Buehler SimpliMet 3000 User manual

MA201435_13.1 6/25/2012
www.buehler.com
SimpliMet™3000
Automatic Mounting Press

ii
MA201435_13.1 [Original Instructions] 6/25/2012
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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MA201435_13.1 [Original Instructions] 6/25/2012
EC –DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Name of Manufacturer and contact information:
41 Waukegan Road
Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044 USA
1-800-BUEHLER / www.buehler.com
Contact information of Buehler’s authorized
representative within the Community:
ITW Test & Measurement GmbH
In der Steele 2
D-40599 Düsseldorf, Germany
(49) (211) 974 100 / www.buehler-met.de
Juergen Vossbruch
Machine Name and Description:
Name: SimpliMet™3000 Automatic Mounting Press
Catalog Number: 20-1435
Description: Automatic mounting press with electro-
hydraulic operation & touch panel control system
Machine Serial Number:
Month Code –NST –Number of units built. (Every unit
assembled is registered in our database.)
Buehler declares this product to be in compliance with EC Directive(s):
2006/42/EC according to the following standards:
EN ISO 12100-1: 2010
EN 60204-1: 2006
89/336/EEC amended by 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC
according to the following standards:
EN 55081-1: 1995
EN 55082-1: 1995
EN 61000-4-4 / EN 61000-4-5 / EN 61000-6-2 / EN 50140
Quality Management System:
(ISO 9001:2008)
Registered firm: Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
QMS Cert. # 10001679
1130 W. Lake Cook Road / Suite 340
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 / USA
This machine is CE-marked:
Lake Bluff, Illinois, USA
Prepared by:
Kate Watling, Technical Communicator
THIS MANUAL IS A CUSTOM GENERATED DOCUMENT. IT INCLUDES ALL REVISIONS RELATIVE 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.
This 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 –2012 Buehler, a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
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MA201435_13.1 [Original Instructions] 6/25/2012
SimpliMet 3000 Automatic Mounting Press..................................................................................................1
Warranty........................................................................................................................................................1
Specifications................................................................................................................................................1
Safety Information.........................................................................................................................................2
Machine Use and Care...........................................................................................................................2
Safety Terms ..........................................................................................................................................3
Unpacking .....................................................................................................................................................3
Installation.....................................................................................................................................................5
Water Connections.................................................................................................................................5
Drain Connections............................................................................................................................6
Vent Valve........................................................................................................................................7
Electrical Installation...............................................................................................................................7
Power Switch ...................................................................................................................................7
Mold Assembly..............................................................................................................................................8
Using the Mold Cylinder .......................................................................................................................12
Operation.....................................................................................................................................................13
Front Control Panel ..............................................................................................................................13
Parameters Fields.................................................................................................................................14
L1 Screen .............................................................................................................................................16
L2 Screen .............................................................................................................................................17
Method Screen .....................................................................................................................................18
Making a Mold.............................................................................................................................................19
Setting Parameters ........................................................................................................................19
Saving a Method ............................................................................................................................19
Loading a Method ..........................................................................................................................20
Preparing the RAM.........................................................................................................................20
Starting a Cycle..............................................................................................................................20
Additional Features...............................................................................................................................21
Mold Cylinder Pre-Warming...........................................................................................................21
Mold Closure Sensor......................................................................................................................21
HEATING and COOLING...............................................................................................................21
Auto RAM Up / Down.....................................................................................................................21
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................22
Monthly.................................................................................................................................................22
Periodically ...........................................................................................................................................22
SimpliMet 3000 Diagnostic Screen.......................................................................................................23
Trouble Shooting Chart...............................................................................................................................24
SimpliMet 3000 Recommended Parameters..............................................................................................25
Trouble Shooting when using Thermosetting Resins .................................................................................26
Buehler Environmental Policy.....................................................................................................................27
SimpliMet 3000 Accessory Mold Assemblies .............................................................................................28

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MA201435_13.1 [Original Instructions] 6/25/2012
SimpliMet 3000 Automatic Mounting Press
The SimpliMet 3000 is a state of the art mounting press with automatic mold sensing. It is easy to use
and has full programmability, increasing productivity and sample consistency. The automatic mold
sensing detects the mold size and loads the appropriate parameters, eliminating the need to look up
tables.
Select from four Buehler pre-programmed, mold size specific methods or program up to 25 user-defined
methods. The SimpliMet 3000 is for use with all thermosetting and thermoplastic resins including
ProbMet™, KonductoMet™, PhenoCure™, EpoMet™F & G (epoxies) and TransOptic™.
Warranty
This unit is guaranteed against defective materials and poor workmanship for a period of 24 months or
2000 hours of normal use (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:
Customer Purchase Order Number
Buehler Invoice Number and Date
Serial Number
Reason(s) for return
Specifications
20-1435 SimpliMet 3000 Automatic Mounting Press
Dimensions
16” W x 20 ½” D x 22 7/8” H (405 mm x 520 mm x 580 mm)
Electrical
85 –264 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 1 Phase
1500 Watt on 220V mains
1500 Watt on 115V mains
1200 Watt on 100V mains
Control Voltage
24 VDC
Decibels
70 db: No Pressure, raising and lowering ram
Molding Pressure
1200 –4400 psi ( 80 –300 bar) in 100 psi (5 bar) increments
Molding Temperature
150° C –180° C
Mold Diameters
1” ( 25 mm), 1 ¼” (30 mm), 1 ½” (40 mm), 2” (50 mm)
Heating Time
0 –20 minutes in 10 second increments
Cooling Time
0 –30 minutes in 10 second increments
Weight
73 lbs (33 kg)

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MA201435_13.1 [Original Instructions] 6/25/2012
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 SimpliMet 3000 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 SimpliMet 3000.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 specimens, 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 SimpliMet 3000 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. Damaged cords increase the risk of electrical shock.
Use of extension cords is not recommended for Buehler machines and equipment.

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MA201435_13.1 [Original Instructions] 6/25/2012
Safety Terms
DANGER
!
WARNING
!
CAUTION
!
NOTICE
Unpacking
The SimpliMet 3000 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:
Accessory Kit #206
Scrapper Tool
Scoop
Sample
EpoMet Molding Compound
Sample
PhenoCure Resin Powder
Sample
Release Agent
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
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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MA201435_13.1 [Original Instructions] 6/25/2012
SimpliMet 3000 Components
Brush
Power Cord
Cylinder Lock Label
Water Filter
Bayonet Handle
Water Filter
Hose Connections
Hose Clamp
(for drain hose)
Water Hose –1 ft
Insulator Disc
(for upper ram
assembly)
Water Hose –3ft
4 mm Ball Point
Hex Wrench
8 Setscrews
(for mold assembly)
6 mm Hex
T- Wrench
WARNING
!
Equipment Damage. The SimpliMet 3000 weighs approximately 73 lbs (33 kg) and two persons are
required to safely lift the unit from the shipping carton. Follow local safety practices to lift the
SimpliMet 3000 unit from the shipping carton. Improper lifting can result in machine damage.
Personal Injury. Improper lifting of the SimpliMet 3000 can result in personal injury.
The SimpliMet 3000 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 SimpliMet 3000 out of the carton and position it on a
table so it overhangs on the edge. Remove the bolts securing the SimpliMet 3000 to the wood base.

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MA201435_13.1 [Original Instructions] 6/25/2012
Installation
Select a location for your SimpliMet 3000 that provides an adequate working space, a power source,
water connections, and a drain. Placement of the SimpliMet 3000 should be on a sturdy, level bench.
Buehler Tech-Met™tables are highly recommended.
Install the following in the order shown:
1. Plumbing, including water and drain connections
2. Electrical
Water Connections
CAUTION
!
Equipment Damage. The water supply hose and drain hose must be connected and
checked for any leaks before any electrical connections are made.
When connecting water to the SimpliMet 3000, observe local water regulations and use a Buehler
connection kit if using a pressure reliever and a non-return valve from the water source. Use of
the Buehler 49-2105 Water Filtration Kit is highly recommended.
The recommended cooling water flow rate is a minimum of 0.5 gallons/min (2 liters/min) with a
water pressure between 45 –75 psi (3 –5 bar). The maximum working pressure is 125 psi
(8 –6 bar).
Water supply parameters that are different will not affect the operation of the SimpliMet 3000 but
different coolant times may be needed.
Cooling water is supplied through the SimpliMet 3000 by connecting one end of the supplied
water hose to the water outlet fitting located on the back of the unit.
Figure 1 Water Filter (49-2105)
1. Connect one end of the supplied .25-inch (6.35 mm) water hose to the water outlet fitting
located on the back of the SimpliMet 3000.
2. Cut approximately 6-8 inches (180 mm) of hose and add a Water Filtration Kit (49-2105) and
fittings.
3. Connect the other end of the water hose (with filter and fittings) to an external water source
equipped with a separate shut-off valve.

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MA201435_13.1 [Original Instructions] 6/25/2012
Figure 1 SimpliMet 3000 Rear Connections
Drain Connections
1. Position the drain hose to a drain, sink, or other available catch container.
Secure drain hose with clamp if necessary.
NOTICE
Do not leave the drain hose exposed. A short burst of steam will exit the drain hose at the
beginning of a cooling cycle.
The main water supply must be shut off at night or when the machine is left unattended.
If for any reason the SimpliMet 3000 has to be moved, close the vent valve before moving
and open before operating
Drain Hose
Water Hose
Vent Valve