A sectioning machine for teeth and other brittle materials

Abstract

Abstract

A reciprocating wire saw for the cutting of brittle material, such as tooth enamel, is described. It cuts 50 μm thick sections of tooth enamel routinely. The sections have planoparallel smooth surfaces and further grinding or polishing is not necessary subsequent to the cutting if the sections are to be studied in the light microscope. The cuts left by the wire in the specimen have a width of 130 μm. Ordinary 100 μm. thick piano wire is used, and a slurry of 600 grit carborundum suspended in oil is applied as an abrasive. The cutting speed of the machine is only 0.1 mm/hr., as the feeding is controlled and slower than the speed of abrasion through the material to be sectioned. The stress on the specimen is thus very low, and results in whole undamaged sections.