Struers LaboForce-100 User manual

Flexible specimen
holder
LaboForce-100, Tegramin-25, Tegramin-30
Instruction Manual
Original Instructions
Doc. no.: 17067026_A_en
Date of release: 2022.10.13

Copyright
The contents of this manual are the property of Struers ApS. Reproduction of
any part of this manual without the written permission of Struers ApS is not
allowed.
All rights reserved. © Struers ApS 2022.10.13.
2 Flexible specimen holder

Table of Contents
1 Safety 5
1.1 Intended use 5
1.2 Safety messages 5
1.3 Safety messages in this manual 6
2 Getting started 7
2.1 Device description 7
2.2 Overview 8
2.3 Checking the packing list 8
3 Transport and storage 8
3.1 Long-term storage or shipping 9
4 Instructions for use 9
4.1 Specimen size and processing 9
4.2 Placing the specimens 12
4.3 Handling a flexible specimen holder 13
4.4 Adjusting the height of the flexible specimen holder 15
4.5 Adjusting the horizontal position of the flexible
specimen holder 16
5 Maintenance 17
6 Technical data 18
7 Troubleshooting 19
8 Disposal 20
9 Manufacturer 21
Declaration of Incorporation of Partly Completed
Machinery 23
Flexible specimen holder 3

1 Safety
1.1 Intended use
The device is intended to be used as a specimen holder to secure the
specimen during a semi-automatic materialographic preparation process.
The device is intended to be used in combination with Struers equipment for
grinding/polishing:
• Tegramin-25: 140 mm diameter flexible specimen holder
• Tegramin-30: 160 mm diameter flexible specimen holder
• LaboForce-100: 140 and 160mm diameter flexible specimen holder
Note
The software installed in all machines produced before
November 2023 must be updated before the flexible specimen
holder can be used.
Note
If you have an older version of the Instructions Manuals for the
following machines you may have to download an updated
version containing instructions on how to use the flexible
specimen holder:
• Tegramin-25
• Tegramin-30
• LaboForce-100
Visit the Struers web page for the latest manual version, or
contact your sales representative.
Do not use the device for the
following
Any other equipment than stated
in this section.
1.2 Safety messages
Signs used in safety messages
Struers uses the following signs to indicate potential hazards.
1 Safety
Flexible specimen holder 5

ELECTRICAL HAZARD
This sign indicates an electrical hazard which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
DANGER
This sign indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
This sign indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
This sign indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
CRUSHING HAZARD
This sign indicates a crushing hazard which, if not avoided, could
result in minor, moderate or serious injury.
General messages
Note
This sign indicates that there is a risk of damage to property, or a
need to proceed with special care.
Hint
This sign indicates that additional information and hints are available.
1.3 Safety messages in this manual
CAUTION
Ignoring this information and mishandling of the equipment can lead
to severe bodily injuries and material damage.
WARNING
Struers equipment must only be used in connection with and as
described in the Instruction Manual supplied with the equipment.
6 Flexible specimen holder
1 Safety

CAUTION
Read this Instruction Manual, as well as the Instruction Manual
for the machine with which you are going to use this accessory.
CRUSHING HAZARD
Keep your hands clear of the flexible specimen holder when
lowering the specimen mover.
CAUTION
To ensure that the machine with which you are using the flexible
specimen holder can fixate the specimen securely, the following
software version must be installed on the machine.
• Tegramin-25, Tegramin-30:V.1.33 or later
• LaboForce-100: V.3.03 or later
Failure to do so can result in specimens being ejected from the
machine.
CAUTION
To prevent specimens from detaching from the specimen holder,
make sure that the specimen or specimens are covered
completely by the flexible specimen holder.
CAUTION
Use only specimens that are within the recommended
dimensions. If they are not within the recommended dimensions,
they can detach from the flexible specimen holder and drop.
2 Getting started
2.1 Device description
The device is a specimen holder with spring-loaded pins that secures the
specimen during the preparation process.
The operator secures the specimen in the device, and makes sure that the
specimen does not protrude from the specimen holder.
The operator places the device in the machine.
The operator places the specimen on the preparation surface and starts the
machine by pressing the Start button.
The machine stops automatically when the process is completed.
2 Getting started
Flexible specimen holder 7

The operator cleans the specimen before the next preparation step or inspection.
2.2 Overview
A:149mm (5.86")
B:72 mm (3")
A:169mm (6.65")
B:72 mm (3")
2.3 Checking the packing list
Optional accessories may be included in the packing box.
The packing box contains the following items:
Pcs. Description
1 Flexible specimen holder
1 Instruction Manual set
3 Transport and storage
If, at any time after the installation, you have to move the unit or place it in storage,
there is a number of guidelines we recommend that you follow.
• Package the unit securely before transportation.
Insufficient packaging could cause damage to the unit and will void the
warranty. Contact Struers Service.
8 Flexible specimen holder
3 Transport and storage

• Struers recommends that all original packaging and fittings are kept for
future use.
3.1 Long-term storage or shipping
• Before storage or shipping, place the device in its original packaging.
4 Instructions for use
CRUSHING HAZARD
Keep your hands clear of the flexible specimen holder when
lowering the specimen mover.
CAUTION
Read this Instruction Manual, as well as the Instruction Manual
for the machine with which you are going to use this accessory.
CAUTION
To ensure that the machine with which you are using the flexible
specimen holder can fixate the specimen securely, the following
software version must be installed on the machine.
• Tegramin-25, Tegramin-30:V.1.33 or later
• LaboForce-100: V.3.03 or later
Failure to do so can result in specimens being ejected from the
machine.
4.1 Specimen size and processing
Note
Remove burrs and sharp edges from the specimen before
preparation.
Note
Do not use the flexible specimen holder for preparing round, solid
specimens with a uniform surface.
4 Instructions for use
Flexible specimen holder 9

You can use the flexible specimen
holder for preparing round, hollow
specimens.
Specimen sizes
CAUTION
Use only specimens that are within the recommended dimensions. If
they are not within the recommended dimensions, they can detach
from the flexible specimen holder and drop.
Flexible specimen holder size
140 mm (5.5") Height Min.: 10 mm (0.4")
Max.: 20 mm (0.8")
Area Min.: 20 x 40 mm (0.8 x 1.8")
Max.: 90 x 90 mm (4 x 4")
160 mm (6.3") Height Min.: 10 mm (0.4")
Max.: 20 mm (0.8")
Area Min.: 20 x 40 mm (0.8 x 1.8")
Max.: 100 x 100 mm (4.3 x 4.3")
Specimen shape
AThe height of the specimens must not vary more than 6 mm (0.23").
Holes, cavities, etc. must not exceed 50% of the total specimen area.
BThe angle of the edge of the specimen must not be greater than 50°.
If the angle is greater, the specimen can fall out of the flexible specimen
holder.
10 Flexible specimen holder
4 Instructions for use

Note
Do not use the flexible specimen holder to prepare specimens
where the top part of the specimen is not supported by the
bottom part of the specimen. If you do, the specimen will tilt.
4 Instructions for use
Flexible specimen holder 11

4.2 Placing the specimens
Note
Place the specimens so that they do not extend beyond the MD-disc.
Always place the longest side of the
specimen so that it is parallel with the
rotational direction.
12 Flexible specimen holder
4 Instructions for use

4.3 Handling a flexible specimen holder
Procedure
1. From the Main menu screen select Flexible specimen holder
methods.
2. If the menu item Flexible specimen holder methods is not available in
the main menu, you must activate it in the software:
Select Configuration -> Options and set Flexible specimen holder to
Yes.
Procedure
1. From the Main menu screen select Flexible specimen holder
methods.
2. If the menu item Flexible specimen holder methods is not available in
the main menu, you must activate it in the software:
Select Configuration -> Options and set Flexible specimen holder to
Yes.
Inserting a flexible specimen holder
CAUTION
To prevent specimens from detaching from the specimen holder,
make sure that the specimen or specimens are covered
completely by the flexible specimen holder.
CRUSHING HAZARD
Keep your hands clear of the flexible specimen holder when
lowering the specimen mover.
Procedure
Hint
Make sure that you use sufficient force according to the
specimen size and Struers recommendations.
The Struers Metalog Guide methods are based on a specimen
with an area of 7 cm2.
Adjust the method according to your specific specimen area.
Procedure
4 Instructions for use
Flexible specimen holder 13

Hint
Make sure that the preparation surface is sufficiently wet before you
start the preparation process.
1. Press the Lower/Raise button to make sure that the
specimen mover head is fully raised.
2. Press the black button on the specimen mover head.
3. Insert the flexible specimen holder and rotate it until the
three pins are aligned with the holes in the specimen
mover.
4. Push the flexible specimen holder upwards until it locks
into position.
5. Release the black button on the specimen mover head.
Make sure that the flexible specimen holder is securely
fixed.
Using the flexible specimen holder
1. Place the specimen or specimens on the preparation
surface.
2. Press the Lower/Raise button to lower the flexible
specimen holder.
3. Make sure that no specimens protrude from the flexible
specimen holder. If they do, adjust the specimens.
– Press the Lower/Raise button to raise the flexible
specimen holder.
– Adjust the specimens.
4. Repeat until all specimens are placed correctly.
5. Start the preparation process.
The preparation process stops automatically when the set
preparation time has expired.
6. Clean the flexible specimen holder before the next
preparation step.
Adjusting the height of the flexible specimen holder
Note
This procedure applies only to Tegramin-25 and Tegramin-30.
14 Flexible specimen holder
4 Instructions for use

To prevent the flexible specimen holder from coming into contact with the
preparation surface, you can adjust the height between the flexible specimen
holder and the preparation surface.
1. Select Configuration>Miscellaneous>Min. distance flexible holder -
surface. The lower the value, the closer the flexible specimen holder can
move towards the preparation surface before the software stops it from
moving further downwards.
Adjusting the height of the flexible specimen holder
Note
This procedure applies only to LaboForce-100.
Adjust the height of the ring to be able to use the flexible specimen holder with
LaboForce-100. See the manual supplied with the specific equipment.
4.4 Adjusting the height of the flexible specimen holder
The following applies only when a flexible specimen holder is used.
1. With a flexible specimen holder
mounted, place a preparation
surface on the preparation disc.
2. Select the ‘thickest’ preparation
surface to be used and place it
on the preparation disc. Usually,
this will be SiC Foil on an MD-
Gekko disc, or SiC Paper on an
MD-Fuga disc, or an MD-Alto.
3. Place a spacing disc at a height
of 20 mm on the preparation
surface so that it is below the
edge of the flexible specimen
holder.
ASpacing disc
4 Instructions for use
Flexible specimen holder 15

4. Support the LaboForce-100
head and loosen the screw in
the adjustment ring.
AV-shaped groove
BPin
CAdjustment ring
DFastening screw
5. Press the Lower/Raise button
to lower the specimen mover
head. An error message will
appear as the specimen mover
head is not in contact with the
adjustment ring.
6. Move the adjustment ring up
until the pin fits into the V-
shaped groove on the cabinet of
the control panel.
7. Tighten the adjustment ring to
fix it in this position.
8. Press the Turn/push knob
knob to clear the error
message.
9. Press the Lower/Raise button
to raise the specimen mover
head.
4.5 Adjusting the horizontal position of the flexible
specimen holder
With a flexible specimen holder:
16 Flexible specimen holder
4 Instructions for use

1. Press the Lower/Raise button to
lower the specimen mover head.
2. Loosen the 2 fastening screws
holding the column of the control
panel.
3. Place the flexible specimen
holder in a position that does not
allow the specimen to run more
than 1 mm over the edge of the
preparation disc.
5 Maintenance
Proper maintenance is required to achieve the maximum up-time and
operating lifetime of the device.
Cleaning
Note
Do not use acetone, benzol or similar solvents.
Frequency
• Clean the device between each preparation step or every day.
Procedure
• To clean the device, use either Lavamin, or a dish brush and a common
household detergent.
If you have prepared specimens using a large amount of resin, clean the
device with a dish brush.
• Dry the device with the pins facing downwards.
• Store the device with the pins facing downwards.
5 Maintenance
Flexible specimen holder 17

6 Technical data
Subject Specifications
Safety standards CE-labeled according to EU directives
REACH For information about REACH, contact your local
Struers office.
Noise level See the noise level stated for the specific
machine using this device.
Operating environment Surrounding
temperature
0 – 40°C (41 – 104°F)
Humidity N/A
Storage and transport
conditions
Surrounding
temperature
-30 – 60°C (32 –
140°F)
Humidity Non-condensing
Dimensions and weight Diameter 140mm dia.:149mm
(5.86")
160mm dia.:169mm
(6.65")
Height 140mm dia.: 72 mm
(3")
160mm dia.:72 mm
(3")
Weight 140mm dia.: 1.3kg
(2.86 lbs)
160mm dia.:1.7 kg
(3.74 lbs)
18 Flexible specimen holder
6 Technical data

7 Troubleshooting
Problem Possible cause Solution
The process
cannot be started.
See error
messages for the
machine.
The flexible
specimen holder
is too close to the
surface.
This can be
caused by
incorrect
configuration or
height
adjustment, i.e.
the specimen is
too low, or the
force is too high.
Change the force.
Use higher specimens.
Change the configuration. See
the Instruction Manual for the
machine you are using.
The pins on the
flexible specimen
holder are touching
the preparation
surface.
The force setting
is too high, or the
specimens are
too low.
The value in the
software
indicating how
close to the
turntable the
holder can go are
set to a too low
value.
Decrease the force. See the
Instruction Manual for the
machine you are using.
Increase the specimen height.
The specimens fall
out of the flexible
specimen holder.
The specimens
have not been
placed correctly.
Insufficient force
is applied.
See Placing the specimens
►12.
Increase the force.
The pins on the
flexible specimen
holder get stuck to
the bottom plate.
The flexible
specimen holder
is dirty.
Clean the flexible specimen
holder. See Maintenance ►17.
7 Troubleshooting
Flexible specimen holder 19

Problem Possible cause Solution
The specimens
develop a pencil
shape.
The specimens
have not been
placed correctly.
The sample area
is too small.
The specimen is
too high.
The specimen
geometry is
round and solid.
SeePlacing the specimens
►12.
Turn the specimen and repeat
the step.
It is difficult to
insert the flexible
specimen holder in
the machine.
The coupling is
worn out.
Check the coupling.
Contact Struers Service.
The surfaces are
being damaged.
The specimen
has burrs.
The specimen
has sharp edges.
To high force is
applied to the
specimen.
The specimen
area is too small.
Remove burrs.
Remove sharp edges.
Lower the force.
Short lifetime of the
polishing cloth
The polishing
cloth is too soft.
Use a harder polishing cloth.
Download the brochure
"Polishing cloth guide" on the
Struers website.
8 Disposal
Contact your local authorities for information on the correct method of disposal in
accordance with national legislation.
Specimen holders are made of stainless steel and plastic and do not contain any
components classified as hazardous.
Flexible specimen holders can be disposed of as metal waste.
20 Flexible specimen holder
8 Disposal