PETROGRAPHIC CUTTING MACHINES

In the preparation of petrographic samples, the first operation is cutting, which has the purpose of reducing the dimensions, allowing subsequent processing. Furthermore, in this phase it is possible to isolate any structures that can be the object of specific observations and analyses. The cutting, performed with diamond discs, can produce a thin deformed layer that must be removed with subsequent pre-polishing and lapping operations which also allow for improving the flatness and roughness of the surfaces. For this reason and also because the samples are often particularly delicate, the cutting machines must perform an accurate cut that avoids any surface alteration.

The wide range of REMET cutting machines allow the cutting of any petrographic sample from large pieces of rock or large pebbles, sectionable with the "MT 500", to small fragments of minerals that can be reduced to thin plane-parallel sections using the "MICROMET" precision cutting machine.

The MT 60, MT 70, MT 80, MT 100 and TR 100 S cutting machines allow for the rapid and precise creation of petrographic sections.

To eliminate problems related to abrasive wear and corrosion these machines consist of:

• AISI 304 stainless steel body and lid with micro-compacted surface
• large polycarbonate cutting compartment observation screen
• machine components in stainless steel and mechanical cast iron protected with chemical nickel thickness.

The grinding motor, of considerable power, is completely sealed and is made of cast iron; the transmission of movement to the grinding spindle is guaranteed without slipping thanks to the use of a POLY-V belt.

The spindle is supported by high precision ball bearings with double watertight seal. All the miter saw models allow the creation of slices thanks to a 100 mm stroke translation table, operated by an externally controlled handwheel.

The translation table is protected against corrosion by a thick chemical nickel coating.

The cutting cooling is guaranteed by two adjustable nozzles mounted on the grinding wheel casing, connected directly to the water supply; the water supply is controlled by a solenoid valve activated simultaneously with the turning on of the grinding wheel motor. The cutting residues settle inside the machine body, while the water is evacuated directly into the laboratory drain. The cutting machines are built in full compliance with CE standards (low voltage controls, interlocked microswitch on the cover, grinding wheel motor protection, etc.). The machines are supported by adjustable anti-vibration feet and are supplied with instructions for use and work keys.

MT 500 LARGE SECTIONS

The MT 500 cutting machine is designed for the preliminary cutting of large mineralogical samples (max section 400 x 170 mm). It is made of a sturdy stainless steel body with a polycarbonate front cover, fixed to a solid steel structure which houses a removable stainless steel tank. The cutting machine is equipped with a sturdy carriage, manually movable both longitudinally and transversally (to obtain slices), on which the petrographic sample is fixed using a quick-clamping system with PVC clamps. The machine's cooling and cleaning circuit is connected directly to the water supply; when the grinding motor is turned on, a jet of water is automatically sent to the sides of the grinding wheel, while a shower on the bottom of the machine cleans the internal walls. A metal grid retains the coarser residues, while the water falls into the collection tank below, which in turn is connected to the laboratory drain. The cutting machine is equipped with a manually operated gun for internal cleaning. Great attention has been paid to ensuring maximum operational safety:

• the electrical panel is watertight
• the keypad is powered by low voltage (24 V)
• the opening of the casing is only possible when the grinding wheel has come to a complete stop
• an internal lamp allows you to monitor all the cutting phases
• the robust structure of the cutting machine, the non-removable grinding wheel cover and the polycarbonate cover always guarantee complete protection for the operator.

The longitudinal translation can be automated on request, using a feed system with speed adjustable by potentiometer (0/250 mm/min), friction clutch and front and rear limit switches.