Do you need repeatable rock-core scans, 3D models, or both?

Core diameter, boxes, slabs, plugs, and interval length determine the CoreScan rail, sample supports, and movement. Controlled multi-angle photography and Metashape can add 3D models for selected samples. Thin sections use a separate petrographic configuration; selected specimen details can use Macropod or Micro Kit equipment.

Which illumination reveals the features the team needs to review?

Reflected visible light, ultraviolet, and fluorescence use different illumination configurations. Transmitted and polarized thin-section work is handled by Macropod Petrographic, while the other systems can document slides where their illumination and scale are appropriate.

How should the team balance scan speed with the detail it needs to see?

Start with efficient X–Y mosaics at contextual magnification to document full core boxes, lithology, structures, and color relationships. Then use 1–5× or Micro Kit imaging only at selected localities where grain size, fractures, veining, alteration, pore networks, or fine mineral texture need closer review. This avoids unnecessarily slow high-magnification capture across the entire core.

Oil, gas, petroleum geology, and core laboratories

Connect core-box context to the details that explain it.

Build consistent visual records for core, slabs, plugs, hand samples, and thin sections so geologists, petrophysicists, and project teams can review the same material across locations. Core geometry, required detail, lighting, throughput, and archive needs define the system.

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Geoscientists using drill-core and petrographic imaging equipment during Macroscopic Solutions training at Aramco Services

Choose your next step

Start with what you need to see—not the equipment.

Answer the practical questions that apply to your work. Then choose an imaging system, an imaging-service project, or a complete workflow that fits.

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Do you need repeatable rock-core scans, 3D models, or both?: Core diameter, boxes, slabs, plugs, and interval length determine the CoreScan rail, sample supports, and movement. Controlled multi-angle photography and Metashape can add 3D models for selected samples. Thin sections use a separate petrographic configuration; selected specimen details can use Macropod or Micro Kit equipment.
Which illumination reveals the features the team needs to review?: Reflected visible light, ultraviolet, and fluorescence use different illumination configurations. Transmitted and polarized thin-section work is handled by Macropod Petrographic, while the other systems can document slides where their illumination and scale are appropriate.
How should the team balance scan speed with the detail it needs to see?: Start with efficient X–Y mosaics at contextual magnification to document full core boxes, lithology, structures, and color relationships. Then use 1–5× or Micro Kit imaging only at selected localities where grain size, fractures, veining, alteration, pore networks, or fine mineral texture need closer review. This avoids unnecessarily slow high-magnification capture across the entire core.

Why Macroscopic Solutions

A scientific imaging workflow—not just a camera or microscope.

Since 2013, Macroscopic Solutions has helped research, public-sector, and technical teams turn difficult samples into useful visual records. We connect the system, optics, lighting, software, training, and service work around the result you need.

See the whole picture and the fine detail.Move from context to the features that matter without losing the relationship between them.
Make the useful view repeatable.Match the sample, scale, lighting, motion, and output to a documented imaging workflow.
Get practical help before and after purchase.Use application guidance, training, software support, and imaging services when equipment is not the immediate answer.

Explore the imaging detail

Pan and zoom through a real Macroscopic Solutions record.

Zoom into a Macropod MacroCore drill-core record.

Pan across a focus-stacked and scanned drill-core example to see the continuous record that helps teams compare interval-scale context with fine surface detail.

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Zoom into oil-rich sands and silts from a core sample.

Explore a Macroscopic Solutions core record to see how broad geological context and selected fine detail can be reviewed in the same navigable image.

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Choose an equipment path

Recommended systems for this work.

CoreScan PRO automated drill-core imaging system

Whole core and slab records

CoreScan PRO 2-axis or 3-axis

Use 2-axis for standard coverage or 3-axis for added flexibility.

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Thin-section context

Macropod Petrographic

For slides linked to core and hand-sample records.

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Macropod PRO 3D with Micro Kit imaging system

Selected features

Macropod PRO 3D and Micro Kit

For supporting detail beyond the long-core scanner.

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Mitutoyo granite table, stand, and optical inspection station

Stable lab station

Mitutoyo granite tables and stands

For precision support; evaluate vibration control separately.

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Prefer finished imagery to an equipment purchase?

Use Macroscopic Solutions for priority core and publication work.

Send priority core, slabs, or sections for pilot programs, selected intervals, publication figures, or training datasets. Receive finished assets while defining an internal scanner and petrographic setup.

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Drill-core imaging Thin-section imaging Scientific 3D model production

Evidence in practice

See core-imaging systems operating in university and industry research.

Drill-core imaging system scanning a core box at China University of Petroleum in Qingdao

University petroleum research

China University of Petroleum, Qingdao

Dr. Keyu Liu’s laboratory installed drill-core, petrographic, and Macropod systems for upstream research and teaching.

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Aramco Services drill-core and petrographic imaging training

Industry geoscience

Aramco Services core and petrographic training

The installation joined visible, UV, fluorescence, thin-section, macro, and micro capture.

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Research, purchasing, and implementation

Resources for your decision.

Published research

Review scientific papers and technical work that cite Macropod or Macroscopic Solutions imaging workflows.

Read published research Installations and collaborations

See documented museum, university, geoscience, environmental, and research examples.

See installations Vendor setup and institutional purchasing

Start university or company vendor onboarding, request purchasing documents, and coordinate quotations, freight, and receiving.

Start vendor setup Government procurement

Review the government-contracting page for acquisition details, capability information, and quote support.

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