Metallography Specimen Preparation Laboratory
This laboratory contains equipment and facilities for sectioning, grinding,
polishing and etching specimens for metallographic examination. This laboratory is used by
graduate classes and for graduate and post-graduate research although it is used to
support of the undergraduate courses. Less elaborate specimen preparation equipment is
located in Teaching Laboratory 2 where graduate and undergraduate students alike may work.
Buehler Isomet 1000 Precision Low-Speed Saw
The Buehler Isomet 1000 is used in sectioning applications where the
introduction of structural damage or defects is a concern. It features a counter-balanced
sliding load weight system, 0-500g load range, digital micrometer and speed controls,
cutting speeds from 0 to 975 rpm and an automatic cut-off switch. It can use 3, 4, 5, 6,
and 7-inch diamond blades and cBN wafering blades. We have 1¾-inch (44 mm) flanges
for maximum depth of cut and 4-inch (102 mm) flanges for high-speed cutting on hand.
Our saw includes the following chucks:
We also have a table saw attachment which can be installed to aid in cutting things such as circuit boards.
Suggestion: While a blade and dressing sticks will be with the saw you may be better off purchasing your own blade, one which is best suited for the cutting you plan to do. Having your own blade may also be wiser than sharing one blade with everybody else. Also, if the diameter of your blade is significantly different than the one provided then you should also purchase the appropriate flanges.
Buehler Isomet 2000 Precision High-Speed Saw
The Isomet 2000 is a fully automatic high-speed precision saw. It is an
excellent tool for sectioning alloys, ceramics, composites, electronic components, rocks,
bone and coated materials. This saw features a cutting capacity of 2 inches, cutting
speeds from 200 to 5000 rpm, a motorized digital micrometer for positioning the specimen
(0.1 mm accuracy, 25.4 mm range), automatic engagement of the specimen and the blade
followed by automatic application of the load (100 to 1000 grams), overload protection and
automatic retraction of the specimen after the cut is made. It can use 4, 5, 6 and 7-inch
diamond blades and 7-inch abrasive cut-off wheels (1¾-inch (44 mm) flanges for maximum
depth of cut and 4-inch (102 mm) flanges for high-speed cutting are on hand) and many of
the same specimen chucks as does the Isomet 1000 low speed saw.
Suggestion: While a blade and dressing sticks will be with the saw you may be better off purchasing your own blade, one which is best suited for the cutting you plan to do. Having your own blade may also be wiser than sharing one blade with everybody else. Also, if the diameter of your blade is significantly different than the one provided then you should also purchase the appropriate flanges.
Buehler Isomet Plus Precision High-Speed Saw
The Isomet Plus is a is very similar to the Isomet 2000 precision saw described
above. It specifications and performance are comparable, but it is not a fully
automated.
Buehler Ecomet 3 Variable Speed Grinder/Polisher with
Automet 2 Power Head
The Ecomet 3 is a general purpose variable speed grinder/polisher which is
capable of manual or programmable operation. It features an 8-inch wheel, speeds from 50
to 500 rpm independent of load, and a 1 horsepower DC motor. The Automet 2 power head can
be used to reduce operator intervention and operator error while also substantially
increasing productivity. It has digital controls for setting polishing time and pressure
with the actual force displayed on a digital readout. One loading fixture can accommodate
up to six 1¼-inch specimens and the other can accommodate three 1¼-inch specimens. A
total of four aluminum wheels are on hand but users must provide their own consumable
supplies.
Buehler Electromet 4 Polisher/Etcher
The Electromet 4 is an easy-to-use electro-polisher/etcher, consisting of a
power supply, an etching cell, a polishing cell and a set of masks. It has digital
controls and readouts for etching/polishing time, voltage, current, temperature and pump
speed with parameter memory for quickly resetting operating conditions. It also monitors
electrolyte temperature and current to prevent operational hazards. Copper and stainless
steel cathodes are on hand. Electrolytes must be provided by the user who is also
responsible for proper use of, labeling, storage and disposal of all chemicals involved in
the etching/polishing procedure.
Buehler Vibromet 2 Vibratory Polisher
This polisher vibrates a 12-inch diameter platen at a frequency of 7200 Hz with
virtually no vertical motion. Its most appealing feature is the ability to polish up to 18
standard samples simultaneously or several large samples with little or no operator
intervention. Vibratory polishing is an excellent technique for polishing soft materials
without excessive deformation and scratches and for coated materials and metals exhibiting
corrosion products without edge rounding. Holders and weights for six 1¼-inch specimens
are on hand. Users must supply their own consumable supplies.
Buehler Minimet 1000 Polisher/Grinder
The Minimet 1000 is perfect for single-specimen polishing and lapping
operations. It features digital controls which allows one to accurately reset the
polishing parameters (load, speed and duration). It requires a minimum of operator
intervention and it is very economical to use. In addition, attack-polishing is
easily done and clean-up is minimal.
Supplies: You'll have to purchase your own bowls, platens and consumable supplies. The cost of bowls and platens is around $75, but the investment will be worth it. You'll be able to take then with you when you are finished and even when you are not finished. You won't have to remove and throw away your consumable supplies. The whole setup becomes a nice little polishing/grinding kit that is perfect for you application.
Other Equipment and Facilities
Other equipment and facilities in this laboratory includes a fume hood, a place
for the temporary storage of etchants and electrolytes, an electronic balance, a small
metallurgical microscope, and an ultrasonic cleaner. In addition there is a small stock of
basic laboratory glassware, tools and personal protective equipment.
Division of Materials Science
If you have any questions or comments regarding this web site please contact the webmaster.
Updated on June 25, 2001
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA 95616
USA
Phone: 530/752-0400
Web: www.chms.ucdavis.edu