Fast, precise, and cost-effective micromanipulation for research and industry
In 2024, the TESCAN Group expanded its technological depth and global footprint by acquiring EXpressLO LLC.
This strategic acquisition, along with EXpressLO’s strong patent portfolio, added new capabilities in precision stage control and sample handling, strengthening TESCAN’s leadership in advanced microscopy solutions.
Founded on decades of innovation in ex situ lift-out technology, EXpressLO™ provides a complete ecosystem for sample preparation and manipulation.
The system combines patented grids, intelligent micromanipulation modules, and vacuum-assisted transfer tools to make lift-out workflows faster, safer, and more reproducible — even under cryogenic conditions.
Its modular design makes it adaptable for both research laboratories and industrial quality control, supporting a wide variety of materials and applications.
NICOLA G2 & edu.101 – Precision ex situ Lift-Out Systems
The Nicola G2 and edu.101 systems represent the new generation of TEM specimen preparation.
With joystick-driven motorized focus, lens changer, and manipulator options, they deliver high precision and intuitive control for both research and education.
The edu.101 serves as an entry-level turnkey system for academic labs, while the Nicola G2 (F, L, M) configurations offer full modular flexibility.
Each system includes 100 EXpressLO™ grids, 1 Pick&Place™ Holder Kit, Tip Holder, and 25 Praxis™ samples — everything you need to get started.
Nicola CRYO™ – Cryogenic ex situ Lift-Out System
The Nicola CRYO™ enables controlled cryogenic EXLO workflows for biological and beam-sensitive specimens.
Designed for Cryo-TEM, it maintains specimen integrity through stable temperature management and contamination-free handling.
Its performance is supported by peer-reviewed research, including publications in Microscopy and Microanalysis (2023).
Aspirato™ Module – Vacuum-Assisted Micromanipulation
The Aspirato™ Module provides vacuum-assisted specimen lift-out and manipulation — perfectly integrated with the EXpressLO™ Pick&Place™ workflow.
It features a computerized valve control box and intuitive software interface for smooth, controlled movement of FIB-milled samples.
This module eliminates costly FIB time for lift-out, offering a fast, precise, and reproducible workflow for both frontside and backside milling operations.
EXpressLO™ and EXpressLO-Z™ Grids – Precision Solutions for Every Application
The 3 mm EXpressLO™ grids feature a unique tapered-slot design enabling accurate, reproducible ex situ lift-out manipulation, available in Cu and Ni with multiple slot configurations.
The award-winning EXpressLO-Z™ variant, made from nanocrystalline diamond (NCD), offers a low-Z alternative to metal grids with exceptional thermal stability and analytical purity.
Together, these grids set a new standard in precision, reliability, and performance for advanced materials characterization.
Pick&Place™ Holder Kit – Simplifying Precision
The Pick&Place™ Holder Kit simplifies ex situ lift-out for S/TEM and other site-specific characterization techniques.
The adjustable screw mechanism sets the grid height for optimized tip positioning, while the dual pin holder (set 90° apart) ensures precise and stable sample placement.
Compatible with FIB pre-tilted holders, it allows further specimen processing without additional handling — making it especially valuable for Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD) applications.
Tip Holder – Reliable Rescue for Single-Manipulator Systems
The EXpressLO™ Tip Holder is an essential accessory for lift-out systems equipped with a single manipulator.
It safely secures a pulled tip, allowing quick and easy rescue of specimens that have climbed up the manipulator tip.
This simple yet effective tool increases operational safety and reduces specimen loss during complex manipulations.
Praxis™ – 3D Printed Training Specimens
The patented Praxis™ 3D printed specimens are designed for EXLO, EXpressLO™, and INLO training and educational use.
They allow researchers and students to practice real lift-out and manipulation techniques in a safe, repeatable environment.
With precise geometry and realistic handling conditions, Praxis™ specimens bridge the gap between training and real-world laboratory work.
Take Your ex situ Lift-Out to the Next Level
The EXpressLO™ platform provides a complete, modular solution for every stage of your specimen workflow — from lift-out to final analysis.
Reduce FIB time, improve reproducibility, and streamline your operations with a system designed for performance and precision.
👉 Contact us today to discuss the ideal EXpressLO™ configuration for your laboratory.
Experience how simple, fast, and flexible ex situ lift-out can be.