Radial Core Cutting Machine W 05 02 by BROT-LAB

Overview

The BROT-LAB W 05 02 Radial Core Cutting Machine is an engineered solution for high-precision radial sectioning of cylindrical geological core samples—primarily sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock cores obtained via rotary or diamond coring. Designed in accordance with ISO 14688-1 and ASTM D2937 standards for geotechnical sample preparation, this machine executes true radial cuts—i.e., planar sections orthogonal to the core’s longitudinal axis—to yield hemicylindrical halves or full-diameter cross-sectional discs suitable for petrographic analysis, porosity/permeability testing, X-ray CT scanning, and thin-section fabrication. Its rigid cast-iron frame, precision-ground linear guide rails, and hydrostatically stabilized sample advancement system ensure sub-millimeter positional repeatability across repeated cuts. The machine operates on the principle of controlled abrasive cutting using electroplated or resin-bonded diamond blades, where material removal occurs through micro-fracture under sustained mechanical load and continuous coolant-assisted thermal management.

Key Features

• Radial alignment mechanism ensuring perpendicularity tolerance ≤ ±0.15° relative to core axis, verified via integrated optical alignment aid and adjustable vise-leveling feet
• Motor-driven diamond blade spindle delivering constant torque at 1,200–1,800 rpm, with electronic speed stabilization to maintain consistent cut quality across varying rock hardness (Mohs 3–7)
• Core clamping system with dual-point axial restraint and lateral anti-rotation pins, accommodating core diameters from 25 mm to 150 mm without adapter change
• Ball-bearing-mounted sample carriage with micrometer-adjustable feed rate (0.05–2.0 mm/rev), enabling manual or semi-automated incremental advancement
• Integrated closed-loop coolant circulation system featuring stainless-steel reservoir (12 L capacity), magnetic-drive pump, filtration cartridge (25 µm), and temperature monitoring sensor (±1°C accuracy)
• Full polycarbonate blade guard with interlocked safety switch, emergency stop button compliant with EN 60204-1, and splash-resistant control panel rated IP54

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The W 05 02 accommodates standard NQ, HQ, and PQ-size drill cores as defined in ISO 8536-4, including both unconsolidated sediments (e.g., clay-rich mudstones) and highly abrasive lithologies (e.g., quartzite, basalt). Optional extended-length configuration supports cores up to 1000 mm, facilitating uninterrupted sectioning for stratigraphic correlation studies. All wet-cutting operations comply with OSHA 1910.1050 (respirable crystalline silica exposure control) when used with water-based coolant; oil-based coolant variants meet ASTM D445 viscosity stability requirements for extended operational duty cycles. The machine’s structural design adheres to CE Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and carries a Declaration of Conformity issued by TÜV Rheinland.

Software & Data Management

While the W 05 02 operates as a stand-alone electromechanical instrument without embedded firmware or touchscreen interface, its mechanical repeatability enables seamless integration into GLP-compliant laboratory workflows. Cut position logs (date/time, core ID, cut depth, coolant type, operator ID) may be recorded manually in paper-based logbooks or digitized via LIMS-compatible templates. Optional external digital caliper interface (RS-232 or USB) allows direct capture of final specimen dimensions into validated data acquisition software such as LabWare LIMS or Thermo Fisher SampleManager. Audit trails for maintenance, calibration, and coolant filter replacement are maintained per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.7 requirements.

Applications

• Preparation of half-core slabs for visual lithological description and digital core logging (e.g., QEMSCAN®, CoreScan™)
• Generation of full-diameter wafers for mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), nitrogen BET surface area analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) core plug testing
• Sectioning of carbonate reservoir cores prior to acid dissolution for pore-network imaging
• Production of oriented core slices for anisotropic permeability measurement along principal stress axes
• Routine QA/QC cutting of reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 2100 series) in accredited geomechanics laboratories

FAQ

What core diameters can the W 05 02 accommodate?

Standard configuration supports core diameters from 25 mm to 150 mm. Custom vise inserts are available for non-standard geometries (e.g., irregularly shaped cuttings or partially collapsed cores).
Is blade replacement tooling included with the system?

Yes—a complete diamond blade mounting kit (flange set, arbor wrench, balancing stand) and torque calibration certificate are supplied with each unit.
Can the machine be operated in a fume hood or ventilated enclosure?

Yes, provided minimum clearance of 600 mm is maintained around the coolant reservoir and exhaust ducting accommodates mist extraction at ≥150 m³/h flow rate.
Does BROT-LAB provide calibration documentation traceable to national standards?

Upon request, a factory-issued dimensional verification report (traceable to LNE, France) covering carriage linearity, blade runout (< 0.03 mm), and angular deviation is available at time of delivery.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the coolant filtration system?

Filter cartridges must be replaced every 120 operating hours or quarterly—whichever occurs first—under typical usage with water-based coolant; oil-based systems require biannual replacement and viscosity verification per ASTM D445.