Buehler EcoMet 250 User manual

1
4D LABS, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
E [e-mail] T 778.782.8158 F 778.782.3765 W www.4dlabs.ca
Buehler EcoMet 250 Grinder-Polisher
Standard Operating Procedure
Revision: 1.0 —Last Updated: Dec 01 2016, Revised by Matt Bilton
Overview
This document will provide a detailed operation procedure of the Buehler EcoMet 250 Grinder-
Polisher. Formal Training is required for all users prior to using this system.
Revision History
#
Revised by:
Date
Modification
1
2
3
4
5
Document No.

2
4D LABS, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
E [e-mail] T 778.782.8158 F 778.782.3765 W www.4dlabs.ca
Table of Contents
Overview..................................................................................................................................................1
Revision History........................................................................................................................................1
Table of Contents.....................................................................................................................................2
General Information .................................................................................................................................4
Main components: ...................................................................................................................................4
Safety ......................................................................................................................................................5
Operation ................................................................................................................................................6
Control Panel:......................................................................................................................................6
Preparing your grinding or polishing platens: ............................................................................................8
Using Diamond Polishing Solutions.......................................................................................................8
Preparing Samples in the Power Head:......................................................................................................9
Specimen Holders.................................................................................................................................9
Loading a Specimen Holder ................................................................................................................10
Removing a Specimen Holder .............................................................................................................11
Single Force .......................................................................................................................................11
Central Force .....................................................................................................................................11
Mounting the Glass Slide Holder.........................................................................................................12
Begin the Grinding / Polishing Procedure ................................................................................................14
Exchanging grinding and polishing discs .................................................................................................16
After use................................................................................................................................................16
References and Files...............................................................................................................................17
Contact Information ...............................................................................................................................17
Supplementary Information ....................................................................................................................18
Silicon Carbide Abrasive Grinding Discs ..............................................................................................18
Diamond Polishing Solutions ..............................................................................................................18

3
4D LABS, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
E [e-mail] T 778.782.8158 F 778.782.3765 W www.4dlabs.ca

4
4D LABS, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
E [e-mail] T 778.782.8158 F 778.782.3765 W www.4dlabs.ca
General Information
Buehler’s EcoMet 250 is a variable speed grinder-polisher with an 8-inch (203 mm) platen. The AutoMet
Power Head allows for semiautomatic specimen preparation operation, increasing productivity and
specimen consistency.
Main components:
n
Power Head
Specimen
holder
Platen
Control
Panel
Burst
dispensing
unit
Water Hose
EMERGENCY
STOP
BUTTON
Power
On/Off
button
Water Supply:
Blue Tap = Main water supply
Black Tap = Flow control tap to
polisher
(located behind the polisher table, next
to the sink)

5
4D LABS, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
E [e-mail] T 778.782.8158 F 778.782.3765 W www.4dlabs.ca
Safety
Only trained users are permitted to operate the Grinder-Polisher.
Wear safety glasses and protective gloves at all times.
To avoid floods, always check that the water flow hose is securely attached to the outlet at the
rear of the machine, and also that the hose is suitably fitted into the waste collection vessel
beneath the table. Monitor the water levels at all times during use of the system. Replace full
vessel if necessary.
Rotation of the platen could be up to 500 rpms. Keep hands away from moving parts. Do not wear
loose clothing or jewellery, and contain long hair. They can be caught in moving parts and may
result in severe personal injury.
Protective equipment should be worn to handle specimens, which may be sharp or hot.
Do not operate machine in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Sparks may ignite the
dust or fumes.
If there is a problem with the tool, do not attempt to repair yourself. Always speak with a tool
owner.
Handling and care of polishing media:
All liquid waste must be collected in the waste collection vessel beneath the polisher table. If the
vessel is full, please discuss with a 4D LABS member of staff to have the waste properly disposed
of.

6
4D LABS, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
E [e-mail] T 778.782.8158 F 778.782.3765 W www.4dlabs.ca
Operation
Control Panel:
Figure 1: EcoMet Grinder-Polisher Control Panel Commands
Time
Water flow
(on/off)
Head rotation
direction
(Clockwise /
Anticlockwise)
Force
(N / lbs)
Increase /
decrease
Water source
(tap only)
Burst
dispenser
(on/off)
Pause / Stop
Platen only
Force mode
(single / central)
Speed
(base & head)

7
4D LABS, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
E [e-mail] T 778.782.8158 F 778.782.3765 W www.4dlabs.ca
Time display set for a grinding-polishing cycle (m:ss)
Displays the rpm of the platen or Power Head
Base
Base = 1 –500 rpms
Head = 30 –60 rpms
Selects the source of water.
Water only comes from the tap and so only this
selection can be made.
No lights indicate that the water is set to OFF
This button will stop and start the water flow
This button selects the rotation directions of the platen
to the head. These can in the same, or opposite
directions (the head always rotates counter-clockwise)
This displays the amount of force (in lbs or N) that is
applied by the Power Head.
Single Force = 1 –10 lbs (5 –45 N)
Central Force = 5 –60 lbs (20 –260 N)
Selects between the single force (upper; ) and
central force (lower: “↓↓↓”) modes.
Increase or decrease the selected paramter (Time,
Speed, and Force)
This button activates the platen for manual grinding,
removing the use of the Power Head.
This button activates the connected burst dispensor
unit (if required)

8
4D LABS, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
E [e-mail] T 778.782.8158 F 778.782.3765 W www.4dlabs.ca
Pause or Stop a cycle
Preparing your grinding or polishing platens:
1. Check that the platen is secure and lying flat.
2. Attach the 8” magnetic disc to the platen (it may already be attached), this allows for easy
attachment and exchange of grinding discs and polishing cloths.
3. Prepare the platen with the appropriate abrasive grinding disc (SiC or diamond) or polishing cloth.
For diamond abrasive discs, check that the disc is firstly affixed to an APEX S magnetic
backed plate. This can then be connected to the magnet disc on the platen. Water flow is
recommended during use of SiC discs to prevent heat buildup, and to remove waste
materials.
For Silicon Carbide grinding, affix the selected SiC disc onto the adhesive side of an APEX
S magnetic backed plate. Water flow is recommended during use of SiC discs to prevent
heat buildup, and to remove waste materials.
For Polishing cloths, affix the selected cloth disc onto the adhesive side of an APEX S
magnetic backed plate. Pre-prepared cloths are listed in the grey storage cabinet. Each
cloth corresponds to a specific colored diamond polishing fluid. Do ensure that these are
not mixed up.
Using Diamond Polishing Solutions
1. Ensure that you have selected the appropriate polishing cloth for the diamond polishing media that
you require. These are colour coded and stored in the labelled grey storage drawers.
2. Once the polishing cloth is affixed to the platen, apply a very small amount (10 ml approx..) of
diamond fluid to the centre of the polishing cloth.
3. Using one of your sample pucks, spread the fluid around the entirety of the cloth, for an even
coverage. This will not affect your sample as it will be subsequently polished.

9
4D LABS, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
E [e-mail] T 778.782.8158 F 778.782.3765 W www.4dlabs.ca
4. Proceed to begin the polishing procedure. Do not use a water flow during polishing as this will
remove the diamond fluid from the cloth.
5. At the end of the polishing cycle, use water to rinse both the cloths and your sample.
6. Store the polishing cloth (whilst still damp) into a zip-lock bag and store in the correct grey storage
drawer.
Preparing Samples in the Power Head:
Specimen Holders
Figure 2: Different sample holders
A. Central Force Holder (1): Supports 1.25” samples
B. Single Force Holder: 40 mm samples with distance rings insets for 1” & 1.25” samples.
C. Flat-Sample Holder: For support of flat/unconventional samples e.g. Si wafers
D. Glass-Slide Holder: Supports 27 x 46 mm glass slides. This holder attaches into the single force
holder using 2 x 1” distance rings; see Section titled “Mounting the Glass Slide Holder”.
E. Central Force Holder (2): Supports 3 x 40 mm samples.
A: Central Force
Holder (1)
B: Single Force
Holder
C: Flat-Sample Holder
D: Glass Slide
Holder
E: Central Force
Holder (2)

10
4D LABS, Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
E [e-mail] T 778.782.8158 F 778.782.3765 W www.4dlabs.ca
Loading a Specimen Holder
To load either the Single Force of Central Force Specimen Holder:
1. Position the Power Head for easy loading of the specimen holder. Untighten the locking handle
(see Figure 3) on the left side of the Power Head to enable rotation of the head. Tighten the
locking handle once the Power Head is in place.
2. Move the Power Head into the desired position. (Buehler recommends the specimen be
approximately 1/3 off the edge of the platen in its outmost position.)
3. Rotate the locking handle clockwise to tighten and secure the Power Head into position.
Figure 3: Locking Handle
4. To attach the Specimen Holder, raise the outer sleeve of the lift-lock chuck of the Power Head
(Figure 4B).
Figure 4: Lift-Lock Chuck on Power Head
A
B: Lift and hold sleeve
of lock chuck
C: Align pins of specimen
holder to lock chuck
D: Release lock chuck to
secure sample holder
Locking
handle