Allied MultiPrep System 15-2000-GI User manual

M
Mu ul lt ti iP Pr re ep p™ ™ S Sy ys st te em m
115 V AC & 230 V AC & CE
Operation Manual
2376 E. Pacifica Place, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220 * 310-635-2466
www.alliedhightech.com
03/13, Version 7.6

2
Table of Contents
Safety Precaution Sheet 3
MultiPrep™ System Technical Data 4
Warranty/Service 5-6
Installation 7-8
Electrical 7
Plumbing 8
MultiPrep™ Base Operation 9-12
Faceplate Diagram 9
Electronics Calibration 9
Platens, Splash Ring 10
Button Functions 10-11
Theory of Operation, MultiPrep™ System 11
MultiPrep™ Head Installation 12
MultiPrep™ Head Operation 13-18
Vertical Movement & Positioning 13
Fixture Attachment 14
Rotation 15
Oscillation 16
Angular Adjustments 17
Sample Load 18
MultiPrep™ System Alignment 18-23
Theory 18
Step 1: Verification of Platen Run-Out 19-20
Step 2: Perpendicular Alignment of Spindle to Platen 21-22
Step 3: Alignment of Micro-Hub Assembly to Platen 22-23
Explanation of Digital Indicators 24-25
Specific Material Removal 25-26
Fixture Descriptions 27-29
Options/Accessories 30
Maintenance 31-32
Troubleshooting 33-34
Wiring Diagrams 35-38
CE Certificates (230 V AC MultiPrep™ Systems Only) 39-41

3
Safety Precaution Sheet
Warning!
Please read carefully before operating the machine:
1. The operator(s) must be properly trained in all operation aspects of this machine
according to this manual.
2. The machine must be placed on a safe, suitable surface to allow for operation without
hindrance to the controls.
3. Only consumables suited and compatible with the operation of a grinder/polisher should
be used.
4. Any local machinery and occupational safety standards must be strictly observed.
5. The operator must ensure pieces being ground/polished are held securely.
6. The operator should not wear loose clothing, ties, jewelry or other items that may get
entangled in the machine during operation.
Safety Labels
Electrical
This label is located on the rear of the machine and indicates where the power
cord is connected. Remove the power cord when changing fuses or when
performing any service.
Hand Entanglement
It is possible to entangle your hands or fingers in the moving parts of this
machine. Please use caution and turn off all power when reaching into the
machine or when changing platens.
Protective Eyewear Recommended
It is recommended that protective eyewear be worn while operating the machine.

4
MultiPrep™ System Technical Data
Model: MultiPrep™ System
Item Number: #15-2000-GI, #15-2000-GI-230
Description: Precision Polishing System
Serial Numbers: ______________________MultiPrep™ head
______________________MultiPrep™ base
Voltage: 115 V AC_________ 230 V AC_________ (check one)
Frequency: Factory calibrated to 60 Hz (operates at 50 Hz or 60 Hz)
Motor: ¼ HP (190 W) single phase DC (MultiPrep™ base)
15 V DC (MultiPrep™ head)
Fuse: 6 A, 5 x 20 mm, 250 V
Date of Manufacture: __________________mm/dd/yyyy
Dimensions: 15" (381 mm) W x 26" (660 mm) D x 20" (508 mm) H
System Weight: 125 lb. (57 kg)
Software Version: ______________________
Operational Environmental Conditions:
Recommended for indoor use only
Temperature Range: 50° F (10° C) – 100° F (40° C)
Humidity Range: None established. If operated in humid climates, steel
components such as bearing and spindle components can fail prematurely.
Altitude: None established
Pollution: Degree 2
Mains Supply Voltage: Not to exceed ±10% of the nominal voltage
Transient overvoltages according to overvoltage category II
Frequency Note:
The MultiPrep™ System is designed to operate at either 50 Hz or 60 Hz frequency; however,
the unit is electronically calibrated to 60 Hz prior to shipping. If the unit is to be used with a
supply voltage frequency of 50 Hz, it will be necessary to recalibrate the system to achieve an
accurate timer count and RPM readings (page 9).
MultiPrep™ Head:
Vertical Travel of the Arm: 2" (50.8 mm)
Vertical Travel of the Spindle: ½" (12.7 mm)
Incremental Detectable Movement of Spindle: 1 µm (39.37 µin.)
Voltage of Oscillation/Rotation Motors: 15 V DC
Weight of Vertical Spindle (without fixtures): 500 g (1.10 lb.)
Sample Rotation: 8 speed settings
Sample Oscillation: 6 speed settings

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Warranty
Thank you for choosing Allied High Tech!
This product is warranted by Allied High Tech Products, Inc., to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for two (2) years from the date of original purchase. This
warranty does not cover damage from abuse, neglect, accidental breakage, improper use,
or failure to exercise reasonable care and maintenance in accordance with the instructions
accompanying this product.
To obtain warranty support or spare parts, please contact your Product Application
Specialist, or Allied Technical Services at [phone], Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM
to 5:00 PM, Pacific Time. Please be prepared to supply the serial number for the product
about which you are calling; this will help our staff confirm warranty eligibility and provide
you with thorough, timely assistance.
At your discretion, after consultation with your Allied Product Application Specialist or an
Allied Technical Services representative, we will be happy to send you replacement parts,
at no charge, or you may send the product to Allied for warranty repair. All Allied
products are designed for ease of parts replacement, so customer repairs, with no-charge
parts from Allied, are often the quickest and easiest way to return a product to active
service.
If you wish to return a product to Allied for warranty repair, you must first obtain a Return
Equipment Authorization number (REA). An REA may be obtained from your Product
Application Specialist, or from a member of our Technical Services staff. Please ensure
that your REA number is referenced prominently on your shipping paperwork, as outlined
below. Pre-pay shipping to Allied and provide an address and phone number for return
shipping, which is paid for by Allied during the warranty period.
Please return your product to:
Allied High Tech Products, Inc.
REA#: ___________________
2376 East Pacifica Place
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220 USA
P: [phone]
Please Note:Damage to products during transit to/from Allied, or resulting from
improper inbound packaging, will not be the responsibility of Allied. Therefore, please
ensure that your product is securely boxed or packaged. It is further recommended that
you insure your shipment for the full value of the product. Should damage occur during
inbound shipment, we will be happy to provide you with a formal quotation estimating the
cost of materials and labor necessary to repair such damage. A purchase order will be
required to make these repairs.

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Repairs for Products No Longer Under Warranty
Allied will be happy to make repairs to products no longer under warranty. For these
products we will be pleased to provide you with an estimate of the costs (materials and
labor) necessary to make requested repairs. For non-warranty repairs, the customer is
responsible for inbound (to Allied) and outbound (from Allied to customer) shipping and
handling costs. Non-warranty repairs are made with the same attention to detail and
commitment to quality workmanship that is provided to “in” warranty customers.
Thank you for choosing Allied, and please let us know if you have comments or questions
about these warranty provisions.
What is NOT Covered Under Warranty
•Flooding, as a result of failure to clean the drain or drain screen, that damages any
internal electrical or mechanical components of the machine will not be covered
under warranty.
•Failure to regulate and control the water pressure may cause failure of the water
solenoids or overflowing the limits of the drain in the machine (page 8). Damage
caused as a result will not be covered under warranty.
•Corrosion and oxidization as a result of negligent cleaning practices, which affect
the performance of the MultiPrep™ System and components, will not be covered
under warranty. This includes, but is not limited to, the micrometer heads, the
run-out of the platen base and/or platen, and the MultiPrep™ head vertical spindle.
•Damage from abuse, neglect, negligence, accidental breakage, improper use, or
failure to exercise reasonable care and maintenance in accordance with the
instructions accompanying this product will not be covered under warranty.

7
Installation
The unit should be placed on a clean, dry surface with the control panel facing the front of the
counter/table on which it will be placed.
Electrical
Before installing the plumbing, all electrical functions should be tested. See page 9 for a diagram
of the control panel and pages 10-11 for illustrations of the buttons and their respective functions.
Plug the power cord into the back of the machine (Figure 1), then into the wall socket (the
provided power cord is exclusively for use with the MultiPrep™ System). Turn the main power
switch on at the rear of the machine, above where the power cord is connected. Activate the
control panel by pressing the on/off button on the lower right of the panel. The LED in the
button’s upper left corner will illuminate, as will the LEDs in the timer and RPM display windows.
Using the keypad, enter an RPM value in the range between 5 and 350 (in 5 RPM increments) and
press ENTER, followed by the green RUN button. The platen will rotate in the direction selected.
The direction of the platen is selected using the buttons labeled with clockwise and
counterclockwise circular arrows. An illuminated LED on either button indicates which is activated.
Press the red STOP button and select rotation in the opposite direction. The LED of that button
will illuminate and an audible click will indicate that the relay has switched the motor direction.
Press the RUN button to ensure the platen rotates in the newly selected direction.
Press the COOLANT button and be sure the click of the solenoid is audible. This indicates that the
solenoid is activating properly.
Press the STOP button to turn the activated functions off.
Figure 1: Rear Panel

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Plumbing
Flow Rate: ½ gallons per minute (1.9 L/minute)
Minimum Inlet Water Pressure: 25 psi (1.76 kgf/cm²)
Maximum Inlet Water Pressure: 50 psi (3.52 kgf/cm²)
Drainage: 1 gal/minute (3.8 L/minute) (recommended @ 30 psi)
Inlet Tubing: ¼" OD (6.35 mm)
Drainage Tubing: 1¼" ID (32 mm)
Water Inlet
Install the supplied inlet water filter between the water source and the MultiPrep™ base.
The inlet fitting on the rear panel of the MultiPrep™ base (Figure 1) only requires the tube to be
inserted until it stops. No tools are required for this installation.
To remove the tubing, press the outer collar of the fitting in and pull the tubing out.
Note:Turn the water off at the source before removing the water tubing.
Drain
With the hose clamp on the drainage hose, position the hose onto the coupling at the rear service
panel (Figure 1). Tighten the hose clamp so the hose does not slip from the coupling. Use the 90
degree elbow fitting to direct the drain hose if the tubing does not bend sharply enough for proper
installation.
Activate the coolant solenoid by pressing the coolant button (water flow may need to be regulated
or adjusted using the valve).
Note: Do not use the valve at the water spout to completely shut off the water flow. It is rated
for 30 psi and is only intended to restrict the water flow during polishing.

9
MultiPrep™ Base Operation
Faceplate Diagram
Electronics Calibration
The MultiPrep™ System can operate at either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, and it is calibrated to 60 Hz prior to
shipping. If the unit is operated at 60 Hz frequency, no calibration is necessary. Machines
operating at 50 Hz require calibration following installation. Failure to recalibrate the unit
to 50 Hz will result in misrepresentation of the RPM and timer values.
To calibrate the electronics, turn the control panel on, then press 1, 0, 0, followed by ENTER.
Activate the platen by pressing the RUN button. After approximately 30 seconds, press 3, 5, 0,
then ENTER, and allow it to run for another 10 seconds. With the machine running at 350 RPM,
press and hold the ENTER button until two quick beeps followed by four additional beeps are
heard, then release the button. This will begin calibration by storing the accurate speeds into
memory.
The time of the calibration process will vary, but it will usually be complete after about 25 to 30
minutes. When the calibration cycle is complete, the control panel will power itself off. Turn the
main power off at the AC receptacle for at least five (5) seconds, and then back on for normal
operation. During the electronics calibration procedure, only the main power switch can stop the
machine.
Please contact Allied if there are any questions or concerns regarding this process.
Control Panel
On/Off
Coolant
Start/Run
Stop Keypad

10
Platens
The 8" aluminum platen included with the machine is precision lapped and hard anodized. The
lapping ensures flatness, and the anodizing hardens the aluminum, making it durable and resistant
to scratches and dings. On the underside a center hole is used to help locate the platen on center
with the platen base. The four smaller holes around the center hole are where the nylon drive-
pins engage the platen.
On the platen base, there is a stamped
letter “A” (Figure 2). This is used as a
reference, when placing platens on the
machine, to minimize run-out (page 19).
The platen included with the system has
an “A” stamped on the underside that
indicates where it should be aligned to
the platen base. Additional platens, not
originally purchased with the machine,
will not have this “A”, but they can still be
matched for minimal run-out (page 19).
Note: This is a precision polishing
machine; care must be taken to ensure its
performance. DO NOT DROP the
platen onto the platen base.
Repeated abuse will affect the
precision of the system. Keep the surfaces between the platen and the platen base clean and
dry, so the platen run-out remains within specifications. Excessive water and polishing suspension
buildup will adversely affect the run-out.
Splash Ring
Each machine comes with one (1) splash ring that is designed to collect and direct the water and
polishing liquids into the drain bowl. To maintain cleanliness, avoid contamination, and ensure
safety, it is strongly recommended the splash rings be used during operation. The splash ring
should also be cleaned as needed to prevent buildup of dirt and debris.
Control Panel, On/Off
This button activates and deactivates the control panel.
Platen Controls
The platen controls include buttons for: RPM, START/RUN, STOP/PAUSE, and clockwise and
counterclockwise platen rotation directions, which are illustrated above, respectively. Arrows mark
each platen direction button; an LED, when illuminated, indicates which direction is selected. If
during operation the button for the opposite direction is pressed, all functions are paused. The
new direction becomes active, but the machine will remain stopped until the platen is reactivated
by pressing the START/RUN button. The STOP/PAUSE button stops the platen, coolant, and any
activated MultiPrep™ head controls.
Figure 2

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Coolant
The COOLANT button activates and deactivates the water solenoid. When a water supply line is
installed, the solenoid allows water to pass through when activated.
Keypad
The keypad is used for platen RPM selection, timer entry and speed selection for the oscillator and
rotation functions of the MultiPrep™ head. Any value entered on the keypad defaults to the RPM
value. When selecting platen speed, there are two methods: 1) using the arrow buttons to
increase (up arrow) or decrease (down arrow) the speed, or 2) pressing the number buttons, then
pressing ENTER.
Note:The ENTER button must be pressed following number entry for the RPM or timer function
to activate the value.
Timer
The timer display and TIMER button are located in the “MultiPrep™ Controls” box on the control
panel. In its default mode it may be used as a counter (counting up, to characterize polishing
methods), or it can be set for unattended operation (counting down, to automatically stop after a
set period of time).
The timer can be set before or after platen rotation is activated. During operation, it will begin its
countdown after the ENTER button is pressed. If it is set before operation, countdown will begin
when the START/RUN button is pressed and the platen is activated. Should the machine be
stopped during operation, the timer will stop counting; it will resume when the RUN button is
pressed again.
Set the timer by pressing the TIMER button (the LED will illuminate). Enter the desired time using
the keypad and press ENTER. If during entry a mistake is made, press the C (clear) button and
re-enter the correct time followed by pressing ENTER. When the timer reaches 00:00 during
countdown mode, the platen, coolant, auxiliary, and any activated MultiPrep™ head controls will all
stop. There is no memory, so when the platen is started again, those functions will need to be
activated again separately.
Aux
When the auxiliary (AUX) button is active (the LED is illuminated), the AD-5™ automatic fluid
dispenser can be controlled via the MultiPrep™ System. When the START/RUN button is pressed
and the AUX button is active, the AD-5™ will start dispensing fluid(s) based on which step is
selected on the AD-5™ menu. When the STOP/PAUSE button is pressed, or when the timer
reaches 00:00 during countdown mode, the AD-5™ will stop dispensing fluid(s). See the AD-5™
operation manual for more information.
The AUX button will only allow communication with the AD-5™ automatic fluid dispenser if the
AD-5™ communication cable is connected between the AD-5™ rear panel and the MultiPrep™
System rear panel (Figure 1, page 7). This feature is only available on MultiPrep™ Systems sold in
August 2012 and later.

12
Figure 3
Theory of Operation, MultiPrep™ System
The MultiPrep™ head is a high-precision sample preparation instrument that provides quantifiable
material removal and geometric/angular control for the most demanding preparation applications.
A suspension arm supports a free-floating spindle to which the sample is secured using a fixture.
The vertical position of the suspension arm relative to the platen or abrasive plane is controlled
using the vertical adjustment knob, allowing versatile and flexible positioning options to
accommodate various sized samples and fixtures.
When a sample is secured to a fixture, it is lowered into the abrasive via counterclockwise rotation
of the vertical adjustment knob until it makes contact and fully compresses the abrasive.
Continued counterclockwise movement of the knob lowers the arm (mechanical stop), separating it
from the spindle pulley. This separation is measured in real time and displayed on the front digital
indicator. This “measured distance” indicates the amount of material that will be removed from
the sample, plus additional material related to compression of the abrasive prior to the spindle
pulley being displaced from the arm. As the sample is ground/polished, gravity causes the spindle
assembly (and sample) to travel downward, stopping when the spindle pulley again makes contact
with the arm (a mechanical stop).
During downward travel, the spindle maintains rigid, precise, geometric orientation of the sample
relative to the abrasive plane. Micrometer heads fitted to the micro-hub assembly, at the bottom
of the rotating spindle, provide adjustment for sample tilt, to meet various angular requirements.
The front digital indicator is dynamic (moving), featuring 1 µm resolution (0.001 mm). During
grinding/polishing, its value changes as material is removed from the sample, in real time. It also
provides valuable data concerning the effectiveness of the chosen abrasive. During
grinding/polishing, the rear digital indicator is static (non-moving), featuring 1 µm resolution
(0.001 mm). During vertical positioning, it displays movement of the arm and can be zeroed to
use as a reference point.
MultiPrep™ Head Installation
Remove the MultiPrep™ head from the packing
material.
While looking at the bottom of the MultiPrep™ head,
rotate the cam-lock lever attached to the base and
observe the moving locking mechanism (plunger) as
the lever is rotated. Adjust the lever to fully extend
the plunger and place the MultiPrep™ head onto the
leveling plate of the MultiPrep™ base so the plunger
fits into the slot (Figure 3).
Slide it forward so the front edge of the MultiPrep™
head is about 1" from the front edge (Figure 4) of the
leveling plate and tighten the cam-lock lever firmly.
Note:It is important that both the bottom of the
MultiPrep™ head and the top of the leveling plate are
clean before installation.

13
Figure 4
Figure 5
The leveling plate is mounted to the MultiPrep™ base
with three (3) stainless steel socket head cap screws.
These screws are used to align the rotation spindle of
the MultiPrep™ head perpendicular to the platen surface
of the MultiPrep™ base (page 21).
After the MultiPrep™ head is mechanically attached to
the MultiPrep™ base, electrical connections must be
made. Ensure that power is off to the MultiPrep™
System and plug the cable from the MultiPrep™ head
into the receptacle located on the rear panel of the
MultiPrep™ base (Figure 1). The plug is keyed, so be
sure to align the sockets correctly.
MultiPrep™ Head Operation
Vertical Adjustment Knob
The vertical adjustment knob (Figure 5) is used to control the vertical
position of the arm and sample relative to the platen. When rotated
clockwise, the arm travels upward. When rotated counterclockwise,
the arm travels downward.
It is also used to establish the stopping point (mechanical stop) for
downward travel of the sample, which occurs when the spindle pulley
makes contact with the arm. The rear digital indicator displays movement
of the arm position in one micron increments, in either + or – values,
depending on the selection made on the indicator.
Spindle Riser
The spindle riser (also called the cam-riser), which is located on the left
side of the arm (Figure 6), is used to raise the spindle without changing the
vertical position of the arm. It should be used when replacing platens,
abrasives or cloths, and/or inspecting samples. Rotate the knob toward
the front of the arm until the flat spot on the plastic fin is in full contact
with the bottom of the spindle pulley (Figure 7).
At this point, the sample can be removed for inspection and/or the arm can
be swung away to allow platen or abrasive changes. When completed,
lower the sample with the spindle riser to continue grinding/polishing. This
process returns the sample to its original vertical position, since no
adjustments were made to the vertical adjustment knob.
Note:When replacing platens or abrasives that have different
thicknesses, a change may be noticed on the front digital indicator display.
Use the vertical adjustment knob to re-establish the previous setting.
Figure 6
Figure 7

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Fixture Attachment
All fixtures are mounted to the bottom plate of the micro-hub assembly at the bottom of the
spindle. Each fixture has a common U-shaped cutout. The flat edge of the fixture is positioned
against the reference edge located behind the cam-lock plunger (Figure 8).
Note:The spindle should be raised using the vertical adjustment knob so the sample and fixture
fit without contacting the platen/abrasive.
To attach a fixture, slide it onto the plate until it makes full contact with the reference edge. Make
sure it has engaged the cam-lock plunger. Rotate the cam-lock lever clockwise until tight.
Mounting the sample onto the fixture is usually done with hot mounting wax, double-sided
adhesive tape, glue, or set-screws, as required by the type of sample and desired sample
orientation.
Figure 8: Bottom view of a fixture attached to the Micro-Hub Assembly
Reference Ed
g
e
Plun
g
e
r
Cam-Lock Leve
r
Cam-Lock Adapter, #15-1005

15
Rotation
1. Full Rotation: Sample rotation is activated by pressing
the FULL button in the “MultiPrep™ Controls” box on the
control panel. The rotation speed is variable, with eight
(8) settings. The speed number is arbitrary, increasing
from 1 to 8.
To program the speed, press the FULL key once, then
press it again and hold it until the LED turns orange and
a double beep is heard. Release the key and select the
desired speed using the up/down arrow buttons. In the
timer window, the number at the right indicates the
current rotation speed setting. Once that speed is
selected, press the FULL key again and the LED will turn
green. The selected speed will remain the default speed
until it is reprogrammed.
2. Limit Rotation: Limit rotation allows the sample to be
rotated (swiveled/pivoted) in an alternating direction
between two points defined by the position of two
magnets. The speed setting is adjusted as described
above, except by pressing the LIMIT button rather
than FULL button.
A sensor in the oscillator linkage housing
secured to the arm picks up the magnetic
field from the magnets, which are secured to
the flags that rotate when rotation is
activated (Figure 9).
A knurled screw, when loosened, allows
adjustment of the two magnets to define the
range of motion (Figure 9).
Limit Rotation
Magnets
Limit Rotation
Sensor
Figure 9

16
Oscillation
1. Range: To set the sweep range, loosen the range
thumbscrew on the oscillator pulley (Figure 10). Slide the
dovetail bar so the drive pin moves closer to or farther
from the center of the hub. Moving the pin closer to the
center will provide a smaller sweep (range), and moving it
farther from the center will create a larger sweep. The
oscillation speed is variable, with six (6) settings. The
speed number is arbitrary, increasing from 1 to 6.
To program the speed, press the OSC key once, then
press it again and hold it until the LED turns orange and a
double beep is heard. Release the key and select the
desired speed using the up/down arrow buttons. In the
timer window, the number at the left indicates the current
oscillation speed setting. Once that speed is selected,
press the OSC key again and the LED will turn green. The
selected speed will remain the default speed until it is
reprogrammed.
2. Position: The oscillation position is the area
over the platen where the sample will sweep
and is defined by the drive linkage length. Set
the oscillation position after setting the sweep
range.
It can be adjusted after loosening the position
thumbscrew (Figure 10). The longer the
linkage assembly, the further to the outside of
the platen oscillation will occur. A shorter
linkage positions the sample toward the center
of the platen. After adjustments are made,
activate the oscillator and make sure the
position selection does not cause the sample to
extend over the edge or center of the platen.
Note:When changing platens and abrasives, it is necessary to swing the arm to the right to gain
access. Loosen the position thumbscrew to move the arm away and engage the magnet that
holds it in place at the right of the machine.
Figure 10
Position
Thumbscrew
Range
Thumbscrew

17
0.02°
Angular Adjustments
Angular adjustments are necessary for certain polishing procedures, or for
correcting any misalignment of a sample to the fixture, due to fluctuations
in glue, wax, or other sample mounting media. The adjustments are made
by rotating either of the micrometers located on the micro-hub. Both
micrometers are oriented 90º from a fixed pivot pin. The spindle hub and
angle adjustment plate are spring-loaded. The micrometers and pivot pin
are fixed in the spindle hub and apply constant pressure to the angle
adjustment plate. The pivot pin creates a known distance between the two
plates. The micrometers are identified as the left front micrometer and the
right rear micrometer.
The reference edge on the underside of the micro-hub assembly (Figure 8)
is the reference for all of the fixtures, and it must be kept clean. It is
parallel to the pivot pin and the right rear micrometer. It is perpendicular
to the pivot pin and the left front micrometer.
• Radial: Left to right adjustments are made using the micrometer located at the right rear.
The left to right adjustment is also known as “Roll.” Rotate the micrometer clockwise to
lower the right side, and rotate it counterclockwise to raise the right side.
• Axial: Front to back adjustments are made using the micrometer located at the left front.
The front to back adjustment is also known as “Pitch.” Rotate the micrometer clockwise to
lower the front side, and rotate it counterclockwise to raise the front side.
Note:Each division on the micrometers moves the sample 0.02º in
the appropriate orientation (Figure 11).
The pivot pin (Figure 12) creates a gap between the spindle hub
and the spring-loaded angle adjustment plate.
The gap is factory set at 2032 µm (.080"), allowing axial and radial
adjustments of +10º/-2.5º. If more angular adjustment is
necessary, the gap can be increased. However, a larger gap
between the plates will decrease spring life. Also, the sample can
be re-mounted, or a specific angle fixture can be used, if more
angular adjustment is desired.
Radial (Left to Ri
g
ht))
A
xial
(
Front to Back
)
Figure 11
Figure 12

18
Indicato
r
Load
Adjustment
Screw
Sample Load
The spindle load (without a fixture) is approximately 500
g. The total load will change based on the fixture that is
used and the weight of the sample. Therefore, the scale
is not based on a specific load; it is more of a reference.
For certain polishing applications (fragile specimens,
TEM thinning), it may be desirable to reduce the amount
of load on the sample.
Adjust the sample load by turning the knurled screw
(load adjustment screw) until the indicator moves to
the desired setting on the scale (Figure 13).
Variations in surface area will influence the pressure
applied based on a standard load. As the surface area
changes, so does the pressure applied to the sample.
Delicate samples that easily fracture, and those with very
small surface areas, require lighter loads than samples
with larger surface areas.
MultiPrep™ System Alignment – Theory
Alignment of the MultiPrep™ System is required to establish perpendicular and parallel reference
surfaces to which samples will be secured. Since adjustments will be made during its operation to
meet various applications, a method to re-establish alignment is necessary.
The frequency of this alignment depends upon how much use the MultiPrep™ System sees in a
given time period. Alignment is a process that takes only minutes to accomplish, and it is highly
recommended prior to starting any sample preparation procedure.
The MultiPrep™ head and base are machined to very tight tolerances. The accuracy of alignment
is dependent upon the cleanliness of the platen and platen base. It is very important that they be
cleaned and dried after every use to ensure accuracy.
Alignment requires three (3) steps: 1) Verification of platen run-out, 2) Perpendicular alignment of
spindle (sample rotation axis) to platen, and 3) Alignment of micro-hub assembly to platen
All systems are inspected and aligned before shipping, but they should also be checked upon
installation using the procedure described on pages 19-23.
Note:Prior to performing the following alignment procedures, adjust the load setting to “full.”
Use a lint-free wipe (or cotton swab) to clean any grease or oil from the bearing on the underside
of the spindle pulley and the bearing cover on which the inner race of the bearing makes contact.
For additional assistance in aligning the MultiPrep™ System, a video CD has been included with
each machine. This CD contains an AVI file that can be played on most computers with
DivX-compatible video player software. Please contact Allied for more information.
Figure 13

19
MultiPrep™ System Alignment – Instructions
Step 1: Verification of Platen Run-out
With the first step of the alignment procedure, it is
important to make sure that the total vertical run-out
(movement up and down as it rotates) of the platen is within
4 µm.
If either the platen underside or platen base are
contaminated, the run-out will be influenced, which will
interfere with accurate alignment.
Procedure:
1) Remove the splash ring and place a platen (without
abrasive/cloth) onto the base.
2) Remove the dial indicator and its adapter plate (Figure 14) from
the MultiPrep™ accessory case.
3) Slide the long edge of the dial indicator onto the dovetail on the
silver pin of the adapter plate (Figure 15).
4) Lock the indicator approximately ¼" from its rounded edge by
rotating the threaded ring/collar.
5) Position the dial indicator tip at an angle, just below the
adapter body (Figure 16).
6) Attach the adapter plate/indicator to the MultiPrep™ using
the cam-lock, and then lower the cam-riser. Rotate the
indicator bezel so “100” is at the 6 o’clock position
(Figure 17).
7) Adjust the oscillator linkage to position the dial indicator
tip approximately one (1) inch from the edge of the platen.
The dial should be facing the front of the machine (Figure 17).
8) Rotate the vertical adjustment knob counterclockwise until the
indicator tip makes contact with the platen (clockwise deflection
of the needle indicates contact) and reads “100.”
9) Set the platen speed to 20 RPM and activate counterclockwise
rotation, to observe the motion of the indicator needle.
If more than 4 µm of vertical run-out are observed, check the platen
and platen base contact surfaces for debris, corrosion, etc., and clean
as needed.
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
Figure 17

20
If the run-out is still more than 5 µm after cleaning, see the Maintenance section on pages 35-36,
or contact Allied for further service options.
Note:The platen and platen base are precision lapped surfaces; however, the tolerances may
vary up to 2-3 µm each. The platen orientation, as it rests on the platen base, can affect the
overall (compounded) run-out. For example, if the thicker side of the platen rests on the high side
of the base, the run-out can be compounded up to 5-6 µm (Figure 18).
0 µm +3 µm
0 µm +3 µm
Total compounded run-out: 6 µm
Rotate the platen 180 degrees and…
0 µm +3 µm
+3 µm 0 µm
Total compounded run-out: 0 µm
Figure 18: Platen run-out illustration
When platens not originally shipped with the system are used,
it is recommended that they be checked, marked, and
matched for minimal run-out. On the underside of the platen,
there are four (4) small holes into which the drive-pins of the
platen base fit. Rotate the platen on center until the drive-
pins engage and the platen rests on the edge of the platen
base. Check the run-out at each of the four (4) possible
positions (90 degree rotations).
For example, the run-out may be 5 µm, 4 µm, 2 µm and
2 µm. At the minimal position of run-out (i.e., 2 µm), remove
the platen and mark the corresponding platen drive hole that
engages the pin in the platen base where it is stamped “A”
(Figure 19). If using the platen with a polishing cloth, this is less critical, since the cloth thickness
will vary more than 5 µm.
Platen
Platen Base
Platen
Platen Base
Figure 19