Q-100BH Semi-Automatic Metallographic Sample Cutting Machine

Overview

The Q-100BH Semi-Automatic Metallographic Sample Cutting Machine is an engineered solution for precise, repeatable sectioning of metallic, ceramic, and composite specimens in metallurgical laboratories, quality control departments, and R&D facilities. Designed around the principle of controlled abrasive wheel cutting under continuous water cooling, it enables reproducible cross-sectional preparation while minimizing thermal distortion and mechanical damage to microstructural features. Its semi-automatic operation—featuring programmable feed rate, adjustable stroke depth, and integrated braking—balances operator control with process consistency, making it suitable for both routine QC workflows and method-developed research protocols.

Key Features

• Semi-automatic cutting mode with manual specimen positioning and motorized downward feed, allowing real-time operator intervention during critical stages of cut initiation and completion.
• Closed-loop recirculating water cooling system (30 L reservoir) with flow monitoring and temperature stabilization to suppress heat generation and extend abrasive wheel life.
• Integrated electromagnetic braking mechanism ensures immediate stoppage of the spindle upon cycle termination or emergency stop activation, enhancing operational safety and dimensional repeatability.
• Robust cast-iron base and rigid column structure minimize vibration during high-torque cutting (3 kW motor), supporting stable kerf geometry across heterogeneous materials including hardened steels, sintered carbides, and aluminum alloys.
• Standardized arbor configuration (Φ32 mm bore) accommodates industry-standard resin-bonded silicon carbide or diamond-impregnated cutting wheels up to Φ300 × 2.0 mm thickness.
• Adjustable specimen clamping vise with T-slot base enables secure fixation of irregularly shaped or small-dimension samples (minimum recommended size: 5 × 5 mm).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Q-100BH supports a broad range of conductive and non-conductive solid materials commonly encountered in metallographic analysis—including ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, powder metallurgy compacts, weldments, and coated substrates. Maximum specimen diameter is 100 mm for standard mounting; reduced to 80 mm when using auxiliary fixtures or high-aspect-ratio sample holders. All wet-cutting operations comply with ISO 14971 risk management principles for laboratory equipment, and the enclosed cutting chamber meets IEC 61000-6-2 immunity requirements for industrial environments. While not certified to UL/CSA standards, its electrical architecture conforms to GB/T 12668.501–2013 (equivalent to IEC 61800-5-1) for adjustable speed drive safety.

Software & Data Management

As a benchtop semi-automatic instrument, the Q-100BH does not incorporate embedded software or digital connectivity. Process parameters—including feed rate, dwell time, and total stroke—are set via analog dials and mechanical limit switches. However, its design facilitates integration into GLP/GMP-compliant documentation systems: each cutting cycle can be manually logged with traceable metadata (operator ID, date/time, sample ID, wheel type, coolant level), and the machine’s consistent mechanical behavior supports validation per ASTM E3–22 (“Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens”). Optional external digital timers or foot-switch logging devices may be deployed to support audit-ready recordkeeping where required.

Applications

• Routine sectioning of tensile bars, fatigue specimens, and cross-sectioned weld joints for subsequent grinding, polishing, and microstructural evaluation per ASTM E3, ISO 643, or EN 10360.
• Preparation of representative subsamples from large castings or forgings prior to hardness testing (ASTM E10/E18) or chemical analysis (e.g., OES, SEM-EDS).
• Controlled isolation of interfacial regions in multi-layer coatings or clad metals without delamination or interlayer smearing.
• High-reproducibility slicing of brittle ceramics and cemented carbides where thermal cracking must be avoided—enabled by synchronized coolant delivery and progressive feed control.
• Supporting failure analysis labs in generating undistorted fracture surfaces for SEM fractography or replica-based TEM site selection.

FAQ

What types of cutting wheels are compatible with the Q-100BH?
The machine accepts standard ISO 4287-compliant abrasive wheels with Φ300 mm diameter, 32 mm arbor hole, and 2.0 mm thickness—including resin-bonded SiC wheels for soft metals and diamond-impregnated wheels for hard alloys and ceramics.
Is the coolant system fully sealed and corrosion-resistant?
Yes—the 30 L recirculating reservoir, pump housing, and delivery nozzles are constructed from stainless steel and reinforced PVC to resist degradation from common metalworking fluids and rust inhibitors.
Can the Q-100BH be validated for use in regulated QA/QC environments?
While the unit itself lacks electronic data capture, its mechanical repeatability, documented maintenance intervals, and compatibility with written SOPs enable IQ/OQ qualification per ISO/IEC 17025 and internal GxP procedures.
What safety certifications does the Q-100BH hold?
It complies with China’s GB 5226.1–2019 (equivalent to IEC 60204-1) for electrical safety and incorporates dual-channel emergency stop circuitry with monitored feedback, satisfying basic machinery directive principles for laboratory-grade equipment.
Is technical support available outside mainland China?
WEIYEE collaborates with authorized regional distributors in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America; service documentation and spare parts lists are provided in English upon request.