Buehler MiniMet 1000 User manual

MA691100_14.1 4/08/2013
www.buehler.com
MiniMet™ 1000

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MA691100_14 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
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 75 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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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
EC – DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Name of Manufacturer and contact information:
ITW Test & Measurement (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Building 13A, No. 88 Xinjunhuan Road, Block F,
Caohejing Hi-tech Park, Pujiang,
Minhang, Shanghai 201114, China
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: MiniMet™ 1000 Grinder Polisher
Catalog Number: 69-1100
Description:A grinder polisher combines advantages of
hand lapping was well as mechanical polishing.
Machine Serial Number: Month Code – MNF – 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 according to the following standards:
IEC 801-2:1991
IEC 801-3: 1984
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:Minhang, Shanghai, China
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.
© 2009 – 2012 Buehler, a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
MiniMet 1000 Grinder Polisher......................................................................................................................1
Warranty........................................................................................................................................................ 1
Specifications................................................................................................................................................1
Safety Information.........................................................................................................................................2
Machine Use and Care...........................................................................................................................2
Safety Terms ..........................................................................................................................................3
Unpacking .....................................................................................................................................................3
Installation.....................................................................................................................................................4
Electrical Installation...............................................................................................................................4
Activating the MiniMet 1000.............................................................................................................4
Operation.......................................................................................................................................................5
Control Panel..........................................................................................................................................5
Buttons.............................................................................................................................................5
Running a Grinding-Polishing Cycle.......................................................................................................7
Stopping a RUN CYCLE..................................................................................................................7
MiniMet 1000 Polishing Bowl Preparation..............................................................................................8
Specimen Preparation...................................................................................................................................9
General Preparation Method ..................................................................................................................9
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................10
Buehler Environmental Policy:....................................................................................................................10
MiniMet 1000 Accessories..........................................................................................................................11

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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
MiniMet 1000 Grinder Polisher
The MiniMet 1000 Grinder-Polisher is a sample preparation system that quickly prepares materials for
cross-sectional analysis. Its space saving design employs a patented geometric action that combines the
advantages of hand-lapping as well as mechanical polishing. This motion provides a random polishing
action, eliminating any induced polishing artifacts.
The MiniMet 1000 adjustable speed and high pressure capability reduces preparation time and makes it
easy to prepare advanced ceramics, composites, and even large hardened steel sections.
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 for return
Specifications
Dimensions 7” W x 16” D x 8” H (180 mm x 400 mm x 200 mm)
Electrical 85 – 264 Volts / 50 – 60 Hz / 1 phase
Shipping Weight 25 lbs (11 kg)
Sound 58 dB
1 meter high and 1 meter away from front of machine, with no load

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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
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 MiniMet 1000 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 grinder polishers.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 MiniMet 1000 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. Damaged cords increase the risk of electrical shock.
Use of extension cords is not recommended for Buehler machines and equipment.

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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Safety Terms
DANGER
!
WARNING
!
CAUTION
!
NOTICE
Unpacking
The MiniMet 1000 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:
•Samples of CarbiMet™ paper and polishing cloths
•3 Glass platens
•3 Polishing bowls (black, white, and blue)
CAUTION
!
Equipment Damage. The MiniMet 1000 weighs 25 lbs (11 kg). Carefully lift the unit from the
shipping carton.
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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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Installation
CAUTION
!
Equipment Damage. Follow all locally approved procedures and safety practices when lifting and
installing this machine. Improper lifting can result in machine damage.
Select a location for your MiniMet 1000 that provides an adequate working space with a level surface and
a power source.
Electrical Installation
WARNING
!
Electrical Shock Hazard. A qualified electrical technician should perform electrical
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.
•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. Do not open the MiniMet 1000.
Installation of the MiniMet 1000 must comply with local electrical standards or codes of practice.
The Specification Plate is located on the back of the MiniMet 1000. Check that the Specification
Plate values for voltage, current, and power consumption are compatible with the intended
electrical supply before installation.
The MiniMet 1000 can be plugged into an outlet rated for the voltage and frequency listed on the
Specification Plate.
Activating the MiniMet 1000
To activate power to the MiniMet 1000, move the power switch on the back of the machine to the
ON position.
The power switch is also a circuit breaker that will provide protection for the machine in the event
of an overload.
If at any time the control panel buttons or motor does not operate, reset the MiniMet 1000 by
moving the power switch to the OFF position then back to the ON position.

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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Operation
The MiniMet 1000 Grinder-Polisher can be used to prepare a wide range of specimen materials by fine
grinding, rough polishing, and by final polishing.
Control Panel
To power on the MiniMet 1000, move the power switch on the back of the machine to the ON
position and press the Power button on the control panel.
Figure 1 MiniMet 1000 Grinder-Polisher Control Panel
Buttons
POWER............Activates or deactivates power to the MiniMet 1000.
When ON, the panel LCDs will light up.
INCREASE / DECREASE Use the INCREASE or DECREASE buttons to select a range
of values for the different parameters.
RUN / STOP.....Press the RUN / STOP button to activate a grinding-polishing cycle or to
stop a grinding-polishing cycle

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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
SELECT...........Press the SELECT button to scroll through and select a parameter:
TIME, SPEED, FORCE, and SOFT STOP.
TIME ...............Press the INCREASE or DECREASE buttons to set a TIME
value from 30 seconds to 9 minutes, in 10 second increments.
TIME can also be set for continuous operation. ON will be
displayed in the LCD indicating continuous operation.
SPEED.............Press the INCREASE or DECREASE buttons to select a speed
from 10 to 50 rpms, in 5 rpm increments.
FORCE.............Press the INCREASE or DECREASE buttons to select a force
(pounds or newtons) from 0 to 10 pounds, in
1 pound increments or 0 to 50 newtons, in 5 newton increments.
When the MiniMet 1000 is first activated, the FORCE will be set
to 0 (zero). Once a force value is entered, it will become the
default force value until the power switch is flipped to the OFF
position or the unit is unplugged.
SOFT STOP.....Press the INCREASE or DECREASE buttons to select ON or
OFF for SOFT STOP. ON or OFF will be displayed in the LCD.
When set to ON, SOFT STOP will automatically reduce the
FORCE to 50% of the initial FORCE value for the last 10% of the
total elapsed time.
The FORCE is further reduced to 10% of the initial FORCE value
for the last 5% of the total elapsed time and will remain at the
reduced FORCE value until the RUN CYCLE is completed.

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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Running a Grinding-Polishing Cycle
When the RUN CYLCE is activated, the MiniMet 1000 will automatically display the remaining
time in the LCD window and for the first 10 seconds of the cycle, the FORCE will be 50% of the
initial FORCE value.
•All parameter values must have a non-zero value entered before running a grinding-polishing
cycle.
•All parameter values except TIME can be changed during a RUN CYCLE.
•When the RUN CYCLE finishes (0:00), the Load Arm will release all pressure and the TIME
parameter will automatically reset to its original programmed value.
•If the RUN / STOP button is pressed at any time during a cycle, the cycle will stop and
pressure on the Load Arm will be released.
CAUTION
!
Equipment Damage. Do not lift the Load Arm after starting a RUN CYCLE. An inaccurate
force could be applied to the specimen.
Stopping a RUN CYCLE
Once a RUN CYCLE has been stopped, three options are available:
1. Complete the RUN CYCLE. Press the RUN / STOP button again. The original TIME value will
be restored when the cycle is complete.
2. Reset the TIME value to the original value programmed. Use the INCREASE or DECRESE
buttons to select the appropriate time value.
3. Set a new TIME value. Use the INCREASE or DECRESE buttons to select the appropriate
time value. The new TIME value will be rounded off to the nearest 10 seconds (30 seconds is
the minimum).

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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
MiniMet 1000 Polishing Bowl Preparation
NOTICE
To help avoid cross-contamination of abrasives, a bowl of a different color should be
assigned to each abrasive step.
1. Apply a selected grinding paper or
polishing cloth to a clean glass platen.
Firmly attached the paper or cloth to the
glass platen.
See Figure 2.
Figure 2 Applying grinding paper or polishing
cloth to the glass platen
2. Place the glass platen in to the bottom of
the polishing bowl. Match the notch of
the platen with the Index Rib of the
polishing bowl.
See Figure 3.
Figure 3 Index Rib of the polishing bowl
3. Place the polishing bowl under the Load Arm so it fits in the square opening on the
polishing deck.
4. Adjust the polishing bowl so the Locating
Pins are parallel with the Load Arm.
See Figure 4.
Figure 4 Aligning the locating pins
5. Add the required abrasive or lubricants to the polishing bowl.
•Do not flood the bowl with liquid.
6. Place the specimen into the polishing
bowl on the Load Pin of the Load Arm
(using a pre-drilled specimen or
specimen holder).
See Figure 5.
If using a Specimen Holder Kit, place the
specimen in the polishing bowl and lower
the Specimen Holder over the specimen.
Figure 5 Positioning the specimen in the
polishing bow

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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Specimen Preparation
Specimens are normally mounted in a manner to provide protection to critical edges and to provide a
means of connection to the Load Arm. The MiniMet 1000 will accept standard format mounts in 1″(25
mm), 1¼″(32 mm), and 1½″(38 mm) diameter.
Use of the MiniMet 1000 requires a 3/16″(4.8 mm) diameter hole drilled in the center of the back of the
specimen and ¼″(6.4 mm) from the specimen face. This hole provides attachment to the Load Arm to
transmit motion and pressure to the specimen.
The 69-1550 Sample Alignment Fixture is highly recommended to ensure correct hole depth and location.
General Preparation Method
This general method can be applied to preparation of many material types. Refer to Buehler’s
SumMet™ Guide (www.Buehler.com/eClub) for material-specific preparation details. SumMet
methods can be adapted for use with the MiniMet.
For application assistance contact Buehler at 1.800.283.4537, select the technical assistance
option or [e-mail].
Surface Abrasive/Size Load lb.
(N)/Specimen Speed
Setting Time (min:sec)
CarbiMet™ 2 240 to 320
(P280 to P400) Grit SiC 6 (27) 35 Until Plane
UltraPad™ 9-μm
MetaDi™ Supreme Diamond 6 (27) 30 10:00
Trident™ 3-μm
MetaDi Supreme Diamond 6 (27) 25 10:00
ChemoMet™ 0.02 - 0.06-μm
MasterMet™ Silica 6 (27) 20 5:00

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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Maintenance
The MiniMet 1000 will continue to perform at optimum levels with proper care, daily cleaning, and general
maintenance.
•Wipe the exterior surface with a damp cloth daily.
•Polishing bows should be cleaned at least once a week.
Buehler Environmental Policy:
Buehler is committed to complying with accepted environmental practices, including the commitment to
meet or exceed applicable legal and other requirements, to strive for continual improvement in our
environmental management system, and to minimize the creation of wastes and pollution. We at Buehler
will, therefore, manage our processes, our materials, and our people in order to reduce the environmental
impacts associated with our products.
To help conserve natural resources and to protect human health and environment, please follow your
state and local regulations on recycling and disposing of waste, consumables, or parts related to your
Buehler machine.
For End Of Life on Buehler machines, if recycling and disposal facilities are not available in your area,
please call Buehler Service at 1.800.BUEHLER (283.4537) or email at [e-mail]. We will
provide options on how to properly recycle and dispose of your Buehler machine.

MiniMet™ Accessories
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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
MiniMet 1000 Accessories
Description Catalog Number
Caged Sample Holder for 1″(25 mm) or 1¼″(32 mm) mounts.........................................................69-1111
Caged Sample Holder for 1½″(38 mm) mounts................................................................................69-1112
Polishing Bowls. Set of 3, 1 each: Black, White, and Blue................................................................69-1500
Polishing Bowls. Set of 3, 1 each: Yellow, Green, and Red..............................................................69-1501
Storage Caddies. ...............................................................................................................................69-1502
Glass Platens.....................................................................................................................................69-1510
Sample Alignment Fixture..................................................................................................................69-1550
Drill Bits..............................................................................................................................................69-1552
MiniMet™ Precision Thinning Attachment.........................................................................................69-1566
MiniMet™ Electromechanical Attachment.........................................................................................69-1570
Thin Section Attachment....................................................................................................................69-1580
Thin Section Bowls.............................................................................................................................69-1581
Thin Section Glass Platens................................................................................................................69-1582
MiniMet™ Thin Section Slide Holder.................................................................................................69-1583
MiniMet™ Wafer Polishing Attachment .............................................................................................69-1590

MiniMet™ Drawings
Note: Drawings and Parts List are subject to change without notice.
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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Figure 6 MiniMet 1000 Assembly Diagram (1100900B Rev. A2)

MiniMet™ Drawings
Note: Drawings and Parts List are subject to change without notice.
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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Figure 7 MiniMet 1000 Assembly Diagram Detail A (1100900C Rev. A5)

MiniMet™ Drawings
Note: Drawings and Parts List are subject to change without notice.
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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Figure 8 MiniMet 1000 Assembly Diagram Detail B (1100900D Rev. A7)
R0612LW(3)

MiniMet™ Drawings
Note: Drawings and Parts List are subject to change without notice.
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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Figure 9 MiniMet 1000 Assembly Diagram Detail C (1100900E Rev. A5)

MiniMet™ Drawings
Note: Drawings and Parts List are subject to change without notice.
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MA691100_14.1 [Original Instructions] 4/08/2013
Figure 10a MiniMet 1000 Assembly Diagram Detail D (1100900F Rev. A4)
Figure 10b MiniMet 1000 Assembly Diagram Detail E (1100900F Rev. A4)