Recommendations for Cleaning Probe Tips

At Micromanipulator, we are committed to offering our customers consumables and accessories that are as expertly designed, engineered and manufactured as our line of high-quality probe stations.  Moreover to satisfy our customers’ application needs and preferences, we have plenty of choices available.  One example is our extensive selection of probe holders and probe tips. 

 

We offer a line of disposable probe tips (needles) as well as probe holders and tips in a single unit such as our Model 44, which is ideal for high frequency, low level signal testing or cutting.  Our high conductance probe tips (HCT) are specifically manufactured to increase tip conductance and reduce the probe scrub needed by a factor of 5 or more. Our inventory also includes a variety of straight and bent style probe holders.

 

Micromanipulator provides instructions on cleaning probe tips for optimal performance.  For our tungsten, tungsten carbide, nickel tips, HCT tip and custom probe tips coated with platinum, we recommend removing deposit from the probe tip by rinsing it in deionized water and using compressed air to dry excess water from the tip.  To remove oxide deposits, dip the probe tip into a 1.0 solution of normal sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for a few seconds.  Follow by rinsing with deionized water and dry with compressed air.       

 

If you use our beryllium copper probe tips, we recommend removing deposits from the tip by rinsing in deionized water and using compressed air to dry.  To remove oxide deposits, we suggest washing the tip in a 10% w/w sodium carbonate solution (NA2CO3) and again rinse in deionized water; however, do not dry the tips!  Instead dip the tip into a 10% v/v nitric acid solution (HNO3) until a reaction occurs.  Do not allow the reaction to continue for more than a second and immediately rinse the tip in deionized water. Follow up by drying the excessive water with compressed air.  For more suggestions on cleaning your probe tips and probe holders, please see our website.

 

At Micromanipulator, we not only invented analytical probing in 1956 but are still the top name in the field.  From concept, to production, right through to maintenance, our exclusive Full Life-Cycle Support guarantees customers’ success with our high-tech tools.   Please contact us to learn more about our wide range of probe stations and accessories.