STRUERS LABOFORCE-100 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

The STRUERS LABOFORCE-100 is designed for professional semi-automatic materialographic preparation (grinding or polishing) of materials for further materialographic inspection. It is intended to be used in combination with:

• LaboPol-30

• LaboPol-60

• LaboDoser-100

The device should not be used with other equipment than that stated in the “Intended use” section.

When operating the STRUERS LABOFORCE-100, be aware of the following residual risks and take these precautions:

1. To prevent specimens from detaching from the specimen holder, make sure that the specimen or specimens are clamped securely in the specimen holder.

2. Protective footwear is recommended when you handle heavy specimen holders.

1. The machine must be installed in compliance with local safety regulations. All functions on the machine and any connected equipment must be in working order.

2. This device must be mounted securely on the machine.

3. The operator must read the safety precautions and Instruction Manual, as well as relevant sections of the manuals for any connected equipment and accessories.

4. If you observe malfunctions or hear unusual noises, switch off the machine and call technical service.

5. Consumables: only use consumables specifically developed for use with this type of materialographic machine. For alcohol-based consumables, follow the current safety rules for handling, mixing, filling, emptying, and disposing of alcohol-based liquids.

6. In case of fire, alert bystanders and the fire brigade. Disconnect the electrical power supply. Use a powder fire extinguisher. Do not use water.

7. This machine must be operated and maintained only by skilled/trained personnel.

8. Always switch off the electrical power supply and remove the plug or power cable before dismantling the machine or installing additional components.

9. The machine must be disconnected from the electrical power supply before any service. Wait 5 minutes until residual potential on the capacitors is discharged.

10. Struers equipment must only be used in connection with and as described in the Instruction Manual supplied with the equipment.

11. The machine is designed to be used only with Struers consumables specifically designed for this purpose and this type of machine.

12. If the equipment is subjected to misuse, incorrect installation, alteration, neglect, accident or incorrect repair, Struers will accept no responsibility for damage to the user or the equipment.

13. Dismantling of any part of the equipment, during service or repair, should always be performed by a qualified technician (electromechanical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, etc.)

To prepare the unit for transport, storage, or shipping, follow these guidelines:

• Package the unit securely before transportation. Insufficient packaging could cause damage to the unit and will void the warranty. It is recommended to use the original packaging and fittings.

For long-term storage or shipping, pay specific attention to the following:

• Disconnect the unit from the electrical power supply.

• Remove the control panel or specimen mover.

• Place the machine and accessories in their original packaging.

Follow these steps to unpack the machine:

1. Cut the packing tape on the top of the box.

2. Remove the loose parts.

3. Remove the unit from the box.

It is recommended that you keep all original packaging and fittings for future use.

Follow this procedure to install the STRUERS LABOFORCE-100:

1. Install the specimen mover in the support hole of the machine.

2. Use the Allen key to tighten the two fastening screws. Do not tighten the screws completely at this stage.

Note: The device must be mounted securely on the machine. Do not use the Turn/push knob to move the LaboForce-100.

Electrical Connection:

The cable attached to LaboForce-100 provides a 24 V power supply and a data bus.

1. Switch off the machine.

2. Connect the cable to the LaboForce-100 connector on the back of the machine.

Note: The communication cable in the support hole is not used for LaboForce-100.

Compressed-Air Connection:

The main air valve is not part of the unit and must be installed and set before the specimen mover is installed. The air pressure must be between 6 bar (87 psi) and 9.9 bar (143 psi).

1. Fit the quick coupling on the compressed air hose and secure it with the hose clamp.

2. Connect the air inlet hose to the quick coupling.

3. Fit the other end of the air inlet hose into the compressed air inlet on the specimen mover.

Note: The specimen mover requires a continuous flow of compressed air through the regulator valve; a faint hissing sound does not mean there is an air leak.

1. Press the Lower/Raise button to make sure that the specimen mover head is fully raised.

2. Press the black button on the specimen mover head.

3. Insert the specimen holder and rotate it until the three pins are aligned with the holes in the specimen mover.

4. Push the specimen holder upwards until it locks into position.

5. Release the black button on the specimen mover head. Make sure that the specimen holder is securely fixed.

The maximum height of specimens in the specimen holder is 32 mm. If you use a specimen holder, you do not need to adjust the height.

1. Press the Lower/Raise button to make sure that the specimen mover head is fully raised.

2. Press the black button on the specimen mover head.

3. Insert the specimen mover plate and rotate it until the three pins are aligned with the holes in the specimen mover.

4. Push the specimen mover plate upwards until it locks into position.

5. Release the black button on the specimen mover head. Make sure that the specimen mover plate is securely fixed.

This adjustment only applies when specimen mover plates are used.

1. With a specimen mover plate mounted, place a preparation surface on the preparation disc.

2. Select the ‘thickest’ preparation surface to be used and place it on the preparation disc. This will typically be SiC Foil on an MD-Gekko disc, SiC Paper on an MD-Fuga disc, or an MD-Alto.

3. Place the supplied spacing disc on the preparation surface.

4. Support the LaboForce-100 head and loosen the screw in the adjustment ring.

5. Press the Lower/Raise button to lower the specimen mover head. An error message will appear as the specimen mover head is not in contact with the adjustment ring.

6. Move the adjustment ring up until the pin fits into the V-shaped groove on the cabinet of the control panel.

7. Tighten the adjustment ring to fix it in this position.

8. Press the Turn/push knob to clear the error message.

9. Press the Lower/Raise button to raise the specimen mover head.

With a specimen holder or specimen mover plate mounted:

1. Press the Lower/Raise button to lower the specimen mover head.

2. Loosen the 2 fastening screws holding the column of the control panel.

3. Replace the manual splash guard with a splash guard for semi-automatic preparation or splash guard for Wet grinding disc.

4. Move the specimen mover head to the right.

Positioning with an MD-disc:

Place the specimen mover plate in a position that allows the specimen to run 3 – 4 mm over the edge of the preparation disc.

Positioning with a Wet grinding disc:

Place the specimen mover plate in a position 2 – 3 mm from the metal ring. The column can only be turned slightly; do not force it.

Completing the adjustment:

1. Tighten the 2 fastening screws firmly. The specimen mover will now remain in position.

2. Cover the holes with the two caps. The Allen key and cover caps are included in the package.

Activate the Feature:

1. From the Main menu screen, select Flexible specimen holder methods.

2. If the menu item is not available, you must activate it in the software: In the Configuration menu, select Options. Set Flexible specimen holder to Yes.

Insert the Flexible Specimen Holder:

1. Press the Lower/Raise button to ensure the specimen mover head is fully raised.

2. Press the black button on the specimen mover head.

3. Insert the flexible specimen holder and rotate it until the three pins are aligned with the holes in the specimen mover.

4. Push the flexible specimen holder upwards until it locks into position.

5. Release the black button on the specimen mover head and ensure it is securely fixed.

1. Place the specimen or specimens on the preparation surface.

2. Press the Lower/Raise button to lower the flexible specimen holder.

3. Make sure that no specimens protrude from the flexible specimen holder. If they do, adjust the specimens by pressing the Lower/Raise button to raise the holder, adjusting the specimens, and then lowering it again.

4. Repeat until all specimens are placed correctly.

5. Start the preparation process. The process stops automatically when the set time has expired.

6. Clean the flexible specimen holder before the next preparation step.

Adjusting the Height:

1. Attach the distance piece as shown in the manual’s illustration. Make sure to remove the distance piece if you are going to work with mover plates or regular specimen holders again.

Adjusting the Horizontal Position:

1. Press the Lower/Raise button to lower the specimen mover head.

2. Loosen the 2 fastening screws holding the column of the control panel.

3. Place the flexible specimen holder in a position that does not allow the specimen to run more than 1 mm over the edge of the preparation disc.

General Cleaning:

• Do not use a dry cloth as the surfaces are not scratch resistant. Grease and oil can be removed with ethanol or isopropanol.

• Do not use acetone, benzol or similar solvents.

• If the machine is not to be used for a longer period, clean the machine and all accessories thoroughly.

Daily Cleaning:

• Clean all accessible surfaces with a soft, damp cloth.

Weekly Cleaning:

• Clean the control panel with a soft damp cloth and common household detergents.

The STRUERS LABOFORCE-100 has a function for cleaning the feet that apply force and the lock that secures the specimen mover plate.

Procedure:

1. Press the release outlet valve to drain the water/oil filter.

2. From the Main menu, select Maintenance > Cleaning of specimen mover head.

3. Press F1 to activate one of the functions shown. The available functions are:

• Lower feet: The pistons can be cleaned or lubricated.
• Raise feet: Moves the feet back into operating position.
• Holder up: Moves the specimen mover head up for cleaning.
• Holder down: Moves the specimen mover head back into operating position.

Note: Never force any of the movements. If components do not move as they should, contact Struers Service.

The specimen mover is fitted with a water/oil filter that should be emptied on a regular basis.

Procedure:

1. Locate the release outlet valve at the bottom of the LaboForce-100.

2. Hold a cloth under the release outlet valve and press the valve to empty the water/oil filter.

If the specimen holder plate vibrates, the cause could be an unbalanced plate or loose screws.

• If the plate is unbalanced, replace the specimen holder plate.

• If the screws are loose, tighten the specimen holder plate screws.

If the preparation disc runs unevenly or stops, it is likely due to the force being too high. Reduce the force to resolve the issue.

If the preparation disc stops, the frequency inverter has likely stopped the equipment. Switch the equipment off, wait for a few minutes, then restart. If the error remains, contact Struers Service.

If the column starts to turn, the column screws are loose. Tighten the screws immediately to fix this.

For Uneven specimens:

• If specimens are wider than the radius of the preparation disc, use smaller specimens.

• If specimens are passing over the center of the disc, reposition the horizontal position of the control panel.

For Continuous, irregular wear:

• If the coupling on the specimen holder is worn, replace the coupling.

Error Message: Fatal error #3. Machine failed during Power On Self Testing. Please reboot the machine. If the problem persists please contact Struers technical support. Reason: #__ Unknown error

Explanation: This indicates a failure of internal communication on start-up.

Action: Restart the machine. If the error remains, contact Struers Service. Make a note of the Reason number.

Error Message (#28): Error #28. Specimen holder cannot be moved down. Down proximity sensor has not detected bottom position.

Error Message (#34): Error #34. Specimen mover plate cannot be moved down. Down proximity sensor has not detected bottom position.

Action: Make sure that there are no obstacles preventing the movement of the specimen holder or mover plate. Check the pneumatic system. If the error remains, contact Struers Service.

Warning Message (#29): Warning #29. No air or air pressure too low!

Error Message (#30): Error #30. Pressure regulating error!

Explanation: The pressure of the compressed air supply is too low (for #29) or too high/low (for #30).

Action: Check the compressed air supply. For error #30, you may also need to restart the machine. If the error persists, contact Struers Service.

Error Message: Error #46. Disc motor RPM’s has not been reached.

Explanation: The disc motor will not rotate or cannot reach the set rpm. The polishing process is paused.

Action: Restart the process. If the error remains, contact Struers Service.

Error #48: Frequency inverter error! The disc motor is overloaded.

Action for #48: Wait for the disc motor to cool. Reduce the force and continue the preparation process.

Error #49: The disc motor is overheated!

Action for #49: Wait for the disc motor to cool. Reduce the force and continue the preparation process.

Error #50: Frequency inverter fault!

Explanation for #50: An error in the frequency inverter is detected.

Action for #50: Restart the machine. If the error remains, contact Struers Service. Please make a note of the Fault code.

Error #55: No communication to frequency inverter!

Action for #55: Restart the machine. If the error remains, contact Struers Service.

Error Message: Error #53. Specimen mover motor power supply out of range or missing!

Action: Restart the machine. If the error remains, contact Struers Service.

Warning Message: Warning #58. A bad electrical connection for the following output is detected:

Action: Restart the machine. Make a note of the output. If the error remains, contact Struers Service.

Warning Message: Warning #59. Specimen holder motor overload, please reduce the force.

Action: Reduce the force and/or increase the specimen rpms. Restart the process. If the error remains, contact Struers Service.

Information Message: Information #26. Specimen mover plate not lowered!

Explanation: This message appears if a method is started in single specimen mode (SS) and the mover plate is not lowered. The pneumatic head with the specimen mover plate is not down when the process is started.

Action: Lower the pneumatic head. Restart the process.