Struers Minitom User manual

Updated 14.10.2019
Nélia Castro
Precision cut-off machine –Struers Minitom
User instructions
Operation of this equipment is restricted to trained personnel familiar with the user
instructions, general safety precautions, and laboratory rules. Contact the laboratory
manager or your supervisor/group leader to get permission to use this equipment.
Always Use Personal Protective Equipment
Safety glasses
must be worn.
Working gloves
must be worn.
Rings and jewelry
must not be worn.
Specimen holder arm
Shutter for cooling
tank
START button
STOP button
Adjustable knob for
setting the required
speed for the cut-off
wheel.
Sample holder
Front weight
Rear weight
Adjustable stop plate/
Micrometer screw and
lock for micrometer
screw
Cut-off wheel
Splash guard

Before starting, verify that the cut-off wheel is in good condition. If it is indented or shows signs of
corrosion DOT NOT use the equipment. Contact the lab manager or deputy to replace it.
Routine for sample cutting
1. Fasten the specimen in the specimen holder by means of the 4 mm Alley key. It must be fastened
tightly to avoid vibrations during cutting.
IMPORTANT: Check that the cut-off wheel is able to cut through the specimen without the flanges
coming into contact with the specimen holder. The specimen must protrude at least 6 mm from the
specimen holder.
2. Adjust the stop plate up or down so that Minitom stops when the specimen has been cut throught:
a) Turn the lock on the micrometer screw counter clockwise.
b) Adjust the position of the cut by turning the micrometer screw.
c) Lock the screw by turning the lock clockwise.
3. Adjust the cutting pressure:
a) Push the weights of the specimen holder back.
b) Adjust the rear weight so that the arm with specimen holder and specimen are in balance.
c) Adjust the cutting pressure with the front weight.
d) Tilt the arm carefully back to a vertical position.
4. Fill the cooling tank with 250 ml of water.
5. Mount the splash guard.
6. Set the adjustable knob Cutting Speed to the lowest speed.
7. Connect the power cord to the electricity plug and turn on the equipment. (The main switch is
located on the back of the machine).
8. Press the button START.
9. Move the specimen holder arm slowly down towards the cut-off wheel.
10. Adjust the speed of the cut-off wheel on the adjustable knob Cutting Speed (do not exceed the 300
rpm).
IMPORTANT: Reduce the wheel speed if the workpiece moves up and down or the cut-off wheel
vibrates when cutting.
11. When the specimen is cut, stop the machine by pressing the STOP button.
12. Turn off the equipment (main switch in the back) and disconnect the power cord from the electricity.
13. Remove your specimen from the specimen holder by means of the 4 mm Alley key.
14. Empty the cooling tank.
15. Clean the equipment and bench.