MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

A plastic part of the bulb assembly of our inverted Micromaster broke, and I'd like to try to glue it, because it's impossible to replace. There is a fair amount of heat generated by the 6v 30w halogen bulb (but exactly how much, I don't know), so I need a heat-resistant glue. Can anyone suggest the best choice? Alternatively, if you know of a replacement illuminator suitable for this inverted scope, that would be be welcome also. Thanks.

Edit: I added an image of the broken assembly. The socket itself is on the other side.

Hi Diana,
I cannot see, from your picture, where the crack is. Mine may not be tbe best answer (hopefully you will get better ones), but you may be able to find a complete replacement lamp housing on ebay. Also, a local (university?) machine shop should be able to manufacture a replacement part out of brass or aluminium.

Edit: I just googled and got many results for high temperature epoxy. That might be a good solution.

If it is possible to get some photos of the cracked part we might be of more help.
CE

This may be a good time to look into LED replacement for the excessive heat generating halogen....

Good idea- I posted one.

Thanks- I posted a picture.

I have searched all over the internet - haven't seen anything like it. The fact that's it's an inverted scope makes it scarcer I think.

Do you know what the voltage supplied to the bulb is?..

The picture does not show the crack.

Another idea: If the crack is in the outer cylindrical housing, and if it is lengthwise (as I said, I cannot tell from your picture), you may be able to simply use one or two adjustable hose clamps of the right size (as found in auto parts stores) to keep it together (but if you do, do not over tighten it).

Hi Diana,
Perhaps you could replace the broken plastic component with something like this.
Hope this helps.
Peter.

I believe the broken part is the small white plastic object at the bottom of the image.

Peter your link does not appear to work.

Link to a glue that they say resists 287C / 550F Worth a try I would say.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/diy/dp/B0006O1I ... stant+glue

Product Description

J-B Weld is The Original Cold Weld two-part epoxy system that provides strong, lasting repairs to multiple surfaces. J-B Weld will form a permanent bond that once cured can be shaped, tapped, filed, sanded and drilled. At room temperature J-B Weld will set in 20-25 minutes to a dark grey color. A full cure is reached in under 24 hours. J-B Weld can withstand temperatures up to 287C (550F) once fully cured. Great for the following applications: Household Repairs Automotive Plumbing Marine Crafts & More Product Specification: Strength: 3960PSI Set Time: 20-25 Minutes Cure Time: 15-24 Hours Cure Colour: Dark Grey

I thought I posted a reply, but it seems to have disappeared. This is not an impossible replacement. If you send me (or post) the dimensions of the white piece I will get you a replacement. You will have to install it yourself unless you want to send it to me.'

lorez

Sorry, this is the the link I tryed to post previously http://www.earthwaterfire.com/products/ ... ectors.htm,
In my opinion any repair attempted on a plastic component which has failed because of heat in its natural environment is doomed as the plastic will fail again. If something like that shown in the link above is not suitable then I would suggest a replacement part is made from machinable ceramic.
Peter.

Might one of these work:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Olympus-O ... 259fd7aa4c
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Olympus-O ... 259f26a942

lorez wrote:I thought I posted a reply, but it seems to have disappeared.

That happens to me when I click on "Preview" but forget to click on "Submit".

Your microscope is quite expensive and it may be worth buying somethione like this for spare parts.
Fisher AMG MicroMaster Lab Stereoscopic Inverted Phase Optical Microscope PARTS

Have you tried contacting a distributor such as Fisher Scientific