QATM Qpol 200 M Manual Single-Disc Grinding and Polishing Machine

Overview

The QATM Qpol 200 M is a precision-engineered manual single-disc grinding and polishing machine designed for consistent, high-reproducibility metallographic sample preparation in laboratory and quality control environments. Built upon QATM’s decades of expertise in microstructural analysis instrumentation, the Qpol 200 M employs a robust coaxial drive architecture with direct-coupled motor transmission to ensure minimal runout (< 0.05 mm), vibration damping, and long-term rotational stability — critical parameters for achieving planar, scratch-free surfaces prior to microscopy or hardness testing. Its operating principle relies on controlled mechanical abrasion under precisely regulated rotational speed and applied load (via operator-controlled downward force), enabling reproducible material removal rates across diverse alloys, ceramics, and composites. The machine complies with fundamental safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards applicable to laboratory-grade electromechanical equipment (IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-6-4), and its design supports traceable, auditable preparation workflows required under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

Key Features

• Manually operated single-disc configuration with continuously adjustable speed (20–600 rpm) via calibrated potentiometer, ensuring optimal selection for coarse grinding, fine grinding, and final polishing stages
• Ø 200 mm precision-machined aluminum work disc with integrated quick-release mechanism — disc replacement requires no tools and takes less than 15 seconds
• Dual-material housing: powder-coated aluminum outer frame for structural rigidity and thermal stability; impact-resistant polymer inner basin for chemical resistance and acoustic dampening
• Integrated electro-mechanical water valve with foot-switch or front-panel activation, enabling hands-free coolant flow control during operation
• Lift-and-clean disc mounting system: the entire work disc tilts upward by 30°, providing unobstructed access to the basin floor for rapid residue removal and cross-contamination prevention
• Front-mounted start/stop button with LED status indicators (green = ready, red = active), conforming to EN 60204-1 emergency stop logic requirements
• Optional Qdoser ONE volumetric dosing module (sold separately) enables programmable, repeatable application of slurries or lubricants — compatible with GLP-compliant documentation when paired with QATM’s QSuite software

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Qpol 200 M accommodates standard metallographic specimens up to 40 mm in diameter (or rectangular samples ≤ 35 × 45 mm) mounted in thermosetting resins (epoxy, phenolic) or cold-mounting compounds. Its low-speed torque profile (peak holding torque ≥ 1.2 N·m at 20 rpm) ensures stable processing of brittle materials such as sintered carbides, optical glasses, and geological thin sections without edge chipping. All wet-process components are chemically inert to common polishing media including colloidal silica (pH 9–11), alumina suspensions, and diamond pastes (1–9 µm). The unit meets CE marking requirements for machinery (2006/42/EC) and low-voltage directive (2014/35/EU); electrical grounding integrity is verified per IEC 61000-6-3. While not inherently GMP-certified, its construction and operational repeatability support alignment with ASTM E3-22 (Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens) and ISO 14577-1 (Metallic materials — Instrumented indentation test).

Software & Data Management

As a manually operated platform, the Qpol 200 M does not incorporate embedded firmware or onboard data logging. However, it is fully interoperable with QATM’s QSuite desktop software suite (v5.2+) when used with optional accessories such as the Qdoser ONE or external digital force sensors. QSuite provides method-driven workflow templates, electronic batch records, user-access-level management (admin/operator), and audit-trail generation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed on validated Windows-based laboratory PCs. Process parameters — including disc speed, dwell time, coolant volume, and operator ID — can be preconfigured, executed, and exported in CSV or PDF formats for internal QA review or regulatory submission.

Applications

• Routine metallographic preparation of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys (steels, aluminum, titanium, copper) for ASTM E112 grain size analysis
• Surface conditioning of fracture surfaces prior to SEM-EDS examination
• Preparation of weld cross-sections for ISO 17639 macro/micro examination
• Polishing of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and refractory materials for porosity quantification per ASTM C1327
• QC lab deployment in foundries, aerospace component manufacturers, and third-party testing laboratories requiring ISO/IEC 17025 traceability
• Academic research labs performing comparative wear or corrosion studies where specimen-to-specimen consistency is essential

FAQ

Is the Qpol 200 M suitable for automated or unattended operation?
No — it is strictly a manual machine requiring continuous operator presence for force application, timing, and stage transitions. Automation requires integration with QATM’s Qpol 200 A or Qpol 300 series.
Can the machine accommodate larger specimens beyond 40 mm diameter?
Not safely or effectively — exceeding the recommended specimen footprint risks imbalance-induced vibration, inconsistent material removal, and premature bearing wear.
Does the Qpol 200 M include a built-in timer or cycle counter?
No — timing must be performed externally using laboratory timers or integrated via QSuite when using Qdoser ONE.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the drive motor and bearings?
QATM specifies 12-month inspection intervals for belt tension (if applicable), bearing lubrication status, and electrical connection integrity — full service documentation is provided in the English-language Operation Manual (Rev. D, 2023).
Is the basin drain connection standardized for laboratory plumbing systems?
Yes — it features a 1/2″ BSP female thread compatible with standard laboratory waste hose adapters and anti-siphon traps.