Surface grinding machine Qgrind XL

flatfor hard metalfor small workpieces

Introduction
The Qgrind XL planar grinding machine is designed for automated planar preparation of metallographic specimens, enabling high material removal rates with repeatable precision thanks to electronic force measurement and motorized force control. ForceControl and SmartGrind functions standardize process parameters and support both roughing and finishing workflows. Integrated options include an automatic diamond dresser and an optional cleaning station, while the graphical control software provides an intuitive operator interface.

Product advantages

• High throughput planar grinding with grinding stone up to 356 mm
• Defined and reproducible material removal via ForceControl and integrated load cells
• Automatic diamond dresser and optional cleaning station for process continuity
• Intuitive 7" touchscreen interface and user account management

Advanced technology and measurement system
The grinding head and diamond dresser are equipped with ForceControl and integrated load cells that enable defined grinding forces up to 750 N at the sample holder. Motorized force regulation and automatic removal measurement increase process reliability and traceability.

Fully automatic diamond dresser
In SmartGrind automatic mode, the system continuously evaluates the grinding condition and triggers dressing cycles as required. Manual or interval-based dressing is also available. Remaining stone height, diamond wear and process status are displayed graphically.

Grinding modes

• Roughing: increases removal rate up to 20% versus conventional processes to reduce cycle time
• Finishing: improves surface quality up to 15% for flat, high-quality specimens

Removal measurement
The integrated removal measurement system provides precise monitoring of removed material (display accuracy ±0.1 mm at 1 mm removal) across sample types and hardness levels.

Grinding stones and diamond grinding wheels
Available consumables include aluminum oxide and silicon carbide stones, and resin-bonded diamond wheels for ceramics and hard metals. QATM grinding media are approved for speeds up to 2000 rpm.

Cleaning station (optional)
The cleaning station performs automated cleaning cycles with water, ethanol and air and spin-drying up to 800 rpm to finalize preparation steps.

Accessories
QATM supplies a range of sample holders for diameters Ø 160–204 mm and special holders for non-standard sample sizes.

Qgrind XL control software
The control software displays process parameters clearly and supports touchscreen operation, remote maintenance via USB/Ethernet and graphical process monitoring with SmartGrind.

Features (software & UI)

• 7" touchscreen
• Status display and acoustic signal
• Removal measurement with graphical display
• Automatic referencing and wear indicator for grinding stone and dressing diamond
• User account management with configurable rights
• USB / Ethernet for remote maintenance and data transfer

Performance and safety
A 4 kW motor drives the grinding stone up to 2000 rpm. Sample holder speed is variable (30 - 160 rpm) with central pressing force 50 - 750 N. Motorized acrylic safety hood with a safety switch opens automatically at program end and can be removed for cleaning.

Technical specifications

• Application: Automated planar grinding of metallographic specimens
• Fields of application: Preparation of specimen surfaces for metallographic analysis
• Grinding stone Ø max.: 356 mm
• Speed of grinding stone: variable (1000 - 2000 rpm)
• Sample holder: Ø 160 - 204 mm
• Speed of sample holder: variable (30 - 160 rpm)
• Running direction of sample holder: clockwise / counterclockwise
• Pressing system: central pressing force, electromotive force control
• Sample holder pressing force (central): 50 - 750 N
• Removal measurement: ±0.1 mm display accuracy at 1 mm removal
• Removal range: 0.1 mm - 10 mm
• Drive power grinding stone: 4 kW (S1 operation)
• Drive power sample holder: 0.75 kW (S1 operation)
• Connection power: 9 kVA
• Power connection: 400 V / 50 Hz (3Ph / PE), 480 V / 60 Hz (3Ph / PE), 220 V / 60 Hz (3Ph / PE)
• Weight (depending on configuration): ~ 433 kg