LEI-TECH LK-M-1 Pro+ Single-Disc Metallographic Grinding and Polishing Machine

Overview

The LEI-TECH LK-M-1 Pro+ is a precision-engineered single-disc metallographic grinding and polishing machine designed for standardized, reproducible specimen preparation in metallurgical laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled abrasive contact between rotating silicon carbide or diamond-impregnated discs and metallic specimens under regulated mechanical force and continuous water-cooled conditions. This ensures minimal thermal distortion during coarse, semi-fine, and fine grinding stages—critical for preserving microstructural integrity prior to final polishing and subsequent optical or electron microscopy analysis. Developed specifically for national and international metallography competitions—including the Chinese National Metallography Contest—the LK-M-1 Pro+ integrates real-time sample force feedback as a core operational enhancement, enabling trainees and professionals alike to develop consistent manual grinding technique while maintaining strict adherence to ASTM E3, ISO 16808, and GB/T 13298 standards for metallographic specimen preparation.

Key Features

• Real-time sample force monitoring (0–60 N range) with digital display, supporting skill development and process standardization in competitive and educational settings
• Infinitely variable rotational speed control (0–1400 rpm) plus four preset speeds (150 / 300 / 700 / 1400 rpm) for optimized stage-specific abrasion protocols
• Reversible plate rotation (clockwise/counterclockwise) to accommodate different abrasive disc mounting configurations and directional wear compensation
• Integrated water cooling system with adjustable flow rate to prevent localized overheating and phase transformation in heat-sensitive alloys (e.g., aluminum, titanium, and low-carbon steels)
• Compact, low-noise benchtop architecture (22 kg net weight) engineered for stability and vibration damping during high-precision grinding operations
• Robust aluminum alloy housing with IP20-rated electrical enclosure, compliant with IEC 61000-6-2 electromagnetic immunity requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LK-M-1 Pro+ accommodates flat, cylindrical, and irregularly shaped metallic specimens up to 40 mm in diameter or equivalent cross-sectional area. It supports standard grit sequences from 80# to 2000# silicon carbide papers and 3–1 µm diamond suspensions on synthetic cloth or napped felt pads. All grinding stages are fully compatible with ASTM E3-22 “Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens”, ISO 16808:2021 “Metallic materials — Metallographic examination — Preparation of specimens”, and China’s GB/T 13298-2015 “Metallographic examination of metals”. The machine’s force-sensing interface enables traceable operator training records—essential for GLP-compliant labs and accreditation audits per CNAS-CL01 and ISO/IEC 17025.

Software & Data Management

While the LK-M-1 Pro+ is a hardware-focused analog-digital hybrid system (no embedded OS), its pressure transducer output is compatible with optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial interfaces for external data logging. When integrated with third-party acquisition software (e.g., LabVIEW or custom Python-based scripts), users can record time-stamped force profiles synchronized with speed settings—facilitating quantitative assessment of operator consistency across training modules or inter-laboratory round-robin studies. Audit trails generated through such integration meet basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when paired with appropriate user authentication and data integrity safeguards.

Applications

• Preparatory grinding of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys (steels, cast irons, Al/Mg/Ti alloys, superalloys) prior to electropolishing or colloidal silica polishing
• Standardized specimen preparation for inter-laboratory comparison studies and proficiency testing programs
• Hands-on metallography instruction in university materials science curricula and vocational technical training centers
• Routine QC/QA grinding in foundries, aerospace component suppliers, and R&D departments requiring repeatable surface removal rates (e.g., 5–15 µm/min at 300 rpm, 20 N load)
• Microstructure preservation in thermally sensitive materials where conventional dry grinding induces martensitic transformation or recrystallization artifacts

FAQ

Is the LK-M-1 Pro+ suitable for automated or unattended operation?
No—it is intentionally designed as a manually operated, operator-guided instrument to emphasize tactile control and procedural discipline, particularly for competition and pedagogical use.
Can the force sensor be calibrated in-house?
Yes; the system includes a two-point calibration routine accessible via front-panel menu, using certified dead-weight test loads traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China).
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Lubrication of the main shaft bearing every 500 operating hours and replacement of the water pump seal every 24 months under continuous lab use.
Does the machine support dual-disc configuration upgrades?
No—LK-M-1 Pro+ is strictly a single-disc platform. Dual-disc functionality is available only in the LK-M-2 series, which shares no mechanical or electrical interchangeability with this model.
Are consumables such as grinding discs and coolant hoses available through LEI-TECH distribution channels?
Yes—original equipment manufacturer (OEM) consumables including φ203 mm backing plates, quick-lock adhesive discs, and corrosion-resistant PVC coolant tubing are stocked globally via authorized regional service partners.