer films, and electronic components.
- Flat milling removes surface layer artifacts for high-contrast imaging, essential for applications like EBSD.
- Cross-section milling produces smooth, undistorted surfaces without mechanical stress—ideal for examining internal structures of composite materials, multilayer films, and electronic components.
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Wide-area cross-section milling (ArBlade 5000 only)
Easily prepare large samples with confidence.
- Enables milling up to 10 mm in width, so it's ideal for electronic devices and industrial materials.
- Provides a uniform cross-section across large samples, improving accuracy in imaging and analysis.
- Enables milling up to 10 mm in width, so it's ideal for electronic devices and industrial materials.
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Cryogenic cooling for temperature-sensitive samples
Preserve sample integrity for high-resolution imaging.
- Optional Cooling Temperature Control feature for the IM4000II and ArBlade 5000 prevents heat damage to delicate materials like polymers.
- Maintains a precise temperature range (0°C to -100°C) using liquid nitrogen.
- Optional Cooling Temperature Control feature for the IM4000II and ArBlade 5000 prevents heat damage to delicate materials like polymers.
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Seamless integration with scanning electron microscopes (SEMs)
Ensure contamination-free imaging for air-sensitive samples.
- Compatible with Hitachi SEMs and third-party systems for streamlined workflows.
- Air protection Holder Unit (available for both IM4000II and ArBlade 5000) allows samples transfer to SEM or AFM without exposure to air.
- Compatible with Hitachi SEMs and third-party systems for streamlined workflows.
Applications gallery


Prepare cross-sections of hard materials for microstructural analysis.




Expose layers and interfaces in integrated circuit


Prevent deformation in temperature-sensitive samples


Study layer composition and adhesion quality
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Cross-section milling example
Specifications
IM4000II | ArBlade 5000 | |
---|---|---|
Gas Used | Ar (argon) gas | Ar (argon) gas |
Accelerating Voltage | 0 to 6 kV | 0 to 8 kV |
Maximum Milling Rate (estimated for Si samples and 100 μm protrusion) | 500 μm/h or more | ≥ 1 mm/h |
Maximum Milling Width | Not available | 10 mm |
Maximum Specimen Size | 20(W) x 12(D) x 8(H) mm | 20(W) x 12(D) x 8(H) mm |
Sample Moving Range | X: ±7 mm, Y: 0 to +3 mm | X: ±7 mm, Y: 0 to +3 mm |
Ion Beam Intermittent Irradiation | ON/OFF setting (1 sec to 59 min 59 sec) | Standard function |
Swing angle | ±15°, ±30°, ±40° | ±15°, ±30°, ±40° |
Wide-Area Cross-Section milling | Not available | Up to 10 mm width |
Flat Milling Area | φ 32 mm | φ 32 mm |
Maximum Flat-Milled Sample Size | φ 50 x 25(H) mm | φ 50 x 25(H) mm |
Rotation Speed | 1 rpm, 25 rpm | 1 rpm, 25 rpm |
Tilt Range | 0 to 90° | 0 to 90° |
Cooling Temperature Control (optional) | 0 to -100°C via LN2 | 0 to -100°C via LN2 |
Higher Beam Tolerance Mask (optional) | 2x beam tolerance (Cobalt-free) | 2x beam tolerance (Cobalt-free) |
Stereo Microscope Unit (optional) | 15x to 100x, Binocular/Trinocular | 15x to 100x, Binocular/Trinocular |
Contact us
Our specialists are here to guide you in selecting the right sample prep tool for your needs. Reach out to learn more about the IM4000II or ArBlade 5000 and discover which is best for you. Contact us today to learn more about both tools or to book a live demo.