Frequently Asked Questions about the Window Maker™
- What is Polyimide?
- Is the MicroSolvCE Window Maker™ CE marked for the EU?
- Does the Window Maker™ come in voltages that are useable in European, Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries?
- Does the replaceable heating module come with the unit when you order it or does it have to be ordered separately?
- Is it possible to make a window anywhere on the capillary?
- What is the principle of polyimide removal?
- Are there other parts or pieces that I need to use the Window Maker™?
- Can The Window Maker™ be used to make frits for CEC?
- Can the Window Maker™ be used to remove the polyimide from the tips of the capillaries?
- Can I use the Window Maker™ on all HPCE capillaries?
- How long is the warranty of the Window Maker™?
- When I am ordering the Window Maker, do I have to order a heating module separately?
- Can I purchase replacement burner modules to create different size windows?
1. What is Polyimide? [top]
Polyimide is an aromatic, linear polymer. It is not a true thermoplastic becuse it thermally degrades before its
glass transition temperature. It is not cross linked. It is used on CE capillaries because it is solvent resistant,
possess barrier properties and performance at both high and low temperatures.
Click here for Capillary Technical Properties
2. Is the MicroSolvCE Window Maker™ CE marked for the EU? [top]
Yes.
3. Does the Window Maker™ come in voltages that are useable in European, Asian, Middle Eastern and African
countries? [top]
Yes. When you order the Window Maker™, and you are not using it in the US or Canada, please specify your
country of use. The voltage will be matched and so will the plug type you will need.
4. Does the replaceable heating module come with the unit when you order it or does it have to be ordered
separately? [top]
When you order the Window Maker™, it is shipped with a heating module. The replacement module is available in
the event you need to replace it.
5. Is it possible to make a window anywhere on the capillary? [top]
Yes, you can make the window any place along the capillary.
6. What is the principle of polyimide removal? [top]
The principle of removal is heat. By burning the polyimide at a predetermined temperature, it can be easily removed
by hand wiping with a gentle solvent such as water or acetone.
7. Are there other parts or pieces that I need to use the Window Maker™? [top]
No, the Window Maker™comes with a heating module that makes a 2mm window. No other tools are needed. Other
heating modules of different window sizes can be purchased separately.
8. Can The Window Maker™ be used to make frits for CEC? [top]
Yes, many customers have purchased the Window Maker™ and use it to make frits for packing CEC Columns. It is
best accomplished by purchasing the 1mm Replacement Heating Module along with the Window Maker. The technique has
been developed by the customers and we are not familiar with their procedures.
9. Can the Window Maker™ be used to remove the polyimide from the tips of the capillaries? [top]
Yes, this is a highly recommended use of the Window Maker™. By burning off 2mm of the inlet and outlet ends of
the capillaries, the injection precision of your CE unit will improve. It is believed that the reason for the
improvement is prevention of the polyimide from swelling due to prolonged exposure to NaOH. For more details,
contact our Technical Support department.
10. Can I use the Window Maker™ on all HPCE capillaries? [top]
The Window Maker™ can be used on all polyimide coated, bare fused silica capillaries. It can be used on many
coated columns but you should test the column to make sure that the coating is not removed by the high heat produced
to remove the polyimide. Contact the manufacturer of the HPCE column for more information. If the coating is removed
on the inside of the capillary, it could disrupt the flow and give erroneous results.
11. How long is the warranty of the Window Maker™? [top]
One-year parts and labor.
12. When I am ordering the Window Maker, do I have to order a heating module separately? [top]
No, the Window Maker is supplied complete with a 2mm heating module. However, if you want to make a different size
window, you can order separately, a 1mm, 4mm or 7mm heating module from our catalog.
13. Can I purchase replacement burner modules to create different size windows? [top]
Yes. You can separately purchase burner modules that create 1mm, 4mm or 7mm windows on the same Window Maker.
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