Buehler Vector User manual

MA601990_20 10/04/2010
www.buehler.com
Vector®Power Head

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Buehler Worldwide Mission Statement
We are Buehler, the science behind materials preparation and analysis and the premier company in our
field, since 1936. Our global mission is to deliver outstanding value and delight our customers by
providing innovative, quality, on-time products and services.
To fulfill our mission, we will continue to:
•Listen to and understand our customers to exceed their expectations.
•Apply engineering and technical support to provide innovative solutions to our customers.
•Achieve profitable growth.
•Foster an environment of creativity, respect, teamwork, open communication and ethical behavior.
•Provide the training and tools which allow all of us to achieve our mission.
•Continually improve our performance in all aspects of the business.
About Buehler
For over 70 years, Buehler has been a leading manufacturer of scientific instruments and supplies for use
in materials analysis. Buehler products are used throughout the world in manufacturing facilities, quality
laboratories and universities to analyze all types materials, including:
•Ferrous and Non-ferrous metals
•Thermal spray coatings
•Printed Circuit Boards
•Fasteners
•Ceramics
•Composites
•Semiconductors
•Rocks
•Glasses
•Plastics
Companies use Buehler products to improve the material within their product, monitor production or
incoming purchased material, do failure analysis and perform basic materials research. Buehler products
fall into three categories:
•Sample preparation equipment for cutting, grinding and polishing specimen material (usually cross
sectioning) prior to microstructural inspection.
•Metallographic consumables for the sample preparation equipment including; cutoff wheels, saw
blades, mounting compounds, grinding papers, polishing cloths and polishing suspensions.
•Inspection and testing equipment including microscopes, image analyzers, video equipment and
hardness testers.

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
DECLARATION OF INCORPORATION OF PARTLY
COMPLETED MACHINERY
Name of Manufacturer and contact information:
BUEHLER USA
41 Waukegan Road
Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044 USA
1-800-BUEHLER / www.buehler.com
Contact information of Buehler’s authorized
representative within the Community:
BUEHLER GmbH
In der Steele 2
40599 Düsseldorf, Germany
(49) (211) 974 100 / www.buehler-met.de
Juergen Vossbruch
Machine Name and Description:
Name: Vector®Power Head
Catalog Number: 60-1990
Description: A semi-automatic power head when used with
compatible Grinder - Polishers that can prepare specimens
using single force or central force.
Machine Serial Number: Month Code – VCT – Number of units built. (Every unit
assembled is registered in our database.)
Buehler declares this product to be in accordance with EC Directive(s):
Note: This machine must be used with CE certified compatible Buehler grinder and polisher.
Safety of Machinery (2009): EMC (1996):
2006/42/EC according to the following
standards: 89/336/EEC according to the following standards:
EN ISO 12100-1: 2003
EN ISO 12100-2: 2003
EN 60204-1: 2006
EN 61000-4-4: 1995
EN 61000-4-3: 1995
EN 61000-4-2: 1995
Quality Assurance: Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. / ID# A3104 1130 W. Lake Cook Road / Suite 340
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 / USA
This machine is CE-marked:
Lake Bluff, Illinois, USA Dan Schmidt, Buehler Engineering Manager
Prepared by: Kate Watling, Technical Communicator
THIS MANUAL IS A CUSTOM GENERATED DOCUMENT. IT INCLUDES ALL REVISIONS RELATED TO THIS
SPECIFIC BUEHLER ITEM AS OF THE DATE SHOWN BELOW.
The items covered in this communication including all attachments may be subject to the export laws of the United States of
America, including without limitation the Export Administration Regulations and the Office of Foreign Asset Control Regulations. The
export, re-export or diversion of these items in contravention of these or other applicable regulations is strictly prohibited.
The information contained in this communication is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and
may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.
© 2010 Buehler, a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Vector Power Head.......................................................................................................................................1
Warranty........................................................................................................................................................1
Specifications................................................................................................................................................1
Safety Information.........................................................................................................................................2
Machine Use and Care...........................................................................................................................2
Safety Terms ..........................................................................................................................................3
Unpacking .....................................................................................................................................................3
Installation.....................................................................................................................................................4
Vector Power Head Installation on MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher.............................................................5
Vector Power Head Installation on a Dual Grinder Polisher Base................................................................9
Water Connections......................................................................................................................................10
Air Connections...........................................................................................................................................10
Air Connections for Use in Europe.......................................................................................................11
Electrical Installation ...................................................................................................................................11
Activating the Vector Power Head..............................................................................................................12
Alpha Beta Grinder Polishers.........................................................................................................12
MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher......................................................................................................12
Adjusting the Distance between the Specimen Holder and the Platen Base.......................................13
Adjusting the Locking Ring when Using the APEX System .................................................................14
Adjusting the Specimen Holder Location on the Platen Base..............................................................14
Specimen Holders.......................................................................................................................................15
Central Force Specimen Holder...........................................................................................................15
Single Force Specimen Holder.............................................................................................................16
Vector Power Head Control Panel..............................................................................................................17
Operating the Vector Power Head..............................................................................................................20
Single Force..........................................................................................................................................20
Central Force........................................................................................................................................21
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................22
Replacing the Power Head Drive Belt..................................................................................................22
Accessories.................................................................................................................................................23
Single Force Specimen Holders with Retaining Rings.........................................................................23
Central Force Specimen Holders .........................................................................................................23
Other.....................................................................................................................................................23
Assembly Drawings.....................................................................................................................................24
Parts List .....................................................................................................................................................32
Buehler Office Addresses World Wide........................................................................................................36

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Vector Power Head
The Vector Power Head enables semi-automatic operation when used with the compatible grinder -
polishers and can prepare specimens using single force or central force applied pneumatic loading.
The Vector Power Head specimen capacity for single loading is one to four. The specimen capacity for
central loading is up to six depending on the specimen holder.
Warranty
This unit is guaranteed against defective materials and poor workmanship for a period of 24 months or
2000 hours (whichever comes first), from the date of receipt by the customer. The warranty is void if
inspection shows evidence of abuse, misuse, unsafe use or unauthorized repair. This warranty covers all
Buehler costs associated with the replacement of defective materials (e.g., parts and labor).
If for any reason this unit must be returned to Buehler for warranty service, please contact Buehler
Service at www.Buehler.com or 1-800-283-4537 for prior authorization and shipping instructions. (If
outside the USA or Canada contact your local Buehler Representative.) Please have the following
information available when contacting Buehler:
Warranty does not cover damaged due to water in the airline.
•Customer Purchase Order Number
•Buehler Invoice Number and Date
•Serial Number
•Reason for return
Specifications
60-1990 Vector Power Head
Dimensions 8.5” W x 16” D x 13 ½” H (216 mm x 406 mm x 343 mm)
Electrical 85 – 265 Volt / 50 – 60 Hz / 1 phase
Motor 1/20 HP (32 watt)
Control Voltage 12 VDC
Sample Force in SINGLE 0 – 5 lbs in 1 lb increments (0 – 75 N in 5 N increments)
Sample Force in CENTRAL 4 – 60 lbs in 4 lb increments (20 – 300 N in 20 N increments)
Weight 28 lbs (13 kg)
Sample Sizes 1-inch, 1 ¼-inch, 1 ½-inch,
25 mm, 30 mm, 32 mm, 38 mm, 40 mm.

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Safety Information
For safe installation and operation of this equipment, carefully read and understand the contents of this
manual. Improper operation, handling, or maintenance can result in equipment damage and personal
injury.
The Vector Power Head is designed for use in dry, indoor laboratory and workshop environments away
from strong electromagnetic fields and with normal temperature ranges (41° F to 104° F / 5° C to 40° C)
and non-condensing humidity ranges (30-90%).
Machine Use and Care
All operators should be trained in the use of the Vector Power Head. If training is needed
contact Buehler at 800.BUEHLER (800.283.4537) or your local Buehler Sales Representative.
Always use safety glasses. Flying debris and liquids can cause severe eye injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry and contain long hair. They can be caught
in moving parts and can result in severe personal injury. Protective equipment should be worn to
handle samples, which may be sharp or hot.
Do not operate machine in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Sparks may ignite the dust or fumes.
Maintain the Vector Power Head with care. Properly maintained machines are less likely to
bind and are easier to control. Any alteration or modification is a misuse and may result in a
dangerous situation.
Only qualified repair personnel must perform machine service. Service or maintenance
performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.
Replace damaged or defective parts immediately and use only identical replacement parts.
Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a risk of
electrical shock or injury.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other
condition that may affect the machine operation. If damaged, have the machine serviced
before using. Poorly maintained machines cause many accidents.
Do not abuse the power cord. Never use the cord to cart the machine or pull the plug from
an outlet. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts. Replace
damage cords immediately. Damage cords increase the risk of electrical shock.
Use of extension cords is not recommended for Buehler machines and equipment.

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Safety Terms
DANGER
!
WARNING
!
CAUTION
!
NOTICE
Unpacking
The Vector Power Head has been carefully packaged to protect it during transit from the factory to your
location. Carefully unpack and check the contents. If any components are missing or damaged, save the
packing list and materials and advise the carrier and Buehler of the discrepancy.
Carefully unpack and check that the following items have been received:
Air filter line adaptor
assembly Power cord
Air hose with solenoid
valve assembly Rubber boot
Dispenser Water Hose with
connection
Height adjustment
gauge
(2) Guide pins
Knob
(4) 6 mm Fastener
screws with washers
L-Wrench 6 mm,
T-Wrench 5 mm &
T-Wrench 6 mm
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided
,
will result in death or serious in
j
ur
y
.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE indicates practices not related to personal injury.

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
WARNING
!
Equipment Damage. Two persons are recommended to safely lift the unit from the shipping
carton. Follow local safety practices to lift the Vector Power Head unit from the shipping carton.
Improper lifting can result in machine damage.
Personal Injury. Improper lifting of the Vector Power Head can result in personal injury.
The Vector Power Head is bolted to a wood base for protection during shipping. Open areas are provided
at the corners of the base for ease of lifting. Lift the Vector Power Head out of the carton and position it
on a table so it overhangs on the edge. Remove the bolts securing the Vector Power Head to the wood
base.
Installation
WARNING
!
Equipment Damage. Follow all locally approved procedures and safety practices when lifting and
installing this machine. Improper lifting can result in machine damage.
The Vector Power Head is designed for use with the Alpha and Beta Grinder Polishers and the MetaServ
250 Grinder Polisher. Select a location for your Vector Power Head that provides an adequate working
space, a power source, water connections, and a drain.
Allow 6 inches (152 mm) of open space on both sides of the grinder polisher and at least 20 inches
(508 mm) of open space above the platen base.
NOTICE
A clearance of 30 inches (762 mm) from the table surface to the bottom of any overhead cabinets
is required when installing the Vector Power Head.
Install the following in the order shown:
1. Installation on a single or dual grinder polisher base
2. Plumbing, including water and drain connections
3. Air connections
4. Electrical

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Figure 2 Mount Adapter with
Threaded Inserts
Figure 3 Guide Pins
Vector Power Head Installation on MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher
The MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher must be configured to accept a Vector Power Head. If your
MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher does not have the Vector Power Head switch, contact your local
Buehler Service Representative.
The 60-10066 Connection Kit is required to assemble the Vector Power Head to the MetaServ 250
Grinder Polisher and must be installed by an authorized Buehler Service Representative.
1. Using a flat-head screwdriver, gently remove the round
cover plate on the top of the grinder polisher.
2. After the cover plate is removed, the mount adapter’s four threaded
inserts will become visible.
Clean the surface of the area and threaded inserts.
3. Insert the two guide pins into two opposite threaded inserts of the
mount adapter.
Do not tighten the pins. They will be removed once the Vector
Power Head is installed.
Figure 1
Round Cover Plate on the
Grinder Polisher Base

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
4. Place the gray plastic ring on the metal spacer plate. Make sure the plastic ring is properly seated in
the metal spacer plate recess.
Figure 4 Gray Plastic Ring
5. Install the rubber boot over the Vector Power Head. Push the rubber boot up as high as possible on
the power head.
The rubber boot must be installed before the power head is attached to the Grinder Polisher
base.
Figure 5 Rubber Boot on the Vector Power Head
Attachment Collar
Rubber Boot

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
6. Before installing the Vector Power Head check that the attachment collar (located on the power head)
is fully rotated clockwise when viewed from the bottom.
•This will position the long pin to the back of the unit.
•Position the short pin of the attachment collar to the front when installing the power head to the
base.
Figure 6 Attachment Collar with Short and Long Pin Positioning
7. Position the Vector Power Head on the grinder polisher through the two guide pins.
8. Place the short pin of the attachment collar to the front of the grinder polisher.
Figure 7 Vector Power Head Guide Pins
9. Insert the two 6 mm fastener screws with washers and spring washers in the open threaded inserts.
10. Remove the two guide pins and insert the two remaining 6 mm fastener screws.
Short Pin
Long Pin
Long Pin
Short Pin

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
11. Use the 6 mm L-Wrench or T-Wrench to four 6 mm fastener screws to secure the Vector Power Head
to the grinder polisher base.
Figure 8 Using the T-Wrench to secure the Vector Power Head
12. Pull the rubber boot down over the groove of the gray plastic ring. Make sure that the rubber boot has
proper contact along the entire circumference of the gray plastic ring (see Figure 9).
Figure 9 Vector Power Head Installed with a Rubber Boot
13. Once the Vector Power Head is installed on the MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher connect the Vector
communication cable to the Vector Connection outlet on the back of the MetaServ 250 Grinder
Polisher.
•Align the communication cable plug with the pins on the communication outlet.
•When properly inserted, rotate the locking nut on the communication cable plug to secure the
communication cable to the MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher.
14. Make sure the MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher power head switch is in the “VECTOR” position.
15. Move the MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher rear main power switch to the ON position.
Note: The Vector Power Head will control all operations of the MetaServ 250 Grinder except
for platen speed.

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Vector Power Head Installation on a Dual Grinder Polisher Base
When installing a Vector Power Head to a dual platen grinder polisher, a knurled screw must be installed
to allow the positioning of the Vector Power Head onto either platen base.
1. Follow the previous instructions for installing the Vector Power Head on a single base (Step 1 through
Step 12).
2. Remove the button next to the clamping lever (see Figure 10).
Figure 10 Clamping Lever and Button Location
3. Screw the threaded insert (included with the packing contents) into the buttonhole until flush with the
collar.
4. Completely turn the clamping lever and attachment collar to the left (counter-clockwise) away from
the buttonhole.
5. Screw the knurled knob all the way into the threaded insert.
6. To adjust the horizontal head position, loosen the clamping lever and adjust the head position.
Tighten the clamping lever when the head is in position.
When shipped alone or attached to a single platen grinder polisher, the button will be
installed.
Figure 11 Knurled Knob Installed in the Power Head

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Water Connections
1. Connect one end of the water supply hose to the water supply inlet on the grinder polisher base. A
water solenoid (provided with the Vector Power Head) is needed to connect the water supply hose.
The water solenoid is marked as “1” and the outlet is marked as “2”.
2. Connect the other end of the water supply hose to an external water source equipped with a separate
shut-off valve. A ½-inch NPT connector is required.
Figure 12 Water Solenoid
Air Connections
The Vector Power Head is shipped with a filter capable of filtering a range of 55 psi (3.8 bar) - 85 psi
(5.8 bar). The air supply must be clean, dry, and oil-free.
1. Connect the stem fitting (P/N 824122) of the supplied air filter line adaptor assembly
(see Figure 14) to the air intake on the back of the Vector Power Head (see Figure 13).
2. Connect the supply air line to the filter (P/N R10486) on the other end of the air filter line adaptor
assembly. A ½-inch NPT fitting is required.
Figure 13 Vector Power Head Air, Water, and Electrical Connections
Power Cord
Electrical Connector for the
Water Solenoid
Electrical Connector to
Grinder Polisher Base
Air Intake
Electrical Connection for
Water Solenoid
Connection to Grinder
Polisher Base
1
2

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Air Connections for Use in Europe
Before connecting the Vector Power Head to a compressed air source, an air filter line adaptor
hose and coupling must be attached to the air supply hose (see Figure 14).
The air filter line adaptor hose and coupling is included in the Vector Power Head
accessory pack.
1. Screw the brass fitting (P/N 1990S033) into the air filter (P/N 10486) and tighten.
2. Connect the supply air line to the quick-disconnect coupling (P/N 824140).
3. Connect the stem fitting (P/N 824122) to the air intake on the back of the Vector Power Head.
•The supply air must be clean, dry, and oil-free at 85 psi (6 bar).
Figure 14 Air Filter Line Adaptor Assembly Diagram
Electrical Installation
Electrical Shock Hazard. Only a qualified electrical technician should perform electrical
installation and maintenance.
Electrical Shock Hazard. Do not change the power plug in any way. Buehler machines are
equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and a ground pin. Polarized
plugs reduce the risk of electrical shock. This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way.
Installation of the Vector Power Head must comply with local electrical standards or codes of practice.
The Specification Plate is located on the back of the Vector Power Head. Check that the Specification
Plate values for voltage, current, and power consumption are compatible with the intended electrical
supply before installation.
•Disconnect the power supply before making any electrical adjustments.
•Capacitors inside the machine may retain a charge even if the machine is disconnected
from the power supply.

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Activating the Vector Power Head
1. Connect the supplied power cord to the power inlet on the back of the Vector Power Head.
2. Connect the other end of the power cord to an appropriate power source.
3. On the back of the Vector Power Head move the main power switch to the ON position.
4. Press any button on the front control panel. After two seconds the Vector Power Head will be
activated and the front control panel will light up.
Alpha Beta Grinder Polishers
NOTICE
The Vector Power Head is a universal voltage machine. The Alpha/Beta Grinder Polisher must
be designated for the same voltage supplied to the Vector Power Head.
1. Connect the power cable from the Alpha/Beta Grinder Polisher base unit to the base electrical
connector on the back of the Vector Power Head.
MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher
The MetaServ 250 front control panel will be inactive when a Vector Power Head is installed.
The Vector Power Head will control all operations of the MetaServ 250 Grinder except for platen
speed.
1. Press the Vector Power Head green START buttons to begin platen rotation.
2. Rotate the MetaServ 250 Grinder Polisher speed knob to the selected platen speed.
3. Move the water control switch to RUN ACTIVE. The Vector Power Head will control water on and
off.

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Adjusting the Distance between the Specimen Holder and the Platen Base
In some applications, it may be necessary to limit the downward travel of the Vector Power Head.
1. Lift the rubber boot on the attachment collar.
2. Secure a single force specimen holder into the chuck.
3. Install a platen on the base of the grinder polisher.
4. Power ON the Vector Power Head.
5. Loosen the locking ring. Insert with a 6 mm L-Wrench into the clamp screw and rotate the
screw counter-clockwise (see Figure 15).
6. Place the height adjustment gauge on the platen under the sample holder.
7. Set the FORCE APPLICATION to SINGLE FORCE (see FORCE UNITS on page 18).
8. Press the green START buttons to lower the Vector Power Head.
•The head will lower until the specimen holder rests on the flat plate of the height
adjustment gauge.
•In the SINGLE FORCE mode, the platen will not rotate after pressing the green START
buttons.
9. Raise the locking ring as far as possible to set the lower travel limit of the Vector Power
Head. Tighten the clamp screw on the locking ring.
10. Reposition the rubber boot.
NOTICE
If a single force specimen holder is not available, follow the above instructions using a
central force specimen holder (with no specimens). Set the locking ring at a level so the
sample holder does not touch the platen surface.
Figure 15 Adjusting the Locking Ring (shown without the Rubber Boot)

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Adjusting the Locking Ring when Using the APEX System
CAUTION
!
Equipment Damage. Due to the height of the APEX System platens, check the distance of
the Vector Power Head and the platen base before beginning any operations.
When using the APEX Systems the platen height is raised and may not provide adequate space
between the power head and platen base. If the height is not adjusted, the Vector Power Head
can crash into the platen base causing equipment damage.
1. Install an APEX System platen on the base of the grinder polisher.
2. Follow instructions of Adjusting the Distance between the Specimen Holder and the Platen
Base on page 13.
Adjusting the Specimen Holder Location on the Platen Base
1. Power ON the Vector Power Head.
2. Set the FORCE APPLICATION to SINGLE FORCE (see Vector Power Head Control Panel
on page 17 for more details).
3. Loosen the clamping lever (see Figure 10).
4. Adjust the power head above the platen base.
5. Press the green START buttons to lower the Vector Power Head.
When in SINGLE FORCE, the platen will not rotate.
6. Move the power head to the left or right and position the specimen holder on the platen.
7. Tighten the clamping lever.

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Specimen Holders
The Vector Power Head can operate with two types of specimen holders: Central Force and Single Force.
Central Force Specimen Holder
With a central force specimen holder up to six specimens can be prepared at 1¼-inch in size.
Central force specimen holders hold specimens rigid in place and are recommended for use with
difficult applications and when preparing a large quantity of specimens.
NOTICE
A mounting adaptor is required when using central force specimen holders. If using one or
more specimen holder, additional adaptors are highly recommended (one per specimen
holder) to optimize operational ease.
1. Raise the outer sleeve of the lift-type chuck. The power head is equipped with a lift-type
specimen holder chuck.
2. Insert the pin of the adaptor mounted on the specimen holder into the chuck.
3. Rotate the specimen holder slightly until the adaptor drive-pin engages in the chuck.
4. Let the chuck sleeve drop back into place.
Figure 16 Central Force Specimen Holder

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MA601990_20 [Original Instructions] 10/04/2010
Single Force Specimen Holder
With a single force specimen holder, one, two, three, or four specimens can be prepared at one
time and a determined force is applied to each individual specimen. Individual specimens can be
easily removed and examined as each preparation stage is completed.
Single force specimen holders are recommended when preparing specimens on a limited basis.
1. Raise the outer sleeve of the lift-type chuck. The power head is equipped with a lift-type
specimen holder chuck.
2. Insert the pin of the adaptor mounted on the specimen holder into the chuck.
3. Rotate the specimen holder slightly until the adaptor drive-pin engages in the chuck.
4. Let the chuck sleeve drop back into place.
5. Lock the specimen holder in place using the knurled locking ring located on the specimen
holder.
6. Tighten the knurled locking ring lock screw to secure the locking ring.
The single force specimen holder must be locked rigidly in place to prevent
unsatisfactory specimen preparation results.
Figure 17 Single Force Specimen Holder