Designed and developed by QATM, the compact Qpol 300BOT completely automates the grinding and polishing aspects of the specimen preparation process, including cleaning and drying.
Simple touch-screen controls access all parameters and procedures. The Qpol 300BOT ensures that each specimen is properly processed and guarantees reproducible results and, in addition more space for sample analysis.
Within the sturdy aluminium housing, it is possible to install 4 to 8 system work stations. Up to 11 different operations can be programmed and sequenced for a particular application. Options include pre-grinding, grinding and polishing as well as cleaning and drying in any combination.The Qpol 300BOT automatically proceeds from one step to the next, eliminating the manual, time-consuming task of cleaning each sample holder between steps. With its modular construction the Qpol 300BOT has a price-to-performance ratio that makes it a cost effective system even for lower volume labs.
The Qpol 300 BOT is constructed with stations for complete materialographic operations from planar grinding through intermediate steps and final polishing. All stations are integrated into the system. The grinding and polishing discs are fixed onto the working wheels by using a vacuum (Vacu-Jet System) or magnetic disc system. Each station can be configured for specific abrasive requirements. Water, diamond suspensions, diamond lubricant and oxide dispensing are fully integrated and controlled via programming. Grinding and polishing stations can also include fully automatic protective covers to maintain a clean work environment.
The grinding and polishing head picks up a sample holder from the stack and travels to individual work stations to perform each cycle in the proper sequence. Upon completion, the head returns the holder to the stack. The use of two heads allows simultaneous grinding and polishing and optimizes the Qpol 300 BOT when preparing multiple specimen holders.
The sample holder racking system holds up to 12 sample holders. After starting the machine, the holders are taken out automatically for processing. After processing, the completed sample holders are returned to their original position with the polished surface facing upwards.
In the storage elevator, there are four compartments for disposable grinding discs, such as SiC paper. The vacuum exchange arm grips the pre-selected SiC paper and places it onto the wheel. The Vacu-Jet system then operates immediately, securing the disc to the plate automatically. When finished, the used grinding paper is discarded.
After final cleaning, a programmable warm air blower dries the samples with the polished side upwards. Then the dry samples are stored in the sample stack. The drying time is programmable.
The cleaning station enables a fully automatic cleaning of the sample. The multi-step cleaning is carried out with water, air and alcohol. Cleaning times and steps are completely adjustable as needed.
The high speed grinding station planes the surface of the sample very quickly using an abrasive stone. The fully enclosed stone has an integrated recirculation coolant system in the cabinet. SiC and Al2O3 grinding stones are kept flat by an automatic diamond dressing device with adjustable dressing depths and intervals.
The wearing surface of our standard grinding stone with glued carrier plate is 30 mm.
For diamond grinding disc applications, a cup-wheel with sample holder adaption is available for dressing the diamond surface in freely configurable intervals.
Simple operation with drag-and-drop graphical touch-screen controls at the central panel that can slide to any work station. For each step, the screen shows a graphical representation of the working position. It is possible to follow the processing sequence in real time. The process sequence can be stored and then recalled as a complete program. A large number of programs can be stored and then recalled as needed. As standard equipment, there is a LAN connection for remote maintenance and monitoring by your facility or by QATM. This enables the recognition and removal of faults/errors or downloading of updates and procedures.
The QATM central lab is always looking for solutions for your problems. We can develop an optimum procedure for a particular sample and send it to you via data transfer. Acquired data can also be exchanged via an internal network. This enables reproducibility and comparison of procedures and parameters anywhere, anytime.
With the Qpol 300 bot, all preparation steps up to the analysis can be performed. It is individually configured so that maximum sample throughput can be achieved with minimum space requirements. To achieve this, we analyse and optimise all preparation steps for the specific application in advance and then configure the system to suit the specific application.
| Working wheels | max. ø 300 mm |
| Sample holder-Ø | 160 - 204 mm |
| Speed sample holder | 20 - 120 rpm |
| Central pressure | 50 - 450 N |
| Speed working wheel (grinding and polishing station) | 50 - 600 rpm |
| Grinding stone | ø 350 mm |
| Cleaning station | air, water, ethanol (option) |
| Power ultrasonic cleaning station | 400 W |
| Connection power | 4,3 - 15,6 kVA (depending on configuration) |
| W x H x D | 2260 - 4020 mm (4 - 8 Stations) x 1750 x 950 mm |
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