Struers LaboForce-3 User manual

Manual No.: 15217001
Date of Release .08.20
LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
Always state Serial No and Voltage/frequency if you have technical questions or when ordering spare parts.
You will find the Serial No. and Voltage on the type plate of the machine itself. We may also need the Date
and Article No of the manual. This information is found on the front cover.
The following restrictions should be observed, as violation of the restrictions may cause cancellation of
Struers legal obligations:
Instruction Manuals: Struers Instruction Manual may only be used in connection with Struers equipment
covered by the Instruction Manual.
Service Manuals: Struers Service Manual may only be used by a trained technician authorised by Struers.
The Service Manual may only be used in connection with Struers equipment covered by the Service Manual.
Struers assumes no responsibility for errors in the manual text/illustrations. The information in this manual is
subject to changes without notice. The manual may mention accessories or parts not included in the present
version of the equipment.
Original instructions. The contents of this manual is the property of Struers. Reproduction of any part of
this manual without the written permission of Struers is not allowed.
All rights reserved. © Struers 2012.
Struers A/S
Pederstrupvej 84
DK-2750 Ballerup
Denmark
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
LaboForce-3
Safety Precaution Sheet
To be read carefully
before use
1. The operator should be fully aware of the use of the machine according
to the Instruction Manual. The machine must be mounted securely on
the grinding/polishing machine.
2. Be sure that the actual voltage corresponds to the voltage stated on the
back of the machine. The machine must be earthed.
3. Blue lubricant: follow the current safety rules for handling, mixing, filling,
emptying and disposal of the alcohol-based lubricant.
4. If you observe malfunctions or hear unusual noises - stop the machine
and call technical service.
The equipment should only be used for its intended purpose and as detailed in the Instruction Manual.
The equipment is designed for use with consumables supplied by Struers. If subjected to misuse, improper
installation, alteration, neglect, accident or improper repair, Struers will accept no responsibility for
damage(s) to the user or the equipment.
Dismantling of any part of the equipment, during service or repair, should always be performed by a qualified
technician (electromechanical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, etc.).

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
Disposal
Equipment marked with a WEEE symbol contain electrical and
electronic components and must not be disposed of as general
waste.
Please contact your local authorities for information on the correct
method of disposal in accordance with national legislation.

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
1
User’s Guide
Table of Contents Page
1.Getting Started
Checking the Contents.......................................................................2
Getting Acquainted with LaboForce-3................................................2
Setting up LaboForce-3......................................................................3
Adjusting the Specimen Mover Position.............................................3
Distance to Preparation Disc ....................................................3
Disc Margin........................................................................................4
Connecting LaboForce-3....................................................................4
Supplying Power.......................................................................4
Communication.........................................................................4
Mounting a Drip Lubricator.................................................................5
Mounting a LaboDoser Dosing Unit ...................................................5
2.Operation
Inserting a Specimen .........................................................................6
Adjusting the Force............................................................................6
Operating LaboForce-3......................................................................6
Replacing the Specimen Mover Plate................................................6
Operating a Drip Lubricator................................................................7
Changing Lubricant............................................................................7

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
2
1. Getting Started
In the packing box you should find the following parts:
1 LaboForce-3
1 Allen-key 2.5 mm for securing the specimen mover plate
1 Allen-key 1.5 mm for the thrust pad screw
6 Extra screws M4 for securing the specimen mover plate
1 Nut, M16
3 Washers, 1 mm for levelling of column height
3 Washers, 3 mm for levelling of column height
1 Set of Instruction Manuals
Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the location and
names of the LaboForce-3 components.
LaboForce-3 mounted on LaboPol-5 (accessory):
Drip lubricator (accessory)
Handle (Behind , not shown)
Spring housing
Adjustment screw
Specimen mover plate
Checking the Contents
Getting Acquainted with
LaboForce-3

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
3
LaboForce-3 is made for mounting on Struers grinding/polishing
machines, LaboPol-1, -2, -4, -5, -6, -21 or -25.
Remove the plastic lid from the pre-punched hole for the
LaboForce-3 column. Turn the LaboPol machine onto its left-
hand side.
Lead the LaboForce-3 column through the hole. Mount the nut
and tighten loosely using a 24 mm spanner.
Raise the LaboPol to its upright position.
Unlock LaboForce-3 and let it move to the upright position.
Place the specimen mover plate on the three columns and
secure it with three screws. Use the enclosed 2.5 mm Allen key.
Go to paragraph ‘Adjusting the Specimen Mover Position’.
Remove the plastic lid from the pre-punched hole for the
LaboForce column. Move the LaboPol to the left so that the
part of the machine where LaboForce-3 is to be mounted is free
of the table.
Lead the LaboForce-3 column through the hole. Mount the nut
and tighten loosely using a 24 mm spanner.
Move the LaboPol back onto the table.
Unlock LaboForce-3 and let it move to the upright position.
Place the specimen mover plate on the three columns and
secure it with three screws. Use the enclosed 2.5 mm Allen key.
Go to paragraph ‘Adjusting the Specimen Mover Position’.
To ensure that LaboForce-3 works correctly you need to adjust the
distance between the specimen mover plate and the preparation
disc of your grinding/polishing machine.
Place a ø200 mm preparation disc on the grinding/polishing
machine.
The distance between the specimen mover plate and the
preparation disc should be about 2 - 2.5 mm. If the distance is
too small, you must:
−Remove LaboForce-3 from the grinding/polishing machine.
−Attach 1 or more additional washers (1-3 mm). Grease the
washers and fasten them under the column, using the
grease as an adhesive.
−Mount LaboForce-3 in its hole again and tighten the nut
loosely.
−Repeat the above procedure until the correct distance is
achieved.
Setting up LaboForce-3
On LaboPol-1/ -2/-4/-5/-6
On LaboPol-21/-25
Adjusting the Specimen Mover
Position
Distance to Preparation Disc

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
4
Before the final tightening of the nut you must check the margin
between the holes of the specimen mover plate and the edge of the
grinding/polishing disc. The distance should be:
Diameter of the
Holes Disc Margin
40 mm 1.5 mm
1½" 2.5 mm
1¼" 6.0 mm
30 mm 6.5 mm
25 mm 9.0 mm
Connect the power cable to the socket on the back of the
LaboPol machine, .
LaboForce-3 is provided with a communication cable. Connect the
plug to the socket on the back of LaboPol, .
To enable communication between LaboForce-3 and LaboPol, set
the switch to ‘on’.
Disc Margin
IMPORTANT
Having adjusted the disc margin, tighten the nut firmly.
The column should now remain in position.
Connecting LaboForce-3
Supplying Power
IMPORTANT
Check that the mains voltage corresponds to the voltage stated on the type
plate on the back of the machine.
Communication

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
5
The drip lubricator can be mounted on LaboForce-3 to supply the
necessary lubricant during the preparation process.
Remove the drip lubricator from its box.
Loosen the finger screw underneath LaboForce-3.
Guide the bottom plate of the drip lubricator onto the finger
screw and the positioning pin underneath the LaboForce-3, and
tighten the finger screw again.
Hold the lubricant bottle with one hand and remove the top lid.
Fill the bottle with lubricant.
Place the lid on the bottle and the drip lubricator is ready to
use.
Follow the Instructions for Use that are supplied with the Dosing
Unit.
Mounting a Drip Lubricator
(Accessory)
Mounting a LaboDoser Dosing
Unit (Accessory)

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
6
2. Operation
Lift the thrust pad on the adjustment screw to make room for
the specimen.
Place the specimen in one of the holes of the specimen mover
plate and lower the thrust pad.
Adjust the force by turning the adjustment screw. The
indications on the spring housing correspond to the actual
force in Newton as stated below:
Indication Force
(0) 0-5 N
1 10 N
2 20 N
3 30 N
4 40 N
Press LaboForce-3 down into the operating position.
Place 1 to 3 specimens in the specimen mover plate.
Adjust the force.
Adjust the lubricant dosing level.
Press START 
Carry out the planned preparation step and press STOP
on LaboPol.

Stop lubricant dosing:
Drip Lubricator: Close the valve on the drip lubricator.
LaboDoser: Stops automatically after the pre-set time
on
LaboPol when finished.
As the specimens must fit the holes in the specimen mover
plate quite accurately, the specimen mover plate has to be
changed when samples of another size are to be prepared.
Unlock LaboForce-3 and let it move into upright position.
Unscrew the fastening screws of the specimen mover plate
using the Allen key.
Place the new specimen mover plate on the three columns and
secure it with the three screws.
Lower LaboForce-3 again and press gently to lock the machine.
Inserting a Specimen
Adjusting the Force
4
3
2
1
Operating LaboForce-3
Remember
It is not possible to start LaboForce-3 on LaboPol when the specimen
mover is lifted to upright position.
Replacing the
Specimen Mover Plate

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
7
Position the dosing nozzle in the correct position over the
preparation disc.
Open the valve and adjust the lubricant dosing level.
After the preparation step has been completed close the valve
to stop lubricant dosing.
Remove the drip lubricator from LaboForce-3
Hold the lubricant bottle firmly and remove the top lid.
Pour out the lubricant, and fill the bottle with a mild soap
solution.
Open the valve and clean the tube.
Exchange the soap water with clean water and repeat the
above procedure.
Empty the lubricator.
Put the lubricator back on LaboForce-3 and tighten the finger
screw.
Refill with lubricant and mount the top lid.
Follow the Instructions for Use that are supplied with the Dosing
Unit.
Operating a Drip Lubricator
(Accessory)
Changing Lubricant
Drip Lubricant
(Accessory)
LaboDoser Dosing Unit
(Accessory)

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
8
Reference Guide
Table of Contents Page
1.Accessories .............................................................................9
2.Struers Metalog Guide™....................................................10
3.Maintenance
Every Day.........................................................................................11
Every Week......................................................................................11
Every Month.....................................................................................11
4.Trouble-Shooting..................................................................12
5.Technical Data......................................................................13

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
9
1. Accessories
Please refer to the LaboForce brochure for details of the range
available.
Remember...
Struers offers a comprehensive range of consumables for grinding and
polishing. Please ask for separate leaflets.

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
10
2. Struers Metalog Guide™
LaboForce-3 is designed for preparation of most materials. In
Struers Metalog Guide™ you will find a detailed description of
grinding/polishing methods for automated mechanical specimen
preparation.
Struers Metalog Guide™ offers preparation methods for the most
common materials, based on a simple analysis of two key
properties: hardness and ductility. Finding the right method is
easy, and the guide will also give you information on choice of
consumables. Always consult Struers Metalog Guide™ on the
Struers website for the correct preparation method for each
specimen.
Metalog Guide™
A complete guide to materialographic specimen preparation.
struers.com/KNOWLEDGE/Metalog Guide.

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
11
3. Maintenance
Clean the specimen holder plate with a damp cloth.
Clean LaboForce-3 with a damp cloth.
Remove the drip lubricator from LaboForce-3
Hold the lubricant bottle firmly and remove the top lid.
Pour out the lubricant, and fill the bottle with a mild soap
solution.
Open the valve to also clean the tube.
Exchange the soap water with water and repeat the above.
Empty the lubricator.
Put the lubricator back on LaboForce-3 and tighten the finger
screw.
Refill with lubricant and mount the top lid.
Follow the Instructions for Use that are supplied with the Dosing
Unit.
The necessary friction on the springs for the sample load is
generated by friction pins located behind the indicators in the
spring housing. The pins need to be adjusted with an Allen-key
from time to time to ensure a constant force level.
Every Day
Every Week
Cleaning a Drip Lubricator
Cleaning a LaboDoser Dosing
Unit
Every Month

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
12
4. Trouble-Shooting
Error Cause Action
The specimen mover
does not start when
LaboPol is started.
The switch for the specimen mover on the
back of LaboPol is set to “off” Set the switch to “on”
Specimen holder plate
vibrates Specimen holder plate unbalanced
Specimen holder plate screws loose Replace specimen holder plate
Tighten specimen holder plate
screws
The preparation disc
runs unevenly or stops Force too high Lower force
The column starts to
turn Bottom nut of column is loose Tighten the nut at the base of column immediately (See Section
INSTALLATION)
Bad or unusual
preparation results
from the same method
The adjustment screw turns by itself, leading
to differing forces Increase friction by turning the friction screw in the spring
housing
Replace the friction pins if
necessary

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
13
5. Technical Data
Subject Specifications
Motor output 25 W
Torque at disc Continuous 1 Nm
Amperage
The motor is equipped with a thermal
switch for protection against overload.
0.27 A/220-240 V
0.55 A/100-120 V
Rotational speed 250 rpm at 50/60 Hz
Force per specimen Min. approximately 5 N, max. approx. 40 N
Safety Standard Please refer to the Declaration of Conformity
Noise Level 60 dB (A) running at idle, at a distance of 0.25m/10” from the machine
Power Supply LaboForce-3 is connected directly to LaboPol-1/5 or LaboPol-21
Dimensions and
Weight Width 185 mm/7.5” (including drip lubricator)
Depth 325 mm/12.8”
Height 320 mm/12.6” (above grinding/polishing disc)
Weight 9.5 kg/21 lbs

LaboForce-3
Instruction Manual
14
Quick Reference
Lift the thrust pad to make room for the specimen.
Place the specimen in the specimen holder plate hole and lower
the thrust pad. Make sure that the specimen diameter matches
the specimen holder plate hole.
Adjust the force by turning the adjustment screw.
Stop the grinding/polishing machine.
Unlock the LaboForce-3 handle and let it move into upright
position.
Change the disc on the turntable.
Lower LaboForce-3 again and press gently to lock the machine.
Lower LaboForce-3 and press gently to lock the machine in
position.
Place 1 to 3 specimens in the specimen holder plate on the
chosen surface.
Adjust the lubricant dosing level.
Press START 
Perform the preparation step and press STOP
on LaboPol.

Stop lubricant dosing
Drip Lubricator: Close the valve on the drip lubricator
LaboDoser: Stops automatically after the pre-set time.
on the
LaboPol.
Inserting a Specimen
Replacing a
Grinding/Polishing Disc
Starting a Preparation Step

LaboForce-3
Gebrauchsanweisung
Handbuch Nr.: 15217001
Auslieferungsdatum 07.08.2012

LaboForce-3
Gebrauchsanweisung
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und die Spannung/Frequenz an. Diese Angaben finden Sie auf dem am Gerät angebrachten Typenschild.
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finden Sie auf dem Deckblatt der Gebrauchsanweisung.
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Alle Rechte vorbehalten © Struers 2012.
Struers A/S
Pederstrupvej 84
DK-2750 Ballerup
Dänemark
Telephon [phone]
Fax [phone]