Carbon rods
Ultra high purity carbon rods are used for carbon evaporation in EM applications to either coat non-conductive specimens with a thin layer of carbon or to produce support films for TEM specimens. The structure of the carbon rods is high purity graphite which is formed during the purification process of the rods. The maximum level of impurity for the high-purity carbon rods is 2ppm with none of the elements exceeding 1ppm. See typical statements of purity. The typical level of impurity is 1ppm or less. This makes ultra-high purity carbon rods ideal for SEM/EDS, EBSD, WDS and EPMA applications. Currently two grades of ultra-high purity carbon rods are offered:
Grade F-S high-purity standard grade
This is the most common grade of carbon rods. The rods tend to be stronger and more brittle. Stepped points of this grade are best made with an electrical carbon rod shaper. Available in Ø3.05mm (Ø0.120”) and Ø6.15mm (Ø0.242”) with a length of 305mm (12”). Compatible with carbon coaters from Cressington, AGAR, JEOL, Quorum, Leica, Edwards , Anatech (Hummer) and Denton.
Grade F-A high purity softer grade
This is a softer grade and stepped points are somewhat easier to make from this grade, when using a hand carbon rod shaper. Compatible with coaters from Cressington (50Hz), AGAR (50Hz), JEOL (50Hz), Edwards and Denton.

Specifications: ultra-high purity carbon rod grades
Parameter |
Grade F-S |
Grade F-A |
Density (g/cm3) |
1.80 |
1.61 |
Electrical resistivity (µOhm.cm) |
939.7 |
635 |
Hardness (shore) |
42 |
32 |
Porosity (%) |
16.5 |
28.5 |
Tensile strength (MPa) |
41.4 |
22.1 |
Flexural strength (MPa) |
51.8 |
24.2 |
Compressive strength (MPa) |
65.6 |
48.2 |
Thermal expansion rate (x10-6/K) |
2.9 |
1.9 |
Purity |
Ultra-high |
Ultra-high |
Impurities (ppm) |
Max. 1/element |
Max. 1/element |
Structure |
Graphite |
Graphite |
Appearance |
Hard, brittle |
Softer |
Ordering information:
EM-TEC FIB lift-out grids
-
Ultra-high purity carbon rods 3.05mm x 305mm long – grade F-S
Ultra-high purity carbon rods 3.05mm x 305mm long – grade F-S (pack/10)
£47.62 Add to basketUltra-high purity carbon rods 3.05mm x 305mm long – grade F-S
Ultra-high purity carbon rods 3.05mm x 305mm long – grade F-S (pack/10)
£47.62Add to basketAdd to QuoteWithin your QuoteAdd to Quote -
Ultra-high purity carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long – grade F-A
Ultra-high purity carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long – grade F-A (pack/10)
£86.10 Add to basketUltra-high purity carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long – grade F-A
Ultra-high purity carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long – grade F-A (pack/10)
£86.10Add to basketAdd to QuoteWithin your QuoteAdd to Quote -
Ultra-high purity carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long – grade F-S
Ultra-high purity carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long – grade F-S (pack/10)
£66.86 Add to basketUltra-high purity carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long – grade F-S
Ultra-high purity carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long – grade F-S (pack/10)
£66.86Add to basketAdd to QuoteWithin your QuoteAdd to Quote -
Ultra high purity profile-stepped carbon rods Ø6.15
Ultra high purity double-sided profile-stepped carbon rods Ø6.15 (pkg/10)
£72.29 Add to basketUltra high purity profile-stepped carbon rods Ø6.15
Ultra high purity double-sided profile-stepped carbon rods Ø6.15 (pkg/10)
£72.29Add to basketAdd to QuoteWithin your QuoteAdd to Quote -
Ultra high purity double-sided profile-stepped carbon rods
Ultra high purity double-sided profile-stepped carbon rods, diameter 6.15x42mm for Cressington carbon coaters (each)
£2.54 Add to basketUltra high purity double-sided profile-stepped carbon rods
Ultra high purity double-sided profile-stepped carbon rods, diameter 6.15x42mm for Cressington carbon coaters (each)
£2.54Add to basketAdd to QuoteWithin your QuoteAdd to Quote -
Technical grade carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long- grade T-S
Technical grade carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long – grade T-S (pack/10)
£53.39 Add to basketTechnical grade carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long- grade T-S
Technical grade carbon rods 6.15mm x 305mm long – grade T-S (pack/10)
£53.39Add to basketAdd to QuoteWithin your QuoteAdd to Quote