FLOXLAB AUTOMATED SPECIMEN CORING MACHINE
| Brand | FLOXLAB |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | AUTOMATED SPECIMEN CORING MACHINE |
| Core Diameter Range | 21.5–150 mm (0.845–6.0 in) |
| Max Core Depth | 300 mm (12 in) |
| Fluid Tray Dimensions | 1340 × 380 × 340 mm |
| Core Orientation Range | −45° to +45° |
| Fluid Tray Travel | X: ±1000 mm, Y: ±125 mm |
| Cooling Options | Water, Oil, Liquid Nitrogen |
| Spindle Speeds | 550 / 1120 / 1680 rpm |
| Overall Dimensions (L×W×H) | 1700 × 680 × 2140 mm |
| Weight | 300 kg |
| Operating Water Pressure | 100 psi |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50–60 Hz |
Overview
The FLOXLAB AUTOMATED SPECIMEN CORING MACHINE is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for the reproducible extraction of cylindrical core specimens from heterogeneous solid materials—including rock, concrete, asphalt, polymer composites, and geological formations. It operates on a controlled rotary cutting principle using diamond-impregnated core bits, enabling high-fidelity sampling with minimal thermal distortion or structural damage. The system integrates motorized XYZ positioning, programmable angular orientation, and multi-mode coolant delivery to ensure consistent core geometry, surface integrity, and dimensional accuracy across diverse sample matrices. Engineered for geotechnical laboratories, petroleum core analysis facilities, civil engineering R&D centers, and materials science departments, this machine supports standardized specimen preparation per ASTM D2936, ISO 11265, and API RP 44 protocols.
Key Features
- Fully automated coring sequence with programmable start/stop, depth control, and feed rate modulation
- Three discrete spindle speed settings (550 / 1120 / 1680 rpm) optimized for varying material hardness and bit diameter
- Motorized fluid tray with ±1000 mm X-axis and ±125 mm Y-axis travel for precise lateral alignment of irregular or oversized samples
- Adjustable core orientation stage enabling tilt from −45° to +45°—critical for anisotropic materials and directional property testing
- Triple-coolant compatibility: pressurized water (100 psi), mineral oil, and cryogenic liquid nitrogen—enabling temperature-controlled coring down to −196 °C
- Rigid steel frame and vibration-damped base structure ensuring mechanical stability during high-torque drilling operations
- Integrated safety interlocks including coolant flow monitoring, bit stall detection, and emergency stop circuitry compliant with IEC 61000-6-2 EMC standards
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The system accommodates specimens up to 150 mm in diameter and 300 mm in length, supporting both cylindrical and irregularly shaped blocks via custom fixturing. Core diameters are selectable between 21.5 mm and 150 mm using standardized diamond-core bits conforming to ISO 5636-5 mounting interfaces. All mechanical and electrical subsystems meet CE marking requirements under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. The machine’s operational logs—including timestamped core parameters, coolant type, speed setting, and orientation angle—are retained locally and support manual export for GLP-compliant documentation. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 validated, its data output format is compatible with third-party LIMS integration for audit-trail-enabled environments.
Software & Data Management
The FLOXLAB coring machine operates via an embedded industrial controller with tactile HMI interface; no external PC is required for basic operation. Configuration files—including bit ID, target depth, tilt angle, and coolant selection—are stored in non-volatile memory with versioned backup capability. All executed runs generate a structured ASCII log file (CSV-compatible) containing core ID, date/time stamp, spindle speed, total drill time, coolant pressure, and final depth measurement. Optional Ethernet/IP connectivity enables remote status monitoring and firmware updates. For laboratories requiring full traceability, the system supports optional integration with FLOXLAB’s LabCore Suite v3.2—providing electronic signature capture, user role-based access control, and automatic report generation aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7.
Applications
- Preparation of representative core specimens for uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), triaxial, and Brazilian tensile testing per ASTM D7012 and ISRM standards
- Sampling of reservoir rock cores for porosity, permeability, and saturation analysis in upstream petroleum labs
- Extraction of pavement cores for binder content, air voids, and aggregate gradation assessment (ASTM D2170, AASHTO T245)
- Sectioning of composite laminates and cementitious materials for microstructural analysis (SEM, XRD, CT scanning)
- Controlled cryo-coring of frozen soils and permafrost analogs for climate research applications
- Production of standardized test coupons from additive-manufactured metal or ceramic parts for mechanical qualification
FAQ
What types of diamond core bits are compatible with this machine?
Standard ISO 5636-5 threaded shank bits with outer diameters from 21.5 mm to 150 mm; both wet-cutting and dry-cutting configurations are supported.
Can the machine operate without liquid nitrogen cooling?
Yes—water and oil cooling modes are fully independent; liquid nitrogen is an optional cryogenic mode requiring dedicated vaporization hardware and pressure regulation.
Is remote diagnostics or service support available?
FLOXLAB provides secure remote access via TLS-encrypted VNC for firmware troubleshooting; physical service is delivered by certified field engineers across EMEA and APAC regions.
Does the system include sample clamping fixtures?
A modular vacuum chuck and mechanical vise kit is supplied as standard; custom fixture design services are available upon request.
How is calibration verified for depth and angular positioning?
Depth accuracy is factory-verified using laser interferometry (±0.05 mm over 300 mm); angular stage calibration follows ISO 230-1 Annex B procedures with optical encoder feedback.
