Struers LaboPress-3 Instruction Manual
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Manual No.: 15087003
Date of Release 11.01.2008
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Table of Contents Page
User’s Guide ..............................................................1
Reference Guide.......................................................13
Quick Reference Card .............................................24
Always state Serial No and Voltage/frequency if you have technical questions or when ordering spare parts.
You will find the Serial No. and Voltage on the type plate of the machine itself. We may also need the Date
and Article No of the manual. This information is found on the front cover.
The following restrictions should be observed, as violation of the restrictions may cause cancellation of
Struers legal obligations:
Instruction Manuals: Struers Instruction Manual may only be used in connection with Struers equipment
covered by the Instruction Manual.
Service Manuals: Struers Service Manual may only be used by a trained technician authorised by Struers.
The Service Manual may only be used in connection with Struers equipment covered by the Service Manual.
Struers assumes no responsibility for errors in the manual text/illustrations. The information in this manual is
subject to changes without notice. The manual may mention accessories or parts not included in the present
version of the equipment.
The contents of this manual is the property of Struers. Reproduction of any part of this manual without the
written permission of Struers is not allowed.
All rights reserved. © Struers 2008.
Struers A/S
Pederstrupvej 84
DK-2750 Ballerup
Denmark
Telephone +45 44 600 800
Fax +45 44 600 801
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
LaboPress-3
Safety Precaution Sheet
To be read carefully
before use
1. The operator should be fully aware of the use of the machine according
to the Instruction Manual.
2. The machine must be placed in a well ventilated room on a working
table with adequate height for convenient operation.
3. Be sure that the actual voltage corresponds to the voltage stated on the
back of the machine and on the heating/cooling unit. The machine must
be earthed.
4. Be sure that the water connections are mounted correctly and without
leaks. The main water supply should be turned on when the machine is
in use.
Struers recommend that the mains water supply is shut off or
disconnected if the machine is to be left unattended
5. Be sure that the outlet hose is safely attached to the water outlet
system.
6. Be sure that the mounting unit is correctly assembled on the press
before starting the process.
7. Be sure that the top closure with upper ram is either correctly mounted
on the mounting cylinder or completely removed from the mounting
cylinder before starting the press.
8. Do not operate the mounting press with a higher force/pressure than
recommended for the actual cylinder diameter and resin in Struers
Application Guide for Hot Mounting.
9. Following a heating cycle, ensure the mounting cylinder is cooled for a
minimum of two minutes before opening.
10. Do not operate the machine whilst assembling or disassembling the
mounting unit.
The equipment is designed for use with consumables supplied by Struers. If subjected to misuse, improper
installation, alteration, neglect, accident or improper repair, Struers will accept no responsibility for
damage(s) to the user or the equipment.
Dismantling of any part of the equipment, during service or repair, should always be performed by a qualified
technician (electromechanical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, etc.).
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
User’s Guide
Table of Contents Page
1. Getting Started
Checking the Contents ..................................................................... 2
LaboPress-3................................................................................ 2
Mounting Unit ........................................................................... 2
Unpacking LaboPress-3.................................................................... 2
Placing LaboPress-3 .........................................................................2
Transport Screw Cap........................................................................ 2
Getting Acquainted with LaboPress-3............................................. 3
Noise Level........................................................................................ 4
Supplying Power...............................................................................4
Supplying Water ............................................................................... 4
Water Inlet................................................................................. 4
Water Outlet..............................................................................4
Assembling the Mounting Unit........................................................ 5
Removing the Cover ..................................................................5
Installing the Lower Ram ......................................................... 5
Installing the Mounting Unit.................................................... 5
Installing the Cover................................................................... 6
Installing the Dust Protection Ring .........................................6
Disassembling the Mounting Unit................................................... 6
Dropping the Lower Ram.......................................................... 6
Removing the Dust Protection Ring ......................................... 6
Removing the Cover ..................................................................6
Removing the Mounting Unit ..........................................................7
Removing the Lower Ram ................................................................ 7
Changing the Mounting Unit........................................................... 7
2. Basic Operations
Using the Controls............................................................................ 8
Front Panel Controls of LaboPress-3 .......................................8
Acoustic Signals......................................................................... 8
Main Switch............................................................................... 8
Placing the Specimen .....................................................................10
Pouring Resin over the Specimen........................................... 10
Placing Two Specimens .................................................................. 10
Installing the Top Closure.............................................................. 11
Starting the Mounting Process ...................................................... 12
Preheating with Low Pressure ...............................................12
Stopping the Mounting Process ..................................................... 12
Removing the Top Closure ............................................................. 12
1
Checking the Contents
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
1. Getting Started
In the packing box you should find the following parts:
LaboPress-3
Mounting Unit
Unpacking LaboPress-3
Placing LaboPress-3
Transport Screw Cap
1 LaboPress-3 machine
1 Pressure hose
1 Filter gasket
1 Gasket
1 Reduction ring with gasket
2 Measuring spoons for mounting resin
1 Funnel
1 Air filter
1 Set of Instruction manuals
1 Mounting unit
1 Top closure with upper ram
1 Lower ram
1 Dust protection ring
1 Piston pin
1 Mould release agent (FASTI)
1 Scraper (PROAN)
LaboPress-3 is detached from the bottom of the packing case by
removing the four screws from below.
LaboPress-3 should be placed on a steady table with an adequate
working height. The machine must be placed close to the power
supply, water mains and water outlet facilities. If water
recirculation is used, there must be room under the table for the
Recirculation Cooling Unit (TRECI).
Carry out the following procedure before using the machine for
the first time. Exchange the transport screw cap with the
enclosed air filter , to equalise the pressure in the hydraulic
system.
The transport screw cap is situated
underneath the cover for the mounting unit.
2
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Getting Acquainted with
LaboPress-3
Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the location and
names of the LaboPress-3 components.
➁
➄
➃
➅
➀
➆
➂
Front panel
Top closure
Main switch
Mounting unit
Dust protection ring
Cover for mounting unit
Top closure holder
3
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Noise Level
Supplying Power
Supplying Water
Water Inlet
Water inlet
Water outlet tube
Water Outlet
The noise level of the machine is 60 dB (A) measured when the
pump is running, at a distance of 1.0 m/39.4” from the machine.
LaboPress-3 is factory mounted with an electric cable. Mount a
plug on the cable:
Brown: phase
Blue: neutral
Yellow/green: earth
IMPORTANT
Check that the mains voltage corresponds to the voltage stated on the type
plate on the machine. Do not operate the machine before the transit screw
cap has been exchanged with the enclosed air filter.
Water for cooling may be supplied from the water mains or a
Recirculation Cooling Unit.
Mount the pressure hose onto the water inlet tube (pos.1) on the
back of the machine:
Insert the filter gasket in the coupling nut with the flat side
against the pressure hose.
Tighten the coupling nut completely.
➃
Mount the other end of the pressure hose on the water mains tap
for cold water:
➀
Mount the reduction ring with gasket on the water mains tap,
➄
➁
if necessary.
Introduce the gasket and tighten the coupling nut completely.
IMPORTANT
Only connect to cold water
Lead the water outlet tube (pos. 2) to the drain and be
absolutely sure to place the hose with a steady downward
slope and without any obstructions.
Attach the water outlet tube to the water outlet system.
4
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Assembling the Mounting Unit
Removing the Cover
Installing the Lower Ram
Installing the Mounting Unit
Press the catch (pos. 4).
Press gently on both sides of the cover to release it, and lift it
up.
➃
➄
➁
➀
Catch
Place the lower ram on the top of the piston rod.
Turn the lower ram so that the holes in the axle journal on
top of the rod and ram line up, and insert the piston pin.
Make sure that the ends of the pin do not protrude.
IMPORTANT
The axle journal is part of the machine’s safety mechanism to protect
against damage to the machine. Please see: Maintenance. If it breaks, it
must only be replaced with a Struers replacement part or the safety
mechanism may not function.
➀
➂
➃
➁
➄
Mounting cylinder
Fixation screw
Upper quick coupling for cooling water
Lower quick coupling for cooling water
Plug
IMPORTANT
Do not operate the machine whilst installing the mounting unit
5
Installing the Cover
➃
➄
➁
➀
Catch
Installing the
Dust Protection Ring
Disassembling
the Mounting Unit
Dropping the Lower Ram
Removing the
Dust Protection Ring
Removing the Cover
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Unscrew the fixation screw about 10 mm.
Place the mounting cylinder over the lower ram with the
fixation screw in the position shown.
Turn the mounting unit in a clockwise direction until it stops.
Tighten the fixation screw completely.
Mount the tube with the straight quick coupling on the lower
quick coupling (position 4) of the mounting unit and push to
connect. Make sure that the ring comes to stop in the extreme
end of the quick coupling.
Mount the tube with the elbow quick coupling on the upper
quick coupling of the mounting unit (pos. 3) and push to
connect. Make sure that the ring comes to stop in the extreme
end of the quick coupling.
Mount the plug (pos. 5) in the socket. Tighten the coupling
nut.
Insert the barb into the front of the opening for the cover.
Insert the barbs on both sides of the cover into the cabinet.
Press the sides of the cabinet gently.
Press the rear end of the cover in so that the catch engages.
Place the dust protection ring around the mounting cylinder. The
concave side should face upwards.
Switch on the main power of the machine.
Press the key RAM DOWN
N to lower the ram to its lower
limit.
Lift out the dust protection ring.
Press the catch (position 4 above).
Press gently on both sides of the cover, to release it, and lift it
up.
6
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Removing the Mounting Unit
➀
➂
➃
➁
➄
Removing the Lower Ram
Changing the Mounting Unit
IMPORTANT
Do not operate the machine whilst removing the mounting unit
Mounting cylinder
Fixation screw
Upper quick coupling for cooling water
Lower quick coupling for cooling water
Plug
Disconnect the plug (pos. 5) in the socket. Loosen the coupling
nut and pull.
Disconnect the tube with elbow quick coupling on the upper
quick coupling on the mounting unit (pos. 3). Pull the ring.
Wait 5 seconds to allow the water to flow out of the cooling
coil.
Disconnect the tube with straight quick coupling on the lower
quick coupling on the mounting unit (pos. 4). Pull the ring.
Unscrew the fixation screw about 10 mm.
Turn the mounting unit in an anti-clockwise direction until it
stops.
Lift the mounting unit.
Push the piston pin out of the lower ram and lift it off.
IMPORTANT
The axle journal is part of the machine’s safety mechanism to protect
against damage to the machine. Please see: Maintenance. If it breaks, it
must only be replaced with a Struers replacement part or the safety
mechanism may not function.
Follow the instructions for Removing the Mounting Unit and
Installing the Mounting Unit.
7
Using the Controls
A
Front Panel Controls of
LaboPress-3
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
2. Basic Operations
180°C
LaboPress-3
150°C
coustic Signals
Main Switch
8
Short Beep: when a key is pressed, a short beep indicates
that the command has been accepted.
Long Beep: a long beep indicates that the key is inactive at
that moment.
Three long beeps: indicate that the mounting process is
finished.
➄
➃
➅
➀
➁
➆
c Front panel
e Main switch
➂
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Pos. No. Key/Knob Function Pos. No. Key/Knob Function
MAIN
SWITCH
Turns the main power of the machine
on/off. The main switch is located to
the right of the cabinet.
HEATING
INDICATOR
¹
Lights up when heating is on.
POWER
POWER
START
s
STOP
o
RAM
UP
O
RAM
DOWN
N
Lights up when the main power is on.
Starts the automatic mounting
process.
Stops the mounting process,
followed by automatic release of
pressure. Stops the movement of the
lower ram.
Starts the upward movement of
lower ram. When started: stops the
upward movement of the lower ram.
The ram automatically stops when
the upper limit is reached.
Starts the downward movement of
lower ram. When started: Stops the
downward movement of the lower
ram. The ram automatically stops
when the lower limit is reached.
HEATING
1
HEATING
INDICATOR
2
HEATING
3
HEATING
INDICATOR
4
COOLING
180°C
180°C
150°C
150°C
¸
Selects a heating temperature of
180°C.
Lights up when the heating
temperature is set to 180°C.
Selects a heating temperature of
150°C.
Lights up when the heating
temperature is set to 150°C.
Adjustable knob for setting the
cooling time.
FORCE
f
HEAT
¹
Adjustable knob for setting the force
(pressure).
Adjustable knob for setting the
heating time.
5
COOLING
INDICATOR
6
OVERLOAD
¸
OVERLOAD
Lights up when cooling is on.
Lights up if the motor has been
overloaded.
9
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Placing the Specimen
Pouring Resin over the Specimen
Placing Two Specimens
Press and hold RAM UP
limit.
Apply “Mould Release Agent” to the surface of the lower ram.
Place the specimen on the ram. The specimen must be clean,
dry and free from grease. The distance between the specimen
and the cylinder wall must be minimum 3 mm to avoid cracks
in the resin.
Press and hold RAM DOWN
limit.
Fill a suitable amount of resin into the cylinder by means of
the enclosed funnel.
Always make sure there is sufficient resin to cover the sample
after compression. Please note that the volume of the resin
reduces when the granulate becomes compressed. If insufficient
resin is used, the rams may come in contact with the sample, and
the cylinder may be damaged.
The “Mould Release Agent” must always be applied to the mounting rams
as a thin layer to prevent the resins sticking to the surface. By means of
Struers AntiStick a thin layer of stearate powder can easily be dabbed on
Follow the instructions in Placing the Specimen.
Apply “Mould Release Agent” to all surfaces of the
intermediate ram.
Place the intermediate ram on top of the resin.
Place the second specimen on the intermediate ram and fill
the cylinder with an adequate quantity of resin.
Again, make sure you use adequate resin!
O to raise the lower ram to its upper
N to lower the ram to its lower
Important
the rams.
10
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Installing the Top Closure
Remove resin dust from the upper part of the mounting
cylinder.
Clean the cylindrical surface of the upper ram. Cured resin
can easily be removed without damage to the surface of the
ram using the scraper supplied.
Apply “Mould Release Agent” to all accessible surfaces of the
upper ram.
Place the top closure with the upper ram on the mounting
cylinder.
Press the top closure straight down, turning it counter-
clockwise until you hear a click.
Press the top closure down and turn it clockwise until its
lower limit.
Turn the top closure a quarter of a turn back.
Important
If the ram does not fit in the cylinder then check ram and cylinder for cured
resin. The tolerance between the cylinder and the ram is very fine and even
small amounts of resin from previous mounting may cause problems.
11
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Starting the Mounting Process
Preheating with Low Pressure
Stopping the Mounting Process
Removing the Top Closure
Set the force.
Set the heating time.
Set the heating temperature (180/150°C).
Set the cooling time.
Press START
The mounting process can be followed on the heating and
cooling indicators.
Set the force to a low value to begin with. Adjust the force after
the desired period of preheating.
The machine automatically stops and relieves the pressure
when the cooling time has elapsed. The machine can be
stopped at any time during the mounting process by pressing
STOP
Cool the mounting cylinder in minimum 2 min before opening, after a
heating period. Please note that the mount possibly will be destroyed.
When the mounting process is finished:
Turn the top closure counter-clockwise until released from the
threads.
Press RAM UP
Place the top closure in the top closure holder.
o.
If you have stopped the machine during the mounting process:
s, and the process will run automatically.
O to raise the lower ram to its upper limit.
12
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Reference Guide
Table of Contents Page
1. Advanced Operations
Installation of Recirculation Cooling Unit (Optional) ..................14
Socket for Recirculation ..........................................................14
2. Struers Metalog Guide™
............................................... 15
3. Application Guide for Hot Mounting
........................ 15
4. Accessories
......................................................................... 16
5. Consumables
....................................................................... 17
6. Trouble-Shooting
............................................................... 18
7. Maintenance
Daily Service ................................................................................... 20
Monthly Service .............................................................................. 20
Cleaning under the Lower Ram.............................................. 20
Cleaning the Rams .........................................................................20
Removing the Upper Ram .............................................................. 21
Lubricating the Threads for the Top Closure................................ 21
Decalcifying the Cooling Coil in the Mounting Unit..................... 21
Replacing the Cooling Water.......................................................... 22
Checking the Recirculating Cooling Unit...................................... 22
8. Technical Data
................................................................... 23
13
Installation of Recirculation
Cooling Unit (Optional)
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
1. Advanced Operations
A Recirculation Cooling Unit (TRECI) can be connected by means
of a Recirculation Cooling Unit Connector (ROPRE).
TRECI
ROPRE
LaboPress-3/
ProntoPress-10/ProntoPress-20
Socket for Recirculation
Outlet hose
Socket for recirculation
Connect the cable from the pump in TRECI to ROPRE, according
to the diagram of ROPRE.
Connect the cable with plug from ROPRE to the socket
(pos. 5) on the back of the mounting press.
Connect the cable from ROPRE to the mains.
Check that the pump rotates in the direction indicated on the
pump. If the direction is incorrect, switch two of the phases in
the connection to the pump in TRECI (3-phase versions only).
Replace the outlet tube on the pump in TRECI with the non-
➃
➀
➄
➁
return valve with elbow and hexagon nipple from ROPRE.
Struers recommends that you seal the threads.
Connect the pressure hose of the mounting press to the
hexagon nipple. Remember to mount the gasket.
Lead the outlet hose (pos. 2) to the inlet on TRECI. Be
absolutely sure to place the hose with a steady downward
slope and without obstructions.
Attach the water outlet to the inlet of TRECI.
14
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
2. Struers Metalog Guide™
Struers Metalog Guide
common materials, based on a simple analysis of two key properties: hardness and ductility. Finding the right method, including
choice of consumables is easy. Always consult Struers Metalog
Guide
mens.
for the correct preparation method for the actual speci-
offers preparation methods for the most
Metalogram
Metalog Method:
Preparation Philosophy
Metalog Process
Metalog Master
Metalog Code
Struers Metalog Guide
A quick and safe guide to the right preparation method.
A complete catalogue of preparation methods, based on Struers’
extensive materialographic experience, and employing Struers’
range of consumables.
The basics of modern specimen preparation, seen from a
professional point of view.
The materialographic preparation process from start to finish,
logically explained.
A combined trouble-shooting guide and supply of in-depth
information on the processes of mechanical preparation, including
an expert system for the solving of preparation problems.
Quick access to the relevant consumables for the chosen
preparation methods.
contains 6 useful chapters:
Struers Metalog Guide
A complete guide to materialographic specimen preparation. Contact your
local dealer for a free copy of Metalog Guide.
3. Application Guide for Hot Mounting
Useful mounting data and hints can be found in the Struers
Application Guide for Hot Mounting or visit the Struers website
on http://www.struers.com
and see the section on Knowledge
15
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
4. Accessories
Type Description Code
Mounting Unit
consisting of cylinder, upper and lower ram, heating/cooling
unit and top closure
Intermediate Ram
for making 2 simultaneous mounts
Recirculation Cooling Unit
Recirculation Cooling Unit Connector
for connection of Recirculation Cooling Unit (TRECI) to
LaboPress-3.
25 mm dia.
30 mm dia.
1 ¼” dia.
1 ½” dia.
40 mm dia.
50 mm dia.
25 mm dia.
30 mm dia.
1 ¼” dia.
1 ½” dia.
40 mm dia.
50 mm dia.
TRECI
ROPRE
CYNMI
CYNTE
CYNQU
CYNHA
CYNIF
CYNAM
CYLDO
CYLDO
CYLDO
CYLDO
CYLDO
CYLDO
16
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
5. Consumables
Resin Application Specific property Material Contents Code
ConduFast
(Resin 1)
SpeciFast
(Resin 3)
PolyFast Edge retention Very low shrinkage
Examination in scanning
IsoFast
(Resin 4)
DuroFast
(Resin 5)
MultiFast Routine examination,
MultiFast
Green
MultiFast
Brown
Product Application Specific property Material Contents Code
Pre-Mount
Product Application Material Contents Code
Mount
Release Wax
AntiStick
Electropolishing Electrically conductive
Glass clear mounts
Porous samples
Surface electrical insulator
for ConduFast
electron microscope
Edge retention
Planeness
Edge retention
Planeness
Backup resin
Routine examination
Colour marking
Routine examination
Colour marking
Very low shrinkage
Transparent
Medium shrinkage
Medium removal rate
Electrically conductive
Low emission in the
vacuum chamber.
Low shrinkage
Low removal rate
Very low shrinkage
Good adhesion
Very low removal rate
Low shrinkage
Medium removal rate
Low shrinkage
Medium removal rate
Low shrinkage
Medium removal rate
Serial mounting of
uncomplicated shapes
Easy to handle
Low shrinkage
Medium removal rate
To avoid sticking of the
mounts to the rams
To avoid sticking of the
mounts to the rams
Wax 24 g PREWA
Very fine stearate powder 8 g FASTI
Acrylic resin with iron
powder filler
Thermoplastic, Grey
Acrylic
Thermoplastic
Phenolic resin with carbon
filler
Thermosetting, Black
Dialylphtalate with glass
fibre filler
Thermosetting, Green
Epoxy with mineral filler
Thermosetting, Black
Phenolic resin with wood
flour filler
Thermosetting, Black
Phenolic resin with wood
flour filler
Thermosetting, Green
Phenolic resin with wood
flour filler
Thermosetting, Brown
Phenolic resin with wood
flour filler
In tablet form
Thermosetting, Black
1 kg RESFE
1.5 kg
7.5 kg
25 kg
1 kg
7.5 kg
1 kg
7.5 kg
1 kg
7.5 kg
2.5 kg
7.5 kg
25 kg
2.5 kg
7.5 kg
25 kg
2.5 kg
7.5 kg
25 kg
25 mm/
1” dia.
approx.
1100 pcs.
10 kg
30 mm/
1.1/4” dia.
approx.
760 pcs.
10 kg
40 mm/
1 ½” dia.
approx.
460 pcs.
10 kg
RESTH
RESYV
RESFA
FAPSA
FAPME
RESDI
RESTY
RESIF
RESEN
RESRU
RESUK
RESLA
FAGSA
FAGME
FAGLA
FABSA
FABME
FABLA
RESUN
RESGI
RESAM
17
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
6. Trouble-Shooting
Display/error Cause Action
Error Message
Overload The motor has been overloaded. Let the motor cool down and start the
mounting press again. If this does not
help: Call a Struers service technician.
Acoustic Signals
Long beep. The command can not be accepted. Check User’s Guide, Section 2.
Machine Problems
Process will not start. Heating time and cooling time are
set at zero.
Incorrect setting of force/pressure. Set the correct parameter. Insufficient compression.
Defect in the pressure system. Call a Struers service technician.
Incorrect setting of time or
temperature for heating.
Defect in the heating system. Call a Struers service technician.
Insufficient cooling.
Cooling water drips
underneath the machine.
The top closure will not start
threading on the mounting
cylinder.
Incorrect setting of time for cooling. Set the correct parameter.
Mains tap supplying cooling water
is either closed or not opened
sufficiently.
Filter at the water inlet is blocked.
The water is too hot.
Insufficient water within the
Recirculation Cooling Unit. The
water is too hot.
Defect in the cooling system. Call a Struers service technician.
The quick coupling is not mounted
correctly.
The top closure is not mounted
correctly.
The upper ram is too hot. Let the top closure and the upper ram cool
Cured resin inside the mounting
cylinder.
Cured resin on the cylindrical
surface of the upper ram.
The top closure has been dropped
on the floor/table, causing a bulge
in the edge of the ram.
Set the correct times.
Set the correct parameters. Insufficient heating.
Open the tap.
Clean the filter.
Fill to the correct water level. See the
section: Maintenance.
Remove the cover from the mounting unit
and check the quick coupling connections.
Press the top closure straight down,
turning it counter-clockwise until you hear
a click.
Turn the top closure clockwise.
down.
Reduce the mounting temperature.
Clean the mounting cylinder with a brass
wire brush.
Clean the ram with the scraper supplied.
Replace the upper ram.
18
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Error Cause Action
Damage to the threaded connection
in the top closure or to the upper
ram.
The top closure cannot be
screwed down completely.
The top closure can not be
loosened.
Dirt in the threads on the top
closure and the mounting cylinder.
The disc for thermal insulation,
placed on the top of the upper ram,
has a larger diameter than the
upper ram.
The top closure has not been
turned ¼ turn back before starting
the process.
Cured resin on the cylindrical
surface of the top ram.
Dirt in the threads of the top
closure.
Remove the upper ram from the top
closure (see instructions in chapter
Maintenance). Try both the following
procedures to identify the problem:
Try to mount the top closure, without
the upper ram. If this is not possible,
call a Struers service technician.
Try to insert the disconnected upper
ram into the mounting cylinder. If this is
not possible, call a Struers service
technician.
Clean the threads.
Use only a dry lubricant powder.
Call a Struers service technician.
To release the top closure:
- Move the lower ram up and down
several times.
If this does not help:
- Put heating on for 1 min. and try
again.
If this does not help:
- Complete a mounting process without
force, but with heating and cooling
time of about 15 min.
If this does not help:
- Remove the two handles on the top
closure.
- Remove the plastic cover from the top
closure (See Maintenance).
- Loosen the top closure with a fork
spanner.
19
Daily Service
Monthly Service
Cleaning under the Lower Ram
Cleaning the Rams
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
7. Maintenance
Clean all accessible surfaces with a moist cloth.
When mounting, some old cured resin will fall down from the
lower ram and built up underneath. The cured resin must be
cleaned away, to avoid it harming the machine. The axle journal
securing the lower ram has been designed to break in this case,
thus preventing serious damage to the machine.
Remove the mounting unit. See this section.
Remove the resin under the lower ram with a cloth or a soft
brush.
Install the mounting unit. See this section.
Before each mounting, check that there is no resin left on the flat
surface of the rams from previous operations. Clean the cylindrical surface of the upper ram and optional intermediate ram as
this may cause problems with travel in the cylinder and mounting
the top closure. Cured resin can easily be removed without any
damage to the surface of the rams using the scraper supplied.
If the rams have been scratched on the polished surfaces,
disassemble and polish them with 6 or 3 µm diamonds on a
polishing cloth.
IMPORTANT
Do not polish the surface on the sides of the rams. If the sides of the rams
are heavily scratched, they must be scrapped.
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LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Removing the Upper Ram
Lubricating the Threads for the
Top Closure
Take the cover plugs out of the ends of the handles and
unscrew them with an allen key. (pos. 1).
Remove the plastic cover (pos.2).
Lift the upper ram and remove the lock washer (pos.3).
Pull out the upper ram. Do not remove the rod (pos. 4) from
the upper ram unless absolutely necessary.
If it is necessary to remove the rod, hold the upper ram in a
vice or a similar device. The ram surface must be protected
with plastic or soft metal.
Handle
Plastic cover
Lock washer
Rod
In case there is any friction in the threads, they should be
lubricated with a dry lubricant such as MoS
2 powder or graphite.
Decalcifying the Cooling Coil in
the Mounting Unit
IMPORTANT
Please observe that the threads in the joint between the top closure and the
mounting cylinder must not be lubricated with oil or grease. As the mounting
cylinder operates at high temperatures, only a dry lubricant, resistant to high
temperatures, can be used.
When using cooling water from the mains tap in areas with a high
chalk or mineral content, deposits can build up in the cooling coil.
This may reduce the cooling effect, so once a year the cooling coil
should be decalcified.
Remove the mounting unit. (See this section.)
Flush the coil with a mild decalcifying fluid, such as that used
for coffee machines.
Flush the cooling coil with clean water.
Re-install the mounting unit.
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LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Replacing the Cooling Water
Checking the Recirculation
Cooling Unit
Only relevant when a Recirculation Cooling Unit is connected:
Replace the cooling water in the Recirculation Cooling Unit at
least once a month.
Place a Disposable Plastic Container (TREPO) in the tank
and fold it over the edge.
Fill the tank with 30 l of water. NB! Too high a level of
coolant in the tank might damage the pump.
Add Struers Additive according to the instructions.
Put the lid on the tank.
Place the pump in the lid
IMPORTANT
Always maintain the correct concentration of Struers Additive in the cooling
water (percentage stated on the container of the Additive). Remember to
add Struers Additive each time you refill with water.
The cooling unit should be checked for cooling water every week
and refilled when the flushing pump cannot reach the cooling
water. Remember to add Struers Additive for Cooling Fluid: One
part of Additive for 33 parts of water.
The concentration of additive should always lie between 2.7 and
3.3%; the pH should be around 9. Replace the cooling water if pH
is T 8.0.
To check the concentration of additive, use a refractometer (0-10
Brix, see diagram.). Concentration = 2 x Brix. Add Struers
Additive for Cooling Fluid if the concentration is lower than 2.7%.
Add water if the concentration is higher than 3.3%.
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LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
8. Technical Data
Subject Specifications
Mounting Units
(Optional)
Compression Force on piston rod Variable between 0 -
Heating
(with pressure on)
Time Variable between 0 and 15 min
Cooling
(with pressure on)
Water Supply Tap Water or
Pressure for tap water 1 - 10 bar 14.5 - 145 psi
Inlet
Supply Voltage Power phases 1
Power consumption:
Diameter
Temperature 150/180 °C 302/356°F
Time Variable between 0 and 15 min
Recirculation Cooling
Unit
Max. Total
Mounting Unit
Metric/International US
25, 30, 40, 50 mm
50 kN
1
¼" 1½"
Variable between 0 12000 Lbf
½" or ¾" ½" or ¾"
1500W
750W
Voltage/frequency: Max. continuous load
100-120V / 50Hz
100-120V / 60Hz
220-240V / 50Hz
220-240V / 60Hz
Dimensions and
Weight
Width 420 mm
Depth 580 mm
Height (Mounting Unit
and Top Closure
installed)
Weight 38 kg
10A (100V) - 12A (120V)
10A (100V) - 12A (120V)
4.5A (220V)- 5.0A (240V)
4.5A (220V)- 5.0A (240V)
420 mm
23
Placing the Specimen
Pouring Resin over the
Specimen
Installing the Top Closure
Starting the Mounting Process
Stopping the Mounting Process
Removing the Top Closure
LaboPress-3
Instruction Manual
Quick Reference Card
Press and hold RAM UP
limit.
Apply “Mould Release Agent” to the surface of the lower ram.
Place the specimen on the ram.
Press and hold RAM DOWN
limit.
Fill a suitable amount of resin into the cylinder through the
funnel.
Remove resin dust from the upper part of the mounting
cylinder.
Clean the cylindrical surface of the upper ram. Cured resin
can easily be removed without damage to the surface of the
ram using the scraper supplied.
Apply “Mould Release Agent” to all accessible surfaces of the
upper ram.
Place the top closure with the upper ram on the mounting
cylinder.
Press the top closure straight down, turning it counter-
clockwise until you hear a click.
Press the top closure down and turn it clockwise until its
lower limit.
Turn the top closure a quarter of a turn back.
Set the force.
Set the heating time.
Set the heating temperature (180/150°C).
Set the cooling time.
Press START
The machine automatically stops and relieves the pressure
when the cooling time has elapsed.
When the mounting process is finished:
Turn the top closure counter-clockwise until released from the
thread.
Press RAM UP
Place the top closure in the top closure holder.
s, and the process will run automatically.
O to raise the lower ram to its upper limit.
O to raise the lower ram to its upper
N to lower the ram to its lower
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