WEIYEE Q-120ZL Automatic Metallographic Cutting Machine

Overview

The WEIYEE Q-120ZL is a floor-standing, vertically oriented automatic metallographic cutting machine engineered for precision sample sectioning in metallurgical, materials science, and quality control laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled abrasive wheel cutting under continuous coolant flow, enabling reproducible cross-sectional preparation of metallic, ceramic, and composite specimens prior to mounting, grinding, and polishing. Designed for high-duty-cycle environments—including foundry QA labs, R&D centers, and third-party testing facilities—the Q-120ZL integrates mechanical rigidity, programmable motion control, and full enclosure safety compliance to meet ISO 14001 and OSHA 1910.212 requirements for guarded abrasive machinery.

Key Features

• Floor-standing vertical architecture with reinforced cast-iron base and vibration-damped column—optimized for stability during high-torque cutting of hardened steels and superalloys.
• Infinitely variable spindle speed (100–3000 rpm) driven by a 3 kW three-phase motor with integrated electromagnetic brake, ensuring rapid deceleration (<0.8 s) and positional repeatability within ±0.1 mm.
• Dual-mode operation: fully automated cycle programming (time/depth/force-based feed profiles) and manual jog mode with real-time axis position feedback via PLC-controlled servo drives.
• Full-enclosure cutting chamber with polycarbonate viewing window, interlocked safety door, and splash-resistant gasketing—compliant with EN 60204-1 and ANSI B11.19 safeguarding standards.
• 60 L recirculating coolant system with level sensor, temperature monitoring (0–40 °C range), and dual-stage filtration (mesh + magnetic trap) to extend abrasive wheel life and minimize slurry contamination.
• 10.1-inch color touchscreen HMI running embedded PLC firmware (IEC 61131-3 compliant), supporting multi-user password protection, cycle recipe storage (≥200 programs), and USB data export for audit trails.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Q-120ZL accommodates specimens up to Φ120 mm in diameter or 120 × 120 mm in square cross-section, including forged billets, weld coupons, turbine blades, and additively manufactured test bars. Compatible with standard resin-bonded silicon carbide and diamond-impregnated cutting wheels (Φ400 × 32 × 2.5 mm arbor size). All operational parameters—including feed rate, dwell time, and coolant flow—are configurable to align with ASTM E3-22 (Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens) and ISO 16700:2017 (Metallographic examination — Preparation of metallographic specimens). The system supports GLP-compliant documentation through timestamped cycle logs and operator ID tagging.

Software & Data Management

The embedded control software provides deterministic real-time motion sequencing without external PC dependency. Cycle data—including spindle load history, coolant temperature trend, axis position vs. time, and emergency stop events—is logged automatically with microsecond-resolution timestamps. Export formats include CSV and XML, compatible with LIMS integration (via Modbus TCP or OPC UA optional module). Audit trail functionality satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with networked user authentication and electronic signature configuration. Firmware updates are performed via secure HTTPS interface with SHA-256 signed packages.

Applications

• Routine sectioning of heat-treated alloy samples for grain structure analysis per ASTM E112.
• Preparation of failure analysis specimens from fracture surfaces in aerospace components.
• High-throughput batch cutting in automotive casting QA labs, where dimensional consistency across 50+ specimens per shift is critical.
• Cutting of brittle ceramics and CMCs using low-speed, high-coolant-flow protocols to suppress microcracking.
• Method development for dissimilar metal joints (e.g., Al/steel laser welds), requiring precise kerf width control and minimal HAZ generation.

FAQ

What types of cutting wheels are supported?
The Q-120ZL accepts standard Φ400 × 32 × 2.5 mm abrasive wheels with ISO 4017 arbor compatibility—including resinoid-bonded SiC, diamond-segmented, and cubic boron nitride (CBN) variants.
Is remote monitoring or IoT connectivity available?
Yes—optional Ethernet/IP or PROFINET modules enable real-time status polling, predictive maintenance alerts (e.g., coolant filter clogging, motor thermal drift), and integration into Industry 4.0 MES platforms.
Does the system comply with CE marking requirements?
The Q-120ZL is CE-marked per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, with full technical file documentation available upon request.
Can it cut non-metallic materials such as composites or geological samples?
Yes—when configured with appropriate wheel chemistry and reduced spindle speed (≤800 rpm), it reliably sections CFRP laminates, GFRP, concrete cores, and sintered tungsten carbide inserts.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Daily: coolant level and filtration check; Weekly: belt tension verification and guide rail lubrication; Annually: encoder calibration, PLC firmware validation, and structural bolt torque verification per ISO 10816-3 vibration thresholds.