Cole Parmer SPEX 3636 X-Press User manual

1300-87043-1M, REV 3
XP-400 X-Press®
Hydraulic Pellet Press for Spectroscopy Applications
Operation Manual
For 115V (04577-46) and 230V (04577-47)

XP-400 X-Press
1300-87043-1M, REV 3 Cole-Parmer® Page 2 of 26
Copyright © 2023 by Cole-Parmer
All rights reserved. No part of the work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical; including photocopying and recording, except as may be
expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing from the publisher. Requests for
permission should be addressed in writing to Cole-Parmer, 65 Liberty Street, Metuchen, NJ
08840.
SPEX SamplePrep is now part of Cole-Parmer®.
The Cole-Parmer® XP-400 X-Press was formerly known as SPEX 3636 X-Press.
Over the years, we’ve acquired many high-quality and reputable brands. After many years
of continual growth, we realize our brands are all as brilliant as each other. Rather than
have a portfolio of complementary brands, we felt consolidating them under one world-
class brand name enabled us to offer a single and significant brand experience. Through
one brand we can speak in one voice through our team of experts who provide support in
product selection, usage and troubleshooting to empower laboratories to run efficiently
throughout the world.
Same Great Quality!
One World-Class Brand Name!

XP-400 X-Press
1300-87043-1M, REV 3 Cole-Parmer® Page 3 of 26
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
DESCRIPTION
PAGE
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................4
2.0 Specifications ......................................................................................................................4
3.0 Unpacking ...........................................................................................................................5
4.0 Press Layout........................................................................................................................6
5.0 Setting Up..........................................................................................................................10
6.0 Display Screen and Controls.............................................................................................11
7.0 Operation..........................................................................................................................13
7.1 Performing a Test Run ......................................................................................................13
7.2 Changing the Settings.......................................................................................................14
7.3 Running an Automatic Cycle.............................................................................................15
7.4 Manual Operation.............................................................................................................16
7.5 Emergency Stops...............................................................................................................17
8.0 Maintenance.....................................................................................................................18
8.1 General Procedures ..........................................................................................................18
8.2 Removing the Cover .........................................................................................................18
8.3 Draining, Refilling, and Checking Hydraulic Oil ................................................................19
8.4 Bleeding the Air.................................................................................................................20
8.5 Changing the V-Belt ..........................................................................................................20
8.6 Changing the Fuses...........................................................................................................20
9.0 Mechanical Operation ......................................................................................................21
10.0 Error Messages .................................................................................................................22
11.0 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................23
12.0 Warranty...........................................................................................................................24
12.1 Product Specifications ......................................................................................................24
12.2 To Arrange a Return Shipment.........................................................................................24
13.0 Instrumental Disposal.......................................................................................................25
14.0 Contact Us.........................................................................................................................26

XP-400 X-Press
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The XP-400 X-Press is an automated laboratory press intended for pressing sample pellets
for spectroscopy. The press is programmable, so that repetitive pellet preparations may be
carried out with a minimum of operator workload and a maximum of uniformity. The
X-Press can also be operated manually.
This manual provides basic operating and maintenance procedures for the XP-400 X-Press
and is intended to be as comprehensive as possible. However, in the event that further
technical or application information is needed, please contact Cole-Parmer.
2.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Type of Press:
Automated, hydraulic
Force:
0 - 35 tons ram pressure
Dwell Time:
0 - 10 minutes
Release Time:
15 seconds - 10 minutes
Platen Movement:
1 inch (25 mm)
Platen Size:
3.25 inches (8 cm) diameter
Daylight:
2.0 - 6.0 inches (5 - 15 cm)
Screw Adjustment:
3.5 inches (9 cm)
Dimensions
20.0 in. (50.8 cm) high x 13.0 in. (33.0 cm) wide
x 22.5 in. (57.2 cm) deep
Power:
800 VA, 1/3 HP motor
115 V/60 Hz or 230 V/50 Hz
Weight:
Approximately 145 lbs.
NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT OPERATE THE X-PRESS UNTL YOU HAVE READ THESE
INSTRUCTIONS AND ARE FAMILIAR WITH ITS CONTROLS.

XP-400 X-Press
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3.0 UNPACKING
At the factory, the X-Press is adjusted and tested for proper operation, and carefully
packaged for shipping. Upon receipt, carefully inspect the exterior of the packing crate. If
there is any visible damage, notify Cole-Parmer and file a claim with the carrier immediately.
To unpack the X-Press, first remove the screws securing the crate lid; then remove the lid
and set it aside. Remove loose items from the crate. Loosen and remove the ten wing nuts
on the lower edge of the crate and lift the crate sleeve off of the base. Remove the
protective plastic cover from the press. Remove the four 9/16 inch nuts and washers from
the bottom of the crate. Grasp the X-Press on both sides, using proper lifting techniques,
and place it on a sturdy laboratory bench. (This is a 2-person job.) Gently tilt the X-Press to
the side just enough to remove the four nuts (Do not lay press on its side) and remove the
hexagonal shipping feet from the bottom of the press. Return the press to its upright
position.
CAUTION: The X-Press weighs about 160 pounds. Be sure to have adequate personnel
and/or lifting equipment on hand when moving the unit.
Check that the following accessory items have also been packed with the X-Press:
- Power cable
- Two replacement fuses
- Hand-wheel handle
- Test cylinder (Located in press chamber)

XP-400 X-Press
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4.0 PRESS LAYOUT
Figures 1 - 3 show the basic layout of the X-Press. The front view (Figure 1) shows the
location of the touch screen and START and STOP buttons, which are used to operate the
press. A loaded sample die is placed in the sample compartment on top of the platen and
secured in place by the adjustment screw, using the hand-wheel. A solid aluminum test
cylinder is provided as a "dummy" sample for testing. The manual pressure relief valve on
the right side of the press is used to release the hydraulic system pressure in an emergency
or for system maintenance; it is closed during normal press operations. This view also
shows the side access panel, which can be removed to fill the oil reservoir or check the oil
level.
In Figure 2 the side access panel has been removed, exposing the oil fill plug and port. This
view also shows the rear of the press and the locations of the power switch, power cord
receptacle, and the fuse compartment.
Figure 3 shows the locations of the screws that attach the rear cover and side fill strip to the
base of the press.

XP-400 X-Press
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Figure 1 –Front View, XP-400 Automated X-Press
HANDLE
SAFETY DOOR
ADJUSTMENT SCREW
TEST BLOCK
PLATEN/PISTON
DISPLAY SCREEN
STOP
START
MANUAL PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVE
ACCESS
PANEL
HANDWHEEL

XP-400 X-Press
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Figure 2 - Rear View, XP-400 Automated X-Press
(Side Access Panel Removed)
FILL PORT
POWER SWITCH
AC INPUT
FUSE HOLDER

XP-400 X-Press
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Figure 3 –Rear View, XP-400 Automated X-Press (Location of Housing Screws)
SCREWS

XP-400 X-Press
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5.0 SETTING UP
Before operating the XP-400 X-Press, the unit must be properly set up and prepared. Follow
these steps to ensure that the press is ready for use. The XP-400 X-Press is prefilled with oil
at the factory prior to shipping. There is no need to drain oil and refill.
1. Raise the sample chamber door and give it a slight push to hold it in the open position.
Remove the test cylinder (wrapped for shipping).
2. Plug the power cord into the receptacle next to the fuse compartment, and then into a
grounded wall outlet.
WARNING: Avoid contact with the exposed electrical components of the press. They
involve hazardous voltages! Do not activate the power switch until it is
necessary to do so.
3. Attach the handle to the hand-wheel on the top of the unit by screwing it into the
threaded hole. Tighten it using a 5/16 inch or adjustable wrench on the flats at the base
of the handle. The handle should rotate freely as the hand-wheel is turned.