Description

PIKE Technologies introduces Pixie, a new portable hydraulic press for making high-quality KBr pellets. The ergonomic design allows users to make pellets with the turn of a knob. Pixie’s small footprint makes it ideal for limited bench-space environments and glove boxes, and for storability. KBr pellets for IR transmission measurements are required by a number of standardized procedures, including some USLP and ASTM methods. Advantages of pellet making are spectral reproducibility and the ability to deal with relatively difficult or limited-mass samples. The pellet preparation involves loading of the powdered KBr/sample matrix into the die chamber and placing the assembled die onto the platform of the hydraulic press. Force up to 2.5 tons may be applied. The die collar containing the newly formed pellet is placed into the designated holder and is positioned in the spectrometer’s 2 x 3” slide mount holder for measurement. PIKE Technologies, Inc. is located in Madison, Wisconsin. Established in 1989, it is a primary source for spectroscopy accessories and applications worldwide. Products include attenuated total reflectance (ATR), diffuse reflectance, specular reflectance, integrating spheres, polarization, IR microscope, beam condensers, remote sensing, and a complete line of transmission sampling accessories. Many of these products are available with optional heating and automation for increased sampling speed and productivity.