Katanax X-FLUXER User manual

Automatic fluxer

1
Thank you for having chosen the X-300 fusion machine from Katanax. To enjoy
years of reliable, efficient and safe use of this time-saving instrument, please read
this manual thoroughly and keep it in a safe and handy place for future reference.
Should you have any question regarding the use, maintenance or repair of your
instrument, kindly contact Katanax directly for assistance (see page 84 for contact
details).
© September 2020, Katanax inc. All rights reserved.

2
Index
Index ...............................................................................................2
Installation......................................................................................5
Box contents............................................................................................ 5
Location................................................................................................... 5
Leveling ................................................................................................... 7
Connection............................................................................................... 7
Mold size.................................................................................................. 7
Crucible holder setup................................................................................ 7
Questions ?.............................................................................................. 7
Introduction....................................................................................8
Fusion basics............................................................................................ 8
Automatic fluxers ..................................................................................... 8
The X-300 fluxer ...................................................................................... 8
Main features of the Katanax X-300 ........................................................ 11
Precautions ...................................................................................13
How the unit works ......................................................................14
Heating.................................................................................................. 14
Multiple configurations............................................................................ 14
Access to the furnace ............................................................................. 14
Agitation and pouring of the melt ............................................................ 15
Cooling .................................................................................................. 15
Solution agitation ................................................................................... 15
Using the X-300 (basic) ...............................................................16
Operation of the safety shield.................................................................. 16
The main running screen ........................................................................ 17
Loading a program ................................................................................. 20
During a fusion....................................................................................... 21
The right ingredients .............................................................................. 22
Care of the platinumware ....................................................................... 25
Crucible installation ................................................................................ 26
Mold installation ..................................................................................... 27
A general fusion ..................................................................................... 28
Making solutions..................................................................................... 29
Description of the fusion steps ................................................................ 30
Programming the X-300 (advanced)...........................................32
Viewing the fusion parameters ................................................................ 32
Unlocking the advanced mode ................................................................ 36
Managing fusion methods ....................................................................... 37
Preparing a fusion program..................................................................... 38
Heating steps ......................................................................................... 38
Pouring step........................................................................................... 39
Cooling steps ......................................................................................... 40

3
On-the-fly editing ................................................................................... 41
Global parameters ........................................................................43
Language............................................................................................... 43
Holding temperature offset ..................................................................... 43
Startup tolerance.................................................................................... 44
End beep ............................................................................................... 44
Automatic shut-off delay......................................................................... 44
Safety shield protection .......................................................................... 45
Fusion counter ....................................................................................... 45
Special parameters.......................................................................46
Accessing the Special parameters ........................................................... 46
Offsets................................................................................................... 46
Loop operation ....................................................................................... 47
Movement testing................................................................................... 47
Fusion troubleshooting.................................................................48
Disk cracks............................................................................................. 48
Disk crystallizes...................................................................................... 48
Incomplete disk...................................................................................... 48
Non-homogenous disk............................................................................ 49
Bubbles in disk ....................................................................................... 49
Periodic inspection .......................................................................50
Warning................................................................................................. 50
Inspection schedule table........................................................................ 50
Flux spillage on holders........................................................................... 50
Holders alignment and functionality......................................................... 51
Air filter for the molds cooling ................................................................. 52
Furnace chimney cleaning....................................................................... 52
Element terminal connections ................................................................. 53
Furnace cleanliness ................................................................................ 53
Thermocouple junction ........................................................................... 54
Swing motion system ............................................................................ 54
Service operations ........................................................................56
Warning................................................................................................. 56
Crucible holder removal .......................................................................... 56
Crucible holder installation ...................................................................... 57
Mold holder removal............................................................................... 57
Mold holder configuration, assembly and alignment ................................. 58
Heating element replacement ................................................................. 60
Top/back panel removal ......................................................................... 62
Side panel removal................................................................................. 63
Bottom panels removal........................................................................... 64
Appendix A –Technical specifications.........................................66
Electrical ................................................................................................ 66
Physical ................................................................................................. 66
Appendix B –Warranty ................................................................67
Appendix C –Firmware and program transfers..........................68
Preset programs..................................................................................... 68