Microscopes are basically used to provide a large or a magnified version of really tiny, almost invisible, things. At first, microscopes have proved their usefulness in the study of cells, and now they are widely used in the fields of metallurgy, archaeology, and even criminology. But the basic structure of ordinary microscopes has intrinsic limitations that can critically curtail the user’s objectives instead of increase the range of discovery or learning. So what is an articulating microscope?

Articulating Microscope Defined

Foremost among the structural impediments of a common microscope is immobility. The weight and the lack of movable joints make an ordinary microscope not only cumbersome but inflexible as well. Because of these limitations, articulating microscopes have been developed.

Articulating microscopes make use of a stand or an arm that has joints that allow the user to extend, tilt, retract, and swing the microscope from one end of the worktable to the other. Simply put, articulating microscopes make studying minuscule objects a little easier for scientists and students.

But more than the joints or points of articulation, this type of microscope usually implies digital image acquisition or even direct image feed to computer monitors or video screens via attached digital camera. Also, the capabilities of the microscope fastened to articulating devices are usually state-of-the-art; with extremely powerful zooming range and wide view angles, among other features.

Advantages of Using Articulating Microscope

Compared to common microscopes that have a stable and unmoving stand, the microscope that has an articulating arm has various benefits. The first advantage of an articulating microscope is its flexibility. No other type of microscope has the ability to swing from side to side, go up and down, and retract. If your office or laboratory only has a budget for one microscope, it is best to buy an articulating microscope with mobile stand because it can be pulled from one cubicle or workspace to another with ease.

Another advantage of an articulating microscope is that it requires minimal space. Since microscopes with articulating arms can be pulled out and retracted easily, you can make your workspace available for writing and other uses when the microscope is not in use. With an articulating microscope, you do not need separate table for the microscope and for taking down notes, laying down specimen, or small components.

Also, articulating microscopes are equipped with springs and counterweights that ensure stability while you look at specimen. The material and the coating used for articulating stands or arms are designed not only to keep the equipment well balanced and secured in place, but also to reduce the stress or the fatigue that microscope users experience during long hours of viewing samples.

Lastly, with articulating microscopes, a user can conveniently study the entire length of large specimen.  Different viewing angles of the sample being examined are also possible with this type of microscope. This means a user needs to obtain only a few samples to come up with conclusions.

Major Uses of Articulating Microscope

Education and research

The most common use of an articulating microscope is in medical and dental laboratories. Such a microscope is used for medical research, examination, and even repair and creation of medical and dental apparatus. Although the most common microscopes that can be found in science laboratories in schools are those with an upright stand, articulating microscopes are ideal for research laboratories in universities and colleges.

Repair and restoration

It is a common misconception that microscopes are only used in biology class or other medical related activities. However, microscopes, particularly articulating microscopes are actually ideal instruments or tools in art galleries and museums. This type of microscope is very helpful both in the restoration and repair of artifacts, works of arts, and other antique collections that can be found in such places.

Many people are surprised to learn that articulating microscopes can also be utilized by watchmakers and repairmen. With the increasing popularity of very small watches, people who make and repair watches need articulating microscopes to help them see what they are working on and at the same time have a free use of their hands to repair and put together the parts of the watch.

Other places where articulating microscopes can be used for restoration and repair activities are in computer factories, integrated circuit manufacturers, etc.

Investigation and documentation

It is also not surprising to see articulating microscopes in several government agencies, particularly those that need to check pieces of evidence or verify data or documentation.

Although articulating microscopes are very useful, it is not common to see them in small laboratories or industrial facilities particularly because they are more expensive than some types of microscopes. However, it is not surprising that after knowing what is an articulating microscope, companies and organizations that require such instruments will want to have at least one of them in their work stations.