Denton Vacuum
DCP-1
The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 is a critical point dryer for preparing SEM samples. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 exchanges solvent with liquid carbon dioxide to dry specimens. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 has a stainless steel pressure chamber.[1][2]
What it is
The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 is a critical point dryer. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 brings delicate wet specimens to a dry condition without the distortive effects of air drying. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 is used for preparation of SEM specimens. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 works with carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide as transitional fluids. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 includes the apparatus needed for critical point drying except the cylinder of transitional fluid.[1][2]
Where it fits in the process flow
General reference — not yet source-verifiedCritical point drying sits in the sample-preparation sequence before vacuum electron microscopy. Critical point drying follows fixation and solvent exchange steps and precedes conductive coating when a specimen requires coating for imaging. Critical point drying is used when direct air drying would deform porous, soft, or high-aspect-ratio structures.
Applications
The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 is used for SEM specimen preparation. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 processes specimens on grids, SEM stubs, slides, and similar mounts. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 has optional fixturing for 12 each 3 mm grids, for up to 8 grid holders per cycle for a total of 96 grids, for 6 Amray, Cambridge, or ETEC type stubs, and for 12 Jeol type stubs.[1]
- Critical point drying of treated specimens
- SEM specimen preparation
- Preparation of specimens on grids, SEM stubs, and slides
What do the numbers mean?
Vacuum & pumping3
Gas & chemistry1
Dimensions & facilities1
Configuration & options10
What does it need to run?
Site utility requirements, footprint, and infrastructure needed to install and operate this tool. Sourced from public records.
Where are the manuals?
Generated from public-source data on file. Enter your email to access — nothing is published; details are routed privately.
Not publicly documented
Field notes
No research found yet — worked with this tool? Share what you know.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DCP-1 pressure chamber size?
The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 has a stainless steel pressure chamber with a 1 1/8 inch diameter by 2 5/8 inch deep working volume. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 is supplied with a 1 inch diameter by 2 1/2 inch high stainless wire basket.[1]
What are the overall size and weight of the DCP-1?
The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 measures 14 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 21 inches high. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 weighs 25 pounds.[1]
What specimen holders are available for the DCP-1?
The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 has optional fixturing that includes a grid holder for 12 each 3 mm grids, with up to 8 grid holders per cycle for a total of 96 grids. The Denton Vacuum DCP-1 also has a stub holder for 6 Amray, Cambridge, or ETEC type stubs and a stub holder for 12 Jeol type stubs.[1]
Not publicly documented
The following facts about the DCP-1 are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.
No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the DCP-1 are on record.
Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement
No publicly documented variants, configuration options, or revision breakpoints of the DCP-1 are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM product catalog or an engineer who ordered or specified the tool
The control-system platform and OS era of the DCP-1 are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the DCP-1 are on record.
Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician
The process node or technology generation of the DCP-1 is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No research found yet — worked with this tool? Share what you know.
Sources & citations
Sources (2)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
- [1]web.archive.org — web.archive.orgweb.archive.org
- [2]Denton DCP-1 | Advanced Analysis Centre — uoguelph.cauoguelph.ca
Last updated Oct 17, 2026.