BROT-LAB Model 10323 Single-Slide Grinding and Polishing Machine

Overview

The BROT-LAB Model 10323 is a precision-engineered single-slide grinding and polishing machine designed for the preparation of petrographic thin sections in geological, materials science, and metallurgical laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled abrasive removal using diamond-impregnated grinding wheels under precisely regulated pressure and coolant flow. The instrument enables reproducible thin-sectioning of rock, ceramic, or composite specimens bonded to glass slides—reducing sample thickness to ≤30 µm with high planarity and minimal subsurface damage. Its rigid cast-aluminum frame, sealed-motor architecture, and vacuum-assisted sample fixation ensure dimensional stability and operator safety during extended grinding cycles. The device complies with IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (EMC emission) standards, and carries full CE marking per Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive) and 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive), verified in November 2020.

Key Features

• Vacuum-mounted specimen holder accommodating standard slide formats: 30 × 45 mm and 45 × 60 mm
• Adjustable swing-arm mechanism with micrometer-thickness control (graduated in 1 µm increments) for deterministic material removal
• Single 150 mm diameter diamond grinding wheel (standard grade D30; optional D46 or D91 for coarse-to-fine progression)
• Integrated water-cooling system with flexible inlet/outlet tubing (Ø12 mm inlet, Ø25 mm outlet), flow-controlled valve, and polypropylene slurry containment tray
• Front acrylic splash guard and drip-resistant front panel to prevent operator exposure to coolant aerosols
• Four height-adjustable anti-vibration feet for stable operation on uneven lab benches
• Emergency stop button compliant with ISO 13850:2015, directly interrupting motor power and coolant flow
• Optional recirculating sediment trap kit available for closed-loop cooling (not included by default)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Model 10323 is optimized for epoxy- or thermoset-resin-bonded specimens mounted on microscope glass slides. It supports brittle and semi-brittle materials including silicates, carbonates, igneous and metamorphic rocks, sintered ceramics, and cementitious composites. Specimen mounting must conform to ASTM D7091–22 (Standard Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to Ferrous Metals) for adhesive uniformity verification prior to grinding. The machine’s mechanical design and electrical safety systems meet EN 60204-1:2018 (Safety of Machinery – Electrical Equipment of Machines) and are validated for GLP-compliant environments where equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) documentation is required. CE certification includes conformity assessment for mechanical hazards, electrical safety, and electromagnetic compatibility.

Software & Data Management

The Model 10323 is a manually operated, non-programmable instrument without embedded firmware or digital interface. All operational parameters—including rotational speed (fixed at 2950 rpm), feed rate (manually adjusted via micrometer knob), and coolant flow (valve-controlled)—are set physically. No data logging, USB connectivity, or software-based calibration is provided. However, its mechanical repeatability supports integration into laboratory quality management systems (QMS) per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A.3, where manual parameter recording (e.g., wheel grade, run duration, final thickness measurement) is documented in standardized thin-section preparation SOPs. Traceability is maintained through batch-specific log sheets aligned with internal audit requirements for geological sample archives.

Applications

• Petrographic thin-section preparation for optical microscopy (transmitted light, polarized light) and subsequent electron microprobe (EPMA) or SEM-EDS analysis
• Controlled thickness reduction of mineralogical samples prior to X-ray diffraction (XRD) or Raman spectroscopy
• Surface planarization of brittle-phase composites for interfacial characterization
• Preparation of reference standards for quantitative image analysis in automated petrography workflows
• Research-grade sectioning in academic geoscience labs requiring CE-certified, maintenance-light instrumentation

FAQ

What is the standard diamond grit specification for the grinding wheel?
The default wheel is D30 (mean particle size ≈ 30 µm) with 150 mm diameter. Optional grades include D46 (≈46 µm) for rapid stock removal and D91 (≈91 µm) for initial rough grinding.
Is the machine compatible with single-phase 230 V power supply?
Yes—an optional single-phase 230 V, 50 Hz configuration is available upon request; this variant maintains identical mechanical performance but requires separate ordering.
Does the unit include a built-in water recirculation system?
No—the standard configuration uses open-loop cooling with external water source and drain. A modular sediment-trap recirculation kit can be added as an accessory.
How is sample thickness monitored during grinding?
Thickness is determined ex situ using calibrated micrometers or optical interferometry after grinding; the integrated micrometer knob controls vertical displacement only—not real-time thickness readout.
What documentation is supplied for regulatory compliance?
CE Declaration of Conformity, EU-type examination certificate (if applicable), electrical safety test report, and mechanical risk assessment per EN ISO 12100 are included in the technical dossier shipped with each unit.