Abstract
In order to observe ink penetration over a wide area, a Surface and Interface Cutting Analysis System (SAICAS) and a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) were used to make slope sections of intaglio prints. Next, the slope sections of the prints were analyzed with an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). In the case of SAICAS, slope sections of the prints could be made with the cutting blade driving both horizontally and vertically. In the case of FIB, slope sections were made with a Gallium ion beam irradiating the cross section of the prints rotated at an angle of only 7 degrees. It was possible with SAICAS to make slope sections several mm in length. A flat slope section was able to be obtained with FIB, but the length of the slope section was limited to 260m. In addition, it took 20 hours to make the slope section with FIB. Because the area of the slope section obtained with SAICAS or FIB is much larger than that of a cross section, ink penetration over a wider area could be estimated at one time.
