What Is the Purpose of Using a Boom Stand with a Microscope
What Is a Boom Stand Microscope
A boom stand microscope is typically used for large specimens that require more room for inspection. By attaching a microscope to a boom stand, you add stability and can more easily position the microscope to evaluate a particular area.
A boom stand can come with a microscope or you can buy a separate boom stand to use with certain microscopes. While it serves the function of being a platform to place your specimen on for viewing, it’s much more functional than that. These stands can provide stability, illumination, focus, and movement to any angle. Many also have graduated scales etched into the base for easy measurement.
Why Use a Microscope with Boom Stand
When you use a stereo microscope or a compound microscope, there is a limited viewing area and the optics and stage are relatively fixed. Your subject must be prepared and positioned. If you want to view another part of the subject, you will need to adjust it and pull it into the viewing zone.
When you use a microscope with a boom stand, the head is mounted on an arm or a set of arms that can be moved easily. This arrangement brings the viewing apparatus to the subject and allows for easy adjustments to see different parts of the object.
Boom microscopes are also often stereo microscopes, which means you get the 3D benefits that stereo microscopes provide. By using two objective lenses and two eyepieces, the subject is viewed from two slightly different angles at once, creating dual images or a stereo effect. The brain does the rest and translates it into a three-dimensional view.
When Are Boom Stand Microscopes Used
Boom stand microscopes are frequently used for intricate repairs, inspections, and manufacturing. But they have many other uses, you might even see one in your dentist’s office as they can be quite handy when making crowns, in surgical settings, and even in the exam room.
Other common places boom microscopes are used include:
- Industrial work such as soldering, deburring, or inspections
- Jewelry making and repair
- Circuit board inspection, repair, and manufacture
- Watch and clock work
- Fine engraving
- Forensic document examination
- Art restoration and preservation
- Dissections
- Fossil preparation and analysis
Parts of a Boom Stand Microscope
There is are wide variety of boom stand microscopes available, from simple designs that hold a variety of microscopes to more complex versions built with specific-use microscopes already mounted. While there is a lot of variety, there are a few working parts that you’ll find in almost all boom stand microscopes.
- Base. The base of a boom stand microscope is designed to be large and sturdy, allowing the unit to rest on a flat surface with stability.
- Clamp. If the boom stand microscope doesn’t have a large base, it can use a clamp that affixes to a flat surface to provide stability.
- Boom or arm. The boom or the arm holds the microscope. Some are static with little to no movement. Many are articulated with a variety of movements possible.
- Microscope. Not all boom stands include a microscope, but some come equipped with a microscope and may be paired to have specific application purposes.
How to Use a Boom Stand for Microscope
When using a boom stand microscope, you’ll want to ensure that the stand is secure and stable. If your boom has a base, it should be placed on a flat surface. If the microscope stand uses a clamp, make adjustments to securely position it.
Do whatever preparations are necessary for your subject and place it below the microscope optics or in an area that will allow you to adjust the optics to allow for viewing. Then manipulate your microscope to get a clear image and begin.
What to Know About Buying a Microscope Boom Stand
If you’re buying a boom stand for a microscope you already own, it’s critical that you select a stand that works with your microscope. Our experts at New York Microscope Company are happy to help you determine if that’s possible and what stand is best suited for your microscope.
If you’re interested in a complete unit with both microscope and boom stand, then you’ll want to consider what magnification is offered. There is turret magnification with two or three clicks stops and zoom stereo magnification available.
With fixed magnification, there is only one power available. There are some models that have different lenses that come with the microscope, allowing you to adjust the magnification by swapping lenses or rotating a turret.
Zoom stereo microscopes smoothly increase and decrease magnification while you’re viewing. It’s a very popular option because it’s easy to adjust and small tweaks can be made while you’re working.
Another consideration that plays heavily into a boom stand microscope purchase is the purpose and directly tied to that, the working distance necessary to complete your task. For example, soldering needs more open space so heat and fumes do not damage the microscope. On the other hand, inspections that don’t require repair might not need much working distance at all.
How to Buy a Boom Microscope Stand
The best approach to buying a boom stand microscope or a boom stand for your microscope is to talk to an expert in the field to ensure you’re getting the right piece of equipment for your task. At New York Microscope Company, our team is well-versed in all of our equipment and can help you find the right microscope for your purpose, and we’ll make sure it’s something that fits within your budget. Contact us and we’ll help you find what you’re looking for.