Struers LaboPress-1 User manual

Manual No.: 15057001
Date of Release 11.01.2008
LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
Table of Contents Page
User’s Guide ..............................................................1
Reference Guide.......................................................12
Quick Reference Card .............................................22
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.
The contents of this manual are the property of Struers. Reproduction of any part of this manual without the
written permission of Struers is not allowed.
All rights reserved. © Struers 2008.
Struers A/S
Pederstrupvej 84
DK-2750 Ballerup
Denmark
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
LaboPress-1
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.
2. The machine must be placed in a well ventilated room on a working
table with adequate height for convenient operation.
3. Be sure that the actual voltage corresponds to the voltage stated on the
back of the machine and on the heating/cooling unit. The machine must
be earthed.
4. Be sure that the water connections are mounted correctly and without
leaks. The main water supply should be turned on when the machine is
in use.
Struers recommend that the mains water supply is shut off or
disconnected if the machine is to be left unattended
5. Be sure that the outlet hose is safely attached to the water outlet
system.
6. Be sure that the mounting unit is correctly assembled on the press
before starting the process.
7. Be sure that the top closure with upper ram is either correctly mounted
on the mounting cylinder or completely removed from the mounting
cylinder before starting the press.
8. Do not operate the mounting press with a higher force/pressure than
recommended for the actual cylinder diameter and resin in Struers
Application Guide for Hot Mounting.
9. Following a heating cycle, ensure the mounting cylinder is cooled for a
minimum of two minutes before opening.
10. Do not operate the machine whilst assembling or disassembling the
mounting unit.
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.).

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
1
User’s Guide
Table of Contents Page
1. Getting Started
Checking the Contents .....................................................................2
LaboPress-1................................................................................ 2
Mounting Unit ........................................................................... 2
Unpacking LaboPress-1.................................................................... 2
Placing LaboPress-1 ......................................................................... 2
Transport Screw Cap........................................................................ 2
Getting Acquainted with LaboPress-1............................................. 3
Noise Level........................................................................................4
Supplying Power............................................................................... 4
Supplying Water ............................................................................... 4
Water Inlet.................................................................................4
Water Outlet.............................................................................. 4
Recirculating Cooling Unit........................................................ 4
Assembling the Mounting Unit........................................................ 5
Removing the Cover .................................................................. 5
Installing the Lower Ram .........................................................5
Installing the Mounting Unit.................................................... 5
Installing the Cover................................................................... 6
Installing the Dust Protection Ring ......................................... 6
Disassembling the Mounting Unit................................................... 6
Dropping the Lower Ram.......................................................... 6
Removing the Dust Protection Ring ......................................... 6
Removing the Cover .................................................................. 6
Removing the Mounting Unit ..........................................................7
Removing the Lower Ram ................................................................ 7
Changing the Mounting Unit........................................................... 7
2. Basic Operations
Using the Controls............................................................................ 8
Front Panel Controls of LaboPress-1 .......................................8
Main Switch............................................................................... 8
Placing the Specimen .....................................................................10
Pouring Resin over the Specimen........................................... 10
Placing Two Specimens .................................................................. 10
Installing the Top Closure.............................................................. 11
The Mounting Process .................................................................... 11
Heating On............................................................................... 11
Heating Off ..............................................................................11
Removing the Top Closure .............................................................11

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
2
1. Getting Started
In the packing box you should find the following parts:
1 LaboPress-1 machine
2Measuring spoonsfor mounting resin
1 Funnel
1 Air filter
1 Set of Instruction Manuals
1 Mounting unit
1 Top closure with upper ram
1 Lower ram
1 Dust protection ring
1 Piston pin
1 Mould release agent (FASTI)
1 Scraper (PROAN)
LaboPress-1 is detached from the bottom of the packing case by
removing the four screws from below.
LaboPress-1 should be placed on a steady table with an adequate
working height. The machine must be placed close to the power
supply, water mains and water outlet facilities.
Carry out the following procedure before using the machine for
the first time. Exchange the transport screw cap with the
enclosed air filter , to equalise the pressure in the hydraulic
system.
Checking the Contents
LaboPress-1
Mounting Unit
Unpacking LaboPress-1
Placing LaboPress-1
Transport Screw Cap
The transport screw cap is situated underneath the cover for the
mounting unit.

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
3
Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the location and
names of the LaboPress-1 components.
Front panel
Top closure
Main switch
Mounting unit
Dust protection ring
Cover for mounting unit
Top closure holder
Getting Acquainted with
LaboPress-1
➀
➅
➃
➄➁
➂
➆

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
4
The noise level of the machine is 60 dB (A) measured when the
pump is running, at a distance of 1.0 m/39.4" from the machine.
LaboPress-1 is factory mounted with an electric cable. Mount a
plug on the cable:
Brown: phase
Blue: neutral
Yellow/green: earth
Cooling water can be supplied from the water mains or a
Recirculating Cooling Unit (available separately).
Connect the pressure hose to the water mains tap for cold water:
 Mount the reduction ring with gasket on the water mains tap,
if necessary.
 Insert the gasket and tighten the coupling nut completely.
Water inlet
Water outlet tube
 Lead the water outlet tube (pos. 2) to the drain and be
absolutely sure the hose has a steady downward slope and is
without any obstructions.
 Attach the water outlet tube to the water outlet system.
An optional cooling water recirculation unit is available for users
with special environmental or other needs that demand cooling
water be recirculated. (See Accessories section.)
When connected to LaboPress-1 it must be operated manually,
using the mains power switch to start and stop the cooling
process.
Separate directions for installing and using the cooling water
recirculation unit are provided with the unit.
Noise Level
Supplying Power
IMPORTANT
Check that the mains voltage corresponds to the voltage stated on the type
plate on the machine. Do not operate the machine before the transit screw
cap has been exchanged with the enclosed air filter.
Supplying Water
Water Inlet
➀
➃
➄
➁
IMPORTANT
Only connect to cold water
Water Outlet
Recirculating Cooling Unit

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
5
 Press the catch (pos. 4).
 Press gently on both sides of the cover to release it, and lift it
up.
➀
➃
➄
➁
Catch
 Place the lower ram on the top of the piston rod.
 Turn the lower ram so that the holes in the axle journal on
top of the rod and ram line up, and insert the piston pin.
 Make sure that the ends of the pin do not protrude.
IMPORTANT
The axle journal is part of the machine’s safety mechanism to protect
against damage to the machine. Please see: Maintenance. If it breaks, it
must only be replaced with a Struers replacement part or the safety
mechanism may not function.
➀
➂
➃
➄
➁
Mounting cylinder
Fixation screw
Upper quick coupling for cooling water
Lower quick coupling for cooling water
Plug
Assembling the Mounting Unit
Removing the Cover
Installing the Lower Ram
Installing the Mounting Unit
IMPORTANT
Do not operate the machine whilst installing the mounting unit

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
6
 Unscrew the fixation screw about 10 mm.
 Place the mounting cylinder over the lower ram with the
fixation screw in the position shown.
 Turn the mounting unit in a clockwise direction until it stops.
 Tighten the fixation screw completely.
 Mount the tube with the straight quick coupling on the lower
quick coupling (position 4) of the mounting unit and push to
connect. Make sure that the ring comes to stop in the extreme
end of the quick coupling.
 Mount the tube with the elbow quick coupling on the upper
quick coupling of the mounting unit (pos. 3) and push to
connect. Make sure that the ring comes to stop in the extreme
end of the quick coupling.
 Mount the plug (pos. 5) in the socket. Tighten the coupling
nut.
 Insert the barb into the front of the opening for the cover.
 Insert the barbs on both sides of the cover into the cabinet.
Press the sides of the cabinet gently.
 Press the rear end of the cover in so that the catch engages.
➀
➃
➄
➁
Catch
Place the dust protection ring around the mounting cylinder. The
concave side should face upwards.
 Switch on the main power of the machine.
 Press the key RAM DOWN Nto lower the ram to its lower
limit.
Lift out the dust protection ring.
 Press the catch (position 4).
 Press gently on both sides of the cover, to release it, and lift it
up.
Installing the Cover
Installing the
Dust Protection Ring
Disassembling
the Mounting Unit
Dropping the Lower Ram
Removing the
Dust Protection Ring
Removing the Cover

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
7
Mounting cylinder
Fixation screw
Upper quick coupling for cooling water
Lower quick coupling for cooling water
Plug
 Disconnect the plug (pos. 5) from the socket. Loosen the
coupling nut and pull.
 Disconnect the tube with elbow quick coupling on the upper
quick coupling on the mounting unit (pos. 3). Pull the ring.
Wait 5 seconds to allow the water to flow out of the cooling
coil.
 Disconnect the tube with straight quick coupling on the lower
quick coupling on the mounting unit (pos. 4). Pull the ring.
 Unscrew the fixation screw about 10 mm.
 Turn the mounting unit in an anti-clockwise direction until it
stops.
 Lift the mounting unit.
 Push the piston pin out of the lower ram and lift it off.
IMPORTANT
The axle journal is part of the machine’s safety mechanism to protect
against damage to the machine. Please see: Maintenance. If it breaks,
it must only be replaced with a Struers replacement part or the safety
mechanism may not function.
Follow the instructions for Removing the Mounting Unit and
Installing the Mounting Unit.
Removing the Mounting Unit
➀
➂
➃
➄
➁
IMPORTANT
Do not operate the machine whilst removing the mounting unit
Removing the Lower Ram
Changing the Mounting Unit

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
8
2. Basic Operations
Front panel
Main switch
Using the Controls
Front Panel Controls of
LaboPress-1
180°C
180°C
150°C
150°C
Power
LaboPress-1






2
1

➀
➅
➃
➄➁
➂
➆
Main Switch

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
9
Pos. No. Key/Knob Function Pos. No. Key Function

MAIN
SWITCH
Turns the main power of the
machine on/off. The main switch
is located to the right of the
cabinet.

HEATING
OFF º
Switches off the heating unit.

POWER
POWER Lights up when the main power
is on. 
HEATING
180°C Selects a temperature of 180°C.
The heating unit is not switched
on.

RAM
UP
O Starts the upwards movement of
lower ram. Creates and
maintains the pressure in the
mounting cylinder.

HEATING
INDICATOR
180°C Lights up when the temperature
reaches 180°C.

RAM
DOWN
N Starts the downward movement
of the lower ram. Relieves the
pressure in the mounting
cylinder.
1
HEATING
150°C Selects a temperature of 150°C.
The heating unit is not switched
on.

FORCE
f Gauge indicating the actual force
(pressure). 2
HEATING
INDICATOR
150°C Lights up when the temperature
reaches 150°C.

HEATING
ON ¹
Switches on the heating unit.
COOLING There is no specific cooling
indicator on LaboPress-1.
Cooling is controlled by the water
mains tap.

HEATING
INDICATOR ¹
Lights up when heating unit is
on.

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
10
 Press and hold RAM UP Oto raise the lower ram to its upper
limit. NOTE: The ram has reached its upper limit when the
force needle rises sharply.
 Apply "Mould Release Agent" to the surface of the lower ram.
 Place the specimen on the ram. The specimen must be clean,
dry and free from grease. The distance between the specimen
and the cylinder wall must be minimum 3 mm to avoid cracks
in the resin.
 Press and hold RAM DOWN Nto lower the ram to its lower
limit. NOTE: The ram has reached its lower limit when the
force needle falls to zero.
 Pour a suitable amount of resin into the cylinder by means of
the enclosed funnel.
 Always make sure there is sufficient resin to cover the
sample after compression. Please note that the volume of the
resin reduces when the granulate becomes compressed. If
insufficient resin is used, the rams may come in contact with
the sample, and the cylinder may be damaged.
 Follow the instructions in Placing the Specimen.
 Apply "Mould Release Agent" to all surfaces of the
intermediate ram.
 Place the intermediate ram (available separately) on top of
the resin.
 Place the second specimen on the intermediate ram and fill
the cylinder with an adequate quantity of resin.
 Again, make sure you use adequate resin!
Placing the Specimen
Pouring Resin over the Specimen
IMPORTANT
The "Mould Release Agent" must always be applied to the mounting rams
as a thin layer to prevent the resins sticking to the surface. By means of
Struers AntiStick a thin layer of stearate powder can easily be
dabbed on the rams.
Placing Two Specimens

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
11
 Remove resin dust from the upper part of the mounting
cylinder.
 Clean the cylindrical surface of the upper ram. Cured resin
can easily be removed without damage to the surface of the
ram using the scraper supplied.
 Apply "Mould Release Agent" to all accessible surfaces of the
upper ram.
 Place the top closure with the upper ram on the mounting
cylinder.
 Press the top closure straight down, turning it counter-
clockwise until you hear a click.
 Press the top closure down and turn it clockwise until its
lower limit.
 Turn the top closure a quarter of a turn back.
 Press HEATING 180°C or 150°C to select the temperature.
 Press HEATING ON ¹to switch on the heating unit.
 Press RAM UP Ountil the force, indicated on the gauge, is as
desired. If the force should become too high: Press RAM
DOWN Nbriefly.
 Maintain the force (pressure) during the heating period by
pressing the appropriate RAM UP/DOWN ON key.
 When the heating period is finished, press HEATING OFF º
to switch off the heating unit.
 Open the cooling water tap on the water mains.
 Maintain the force (pressure) during the cooling period.
 When the cooling period is finished, close the cooling water
tap on the water mains.
When the mounting process is finished:
 Press RAM DOWN Nbriefly to relieve the pressure.
 Turn the top closure counter-clockwise until released from the
thread.
 Press RAM UP Oto raise the raise ram to its upper limit.
 Place the top closure in the top closure holder.
Installing the Top Closure
IMPORTANT
If the ram does not fit in the cylinder check ram and cylinder for cured resin.
The tolerance between the cylinder and the ram is very fine and even small
amounts of resin from previous mounting may cause problems.
The Mounting Process
Heating On
Heating Off
If you have stopped the machine during the mounting process:
Cool the mounting cylinder a minimum 2 min before opening, after a heating
period. Please note that the mount might be destroyed.
Removing the Top Closure

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
12
Reference Guide
Table of Contents Page
1. Struers Metalog Guide™ .............................................. 13
2. Application Guide for Hot Mounting........................ 13
3. Accessories ......................................................................... 14
4. Consumables....................................................................... 15
5. Trouble-Shooting............................................................... 16
6. Maintenance
Daily Service ................................................................................... 18
Monthly Service .............................................................................. 18
Cleaning under the Lower Ram.............................................. 18
Cleaning the Rams ......................................................................... 18
Removing the Upper Ram .............................................................. 19
Lubricating the Threads for the Top Closure................................ 19
Decalcifying the Cooling Coil in the Mounting Unit..................... 19
7. Technical Data................................................................... 20

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
13
1. Struers Metalog Guide™
Struers Metalog Guideoffers preparation methods for the most
common materials, based on a simple analysis of two key proper-
ties: hardness and ductility. Finding the right method, including
choice of consumables is easy. Always consult Struers Metalog
Guidefor the correct preparation method for the actual speci-
mens.
Struers Metalog Guidecontains 6 useful chapters:
A quick and safe guide to the right preparation method.
A complete catalogue of preparation methods, based on Struers'
extensive materialographic experience, and employing Struers'
range of consumables.
The basics of modern specimen preparation, seen from a
professional point of view.
The materialographic preparation process from start to finish,
logically explained.
A combined trouble-shooting guide and supply of in-depth
information on the processes of mechanical preparation, including
an expert system for the solving of preparation problems.
Quick access to the relevant consumables for the chosen
preparation methods.
2. Application Guide for Hot Mounting
Useful mounting data and hints can be found in the Struers
Application Guide for Hot Mounting or visit the Struers website
on http://www.struers.com and see the section on Knowledge.
Metalogram
Metalog Method:
Preparation Philosophy
Metalog Process
Metalog Master
Metalog Code
Struers Metalog Guide 
A complete guide to materialographic specimen preparation. Contact your
local dealer for a free copy of Metalog Guide.

LaboPress-1
Instruction Manual
14
3. Accessories
Type Description Code
Mounting Unit
consisting of cylinder, upper and lower ram, heating/cooling
unit and top closure
25 mm dia.
30 mm dia.
1 ¼" dia.
1 ½" dia.
40 mm dia.
50 mm dia.
CYNMI
CYNTE
CYNQU
CYNHA
CYNIF
CYNAM
Recirculation Cooling Unit
(must be operated manually on LaboPress-1) TRECI
Intermediate Ram
for making 2 simultaneous mounts
25 mm dia.
30 mm dia.
1 ¼" dia.
1 ½" dia.
40 mm dia.
50 mm dia.
CYLDO
CYLDO
CYLDO
CYLDO
CYLDO
CYLDO