Metallographic sample grinding polishing machine Qpol 300 BOT

for sample preparationfor metalographic laboratories

Introduction The Qpol 300 BOT from QATM is a compact, fully automatic metallographic grinder-polisher that integrates grinding, polishing, cleaning and drying into a single automated workflow. Intuitive touchscreen operation and up to two autonomous sample heads enable fast, repeatable preparation adapted to laboratory needs.

Advantages of automation

• Automated processes: Complete automation of grinding, polishing, cleaning and drying sequences.
• Flexible media selection: Configurable abrasive and polishing media for specific applications.
• High reproducibility: Programmable sequences and data transfer ensure consistent results across operators and sites.

Modular construction The unit is built into a robust aluminium housing and can be configured with 4 to 8 system workstations. Up to 11 operations can be programmed and sequenced for each application, including pre-grinding, grinding, polishing, cleaning and drying in any combination. The modular design reduces manual handling and provides a competitive price-to-performance ratio for laboratories with varying volumes.

Grinding and polishing stations Stations cover full metallographic workflows from planar grinding to final polishing. Discs are mounted via the Vacu-Jet vacuum system or a magnetic disc system. Each station is configurable for specific abrasives; water, diamond suspensions, lubricants and oxide dispersions are integrated and controlled by program.

Grinding and polishing head One or two automated heads pick up sample holders from the stack and move them sequentially to programmed stations. Dual heads enable simultaneous processing to increase throughput when preparing multiple holders.

Sample holder stack A racking system stores sample holders in a stack; configurations support different capacities (e.g. 6 or up to 12 holders depending on setup). Processed holders are returned to their original position with the polished surface facing upwards for easy retrieval.

Foil changer / consumables handling A storage elevator houses disposable grinding foils (SiC paper) and other consumables. A vacuum exchange arm places selected foils onto wheels and the Vacu-Jet secures them. Used foils are discarded automatically. A dosing drawer stores polishing suspensions and integrated dispensers provide controlled delivery of liquids for grinding and polishing.

Cleaning, drying and related stations The system includes a programmable multi-step cleaning station (water, air and optional ethanol) and a warm air dryer with programmable drying time. An ultrasonic cleaning station (400 W) is available as an option.

Touch screen control & data Central drag-and-drop graphical touchscreen controls allow simple program creation and real-time visualization of each step. Programs and parameters can be stored and recalled. LAN connection for remote diagnostics, updates and procedure exchange is standard, enabling reproducibility across sites.

Additional features

• Movable sideways control panel with touchscreen; individually programmable cycles.
• Polishing head rotation: clockwise / counter-clockwise.
• Two grinding and polishing stations with configurable wheel speeds.
• Fully automatic sample cleaning with water, ethanol and air.
• Warm air dryer with timer.
• Grinding station with foil changer for multiple consumables and automatic disposable disc exchange.
• Settling tank for process fluids.

Technical specifications

• Working wheels: max. Ø 300 mm
• Sample holder Ø: 160–204 mm
• Sample holder speed: 20–120 rpm
• Central pressure: 50–450 N
• Working wheel speed (grinding & polishing): 50–600 rpm
• Grinding stone: Ø 350 mm
• Cleaning station: air, water, ethanol (option)
• Ultrasonic cleaning power: 400 W (option)
• Connection power: 4.3–15.6 kVA (depending on configuration)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 2260–4020 mm (4–8 stations) x 1750 x 950 mm