Sample Preparation
The following equipment is available to users of the Carleton Laboratory. To use any of these machines, you must apply for Research Access.
The TechPress 3 is used to encapsulate samples for further preparation. It has a variety of adjustable programs that contain multiple parameters to tailor to specific needs, including: mold size, single mount or duplexing, resin type, temperature, curing time, cooling time, and pressure. Up to 2 mounts can be produced at a time using the duplex spacer.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Manufacturer: Allied High Tech Products, Inc., USA
- Model: TechPress 3 Mounting Press
- Dimensions: 11.5" W x 22" D x 19" H (292 x 559 x 483 mm)
- Weight: 85 lb. (16 kg)
- Prepare 2 mounts with the duplex spacer
- Molding Pressure: up to 4500 psi (310 Bar)
- Curing Temperature: 0-200 °C (32-392 °F)
- Curing Time: 0-100 minutes
- Cooling Time: 0-100 minutes
The MetPrep 3 Grinder/Polisher with Power Head and the AD-5 Fluid Dispenser combine to provide highly customizable semi-autonomous programs that ensure that sample polishing and grinding is done in a controlled, accurate manner. The power head on the MetPrep 3 is able to apply force centrally or to each individual mold, up to 4 molds at a time. The tilt-up design allows for easy access to the sample holder and the magnetic platten, eliminating the need to reposition the head during sample preparation. The AD-5 interfaces with the MetPrep 3 to provide automatic dispensing of the polishing suspensions and lubricants. It has 5 dispensing positions, two of which have a flush cycle to help prevent any clogging when using colloidal suspensions. It also has mist-free drip delivery to the polishing surface.
METPREP 3 SPECIFICATIONS
- Manufacturer: Allied High Tech Products, Inc., USA
- Model: MetPrep 3 Grinder/Polisher with Power Head
- 25 programmable gridning/polishing steps with multiple parameters
- Cycle Time: 0-120 minutes (15 second increments)
- Platten Rotation Speed: 40-600 RPM (10 RPM increments)
- Adjustable, pivoting coolant nozzle
- Power Head Rotation Speed: 0-150 RPM (10 RPM increments)
AD-5 SPECIFICATIONS
- Manufacturer: Allied High Tech Products, Inc., USA
- Model: AD-5 Fluid Dispenser
- 5 dispensing positions with 16 oz (500 mL) capacity
- Pulse Frequency: 1-10 times per minute
- Pulse Duration: 0.5-6.0 seconds (0.5 second increments)
- Pre-start charging of new/dry polishing cloths
- Rinse/flush function for 2 dispensing positions allows for use of colloidal suspensions
- Peristaltic pumps provide mist-free drip dispensing of fluids
The TechCut 4 is a precision low speed saw that is ideal for cutting small, delicate samples that do not like the increased heat that is caused by high speed cutting. A counterweight system in the sample holder helps to balance or apply a downward force during the cutting process. Cutting fluid is used by the TechCut to help cool the samples. It can cut samples up to 2 inches thick.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Manufacturer: Allied High Tech Products, Inc., USA
- Model: TechCut 4 precision Low Speed Saw
- Dimensions: 13" W x 15" D x 13" H (330 x 381 x 330 mm)
- Weight: 36 lb. (16 kg)
- Cutting RPM: 10-500 RPM (in 10 RPM increments)
- Cutting Capacity: 2 in (51 mm) thickness
- Variable sample loading: 0-300 grams
- Micrometer sample indexing: 0.002 mm resolution, 0-25 mm range