Probably the most important development in thin section preparation in recent years has been the introduction by Logitech of automatic lapping plate flatness control with the PM5 Auto-lap, PM5 Auto-lap/pol and LP50 Auto precision lapping machines.

This almost completely eliminates the most difficult task of the lapping process - controlling the plate shape. Changes in plate shape during processing can cause edge rounding and taper on samples and plates previously had to be checked and conditioned at least once per day.

Lapping plate flatness control improves the quality and repeatability of the tin sections produced. It is of tremendous advantage to the operator - freeing a large amount of time which would be spent on machine supervision for other tasks, such as analysis, and improving the overall productivity of the thin section preparation system.