ANTGLASS manufactures microscope slides, microscope cover glass, coverslips and custom laboratory glass for microscopy, diagnostics, cell counting and imaging.
Slides and coverslips look simple, but thickness, refractive index, flatness, edge condition and cleanliness directly affect focus, image quality, sample preparation and laboratory handling.
Product Types and Selection
| Product | Typical function | Custom options |
|---|---|---|
| Microscope slide | Support specimen and fit stage or holder | Frosted end, printing, holes, channels, wells |
| Microscope cover glass | Cover specimen and set optical path | Thin thickness, custom outline, coating |
| Hemacytometer cover glass | Create a defined chamber interface | Controlled thickness and flatness |
| Fused silica coverslip | UV or high-purity optical interface | UV-transparent grade and custom dimensions |
Material Options
Standard laboratory formats use clear technical glass such as SCHOTT B 270 or other soda-lime grades. Borosilicate glass supports chemical and thermal requirements. Fused silica is selected for UV transmission and high-purity optical work.
Specifications to Put on the Drawing
- Slide or coverslip dimensions
- Thickness and thickness tolerance
- Flatness and surface condition
- Edges, corners and frosted zones
- Holes, channels, wells, printing or coatings
- Cleanliness, sterilization and package format
ANTGLASS Manufacturing Capabilities
ANTGLASS cuts thin slides and coverslips, grinds or polishes edges, adds holes, channels, slots and custom outlines, and provides ultrasonic cleaning and separated packaging. Thin glass down to 0.1 mm is manufactured for suitable cover-glass designs.
Inspection, Cleaning and Packaging
Inspection controls dimensions, thickness, flatness, edge and corner condition, patterned zones, particles, stains and package cleanliness.
Typical Applications
Products are supplied for optical microscopy, fluorescence imaging, pathology, diagnostics, hemacytometers, microfluidics, cell culture, UV analysis and custom laboratory instruments.
Microscope Slide and Coverslip Selection
The cover glass becomes part of the microscope’s optical system. Its thickness and refractive index influence spherical aberration and focus, particularly with high-numerical-aperture objectives. The selected coverslip should match the objective correction, immersion medium, chamber depth and specimen preparation method.
Slides carry the specimen and must fit the stage, scanner, cassette or automated loader. Edge safety, corner shape, frosted identification zones and printed areas affect laboratory handling. Diagnostic and microfluidic slides may also include channels, wells, holes, coatings or bonded covers.
- State the slide and coverslip format separately.
- Define cover-glass thickness and optical material.
- Identify frosted, printed, coated and specimen zones.
- Dimension channels, wells and holes from functional datums.
- Specify cleanliness, sterilization and package quantity.
Projects with sensor or scanner functions can also use sensor and machine vision windows or custom glass substrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a microscope slide and cover glass?
A microscope slide supports the specimen and is normally the thicker component. Cover glass or a coverslip is thinner and placed over the specimen to protect it and establish the optical path used by the microscope objective.
Which materials are used for microscope slides and coverslips?
Common materials include soda-lime or superwhite technical glass, borosilicate glass and fused silica. ANTGLASS selects the material for visible, UV, thermal, chemical and dimensional requirements.
Can ANTGLASS manufacture fused silica coverslips?
Yes. ANTGLASS manufactures custom fused silica coverslips and thin UV-transparent cover glass for microscopy, spectroscopy and laboratory optical systems.
Can microscope slides include holes, channels or printed areas?
Yes. Slides and cover glass can include holes, channels, wells, slots, frosted ends, printed zones, coatings, alignment features and custom outlines.
How are microscope slides and cover glass cleaned and packed?
ANTGLASS provides ultrasonic cleaning, controlled rinsing and drying, low-contact handling and separated packaging. The required particle, residue, sterilization and package format should be stated in the RFQ.