metkon VACUMET 52 Vacuum Impregnation Unit Instruction Manual

metkon VACUMET 52 Vacuum Impregnation Unit

Product Information

The VACUMET 52 is a vacuum impregnation unit designed for embedding and impregnation of porous materials. The unit has a compact and simple design with a built-in vacuum system that includes a gauge. It efficiently removes trapped air from the mounting material and eliminates gaps between the specimen and the resin. The unit can be used for multi-specimen applications and is suitable for most mineralogical specimens that have porosities, cavities, and cracks. Additionally, it can be used to glue specimens onto glass slides for further processing in thin section preparation.

Product Usage Instructions

Installation & Set-Up

Before setting up the VACUMET 52, unpack the contents of the package and check to ensure all parts are present. Follow these steps:

1. Place the unit on a stable surface that can support its weight.
2. Connect the power cord to the unit and plug it into a grounded electrical outlet.
3. Connect the vacuum hose to the vacuum inlet on the unit.
4. Connect the air hose to the air inlet on the unit.
5. Fill the resin tank with the appropriate resin material.

Unpacking & Checking Contents of Package

Carefully unpack and check contents of the package. If any components are missing or damaged, save the packing list and materials and advise your distributor and the carrier of the discrepancy.
Carefully unpack and check that the following items have been received:

• VACUMET 52
• Silicon Tubes, 10 pieces
• Air Hose, 5 mt, 1 piece
• Mixing Cups, 10 pieces
• Spatulas, 10 pieces
• Scale Tubes, 2 pieces

Installation and Set-Up
CAUTION
Follow approved procedures and take all necessary preventive safety measures when lifting and installing this equipment. Improper lifting can result equipment damage.

• VACUMET 52 is a bench top
• VACUMET 52 should be placed on a sturdy and safe Please be sure that the platform is large enough and can stand its weight.
• In order to work with equipment comfortably, it is recommended to leave at least 30 cm space from all side of the equipment.
• You can see the dimensions and weight of VACUMET 52 as below:
  Dimensions| W| D| H
  ---|---|---|---
  300 mm| 310 mm| 350 mm
  Weight| Approx. 8 kgs

NOTE
If equipment used on very high altitude (above more than 2000 meters above sea level), in this case vacuum cannot be increased to maximum level.
Electrical Installation
VACUMET 52 is not required electric connection.
Water & Drain Connections
VACUMET 52 is not required water or drain connection.
Air Connection

• VACUMET 52 requires air supply with 6 bars pressure to generate vacuum.
• A compressor, which can generate more than 6 bars and has 50 liters capacity is enough for only 1 If you have more equipment that use air supply, please consult your local compressor dealer to choose correct compressor.
• If there is a doubt about the quality and pressure of the air supply, make certain that a filtering and regulator unit for compressed air is connected to the air line before VACUMET 52.
• METKON can supply GR 0440 Air Filtering and Lubricating Unit, which regulates air pressure to 6 bars
• Be sure that you have a suitable connection fitting to connect air hose to the airline.

Noise Level
Approx. 60 dB is measured at idle running at a distance of 1 m from the machine.

Control Panel

VACUMET 52 has an easy to use operator panel with very simple controls. It has specially designed to quick operation. A vacuum gauge allows you to observe instantaneous vacuum generation.

Control Button Functions

The control panel of the VACUMET 52 has several buttons with different functions. Here is a list of the button functions:

• Vacuum Pump: Starts and stops the vacuum pump.
• Air Pressure: Adjusts the air pressure for the air inlet.
• Resin Valve: Opens and closes the valve for the resin tank.
• Timer: Sets the time for the vacuum and impregnation cycles.

Arrange the vacuum with the vacuum valve in the middle.

NOTE
If equipment used on very high altitude (above more than 2000 meters above sea level), in this case vacuum cannot be increased to maximum level

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

To ensure the VACUMET 52 functions properly, it is recommended to perform regular maintenance. Here are some maintenance tips:

• After each use, clean the resin tank and hoses with an appropriate solvent.
• Check the vacuum pump oil level regularly and change it when necessary.
• Inspect the vacuum hose and air hose for any cracks or damage and replace if needed.

Accessories and Consumables

The VACUMET 52 comes with several accessories and consumables.
Here is a list of what is included:

• Resin tank with lid
• Vacuum hose
• Air hose
• Glass slides
• Cover slips
• Resin materials

Consumables
Cold mounting is preferred for samples, which are sensitive to damage from heat and pressure (like coatings, PCB, etc.) Cold mounting resins are easy to use.

1000 gr
29-516| DMT ACE| Cold mounting fluid, soluble with acetone 500 ml
29- 003/20| BAK- S| Light Brown Phenolic powder, 20 kgs
29-505| EPOCOLD- R| Epoxy Resin (2 x 500 gr)
29- 506| EPOCOLD- H| Epoxy Hardener (200 gr)

**Technical Documentation

**

For any technical documentation or spare parts needed for the VACUMET 52, refer to the recommended spare part list in the user manual or contact customer service for assistance.

EC Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer : Metkon Instruments Inc.
Address : Demirtas Dumlupinar Organize Sanayi Bolgesi Ali Osman Sonmez Cd. No: 14 Bursa / TURKEY
Model No : VACUMET 52
Herewith declares that; Vacuum Impregnation Unit

• is in conformity with the provisions of the Machinery Directive (directive 2006/42/EEC), as amended, and with national implementing legislation;
  And furthermore declares that

• the following (parts/clauses of) standards have been applied

Authorized Person: ERCIN SENAY
Position: Manager of Research and Development Department Year: 2019
Bursa / Turkey

DESCRIPTION

Design

• Compact and simple
• Built-in vacuum sytem with Gauge
• Efficient impregnation
• Multi-specimen application.

VACUMET 52 is designed for embedding and impregnation of mounting material and eliminates the gaps between the mounting material and eliminates the gaps between the specimen and the resin.
Most mineralogical specimens have porosities, cavities, fulfills this requirement easily and efficiently. In addition, fulfills this requirement easily and efficiently. In addition, VACUMET 52 can also be used for glueing the specimens on the glass slides for further processing in thin section preparation.
METKON offers wide range of cold mounting consumables mineralogical application. mineralogical application.
Only air connection is necessary to operate VACUMET 52. No electric or water connection is needed.
Embedding mineralogical specimens is very easy with VACUMET 52. Just place your specimen inside the embedding form, fill it with cold mounting resin, place it inside the VACUMET 52, close cover and turn on vacuum. That’s all!
Two different operation is possible with VACUMET 52; embedding with sucking function or without sucking function. It is also possible to mount specimens with VACUMET 52, if the specimen has very low density and floating inside the resin material. VACUMET 52 has feature for fixing low-density materials.

Technical Data

Warranty

The VACUMET 52 is guaranteed against defective material or workmanship defects for a period of 12 months from the date of receipt by the customer or latest 18 months after the shipping date. The warranty is not valid if inspection shows evidence of misuse or unauthorized repair. Warranty covers only replacement of defective materials. If this unit need to be returned to our factory for service, please contact your distributor for authorization and include the following details: Serial Number of the unit, Invoice number and date. Transport costs belong to the customer.
NOTE
The equipment is designed to be used with In case METKON accessories and consumables. In case of misuse of equipment, improper installation, alteration, use of different source parts, improper repair, METKON will accept NO responsibility for any damages to the operator or the equipment.
Disassembling of any part should always be performed by a qualified technician

Safety Precautions

Read the below instructions carefully before use.

• Place the machine on a sturdy and safe table.
• The equipment must be installed in compliance with local safety regulations.
• Only use approved METKON accessories and consumables to achieve maximum safety and lifetime.
• Follow the instructions and safety regulations when lifting and carrying the equipment.
• Using gloves is recommended when working with cold mounting consumables.
• Follow the periodically maintenance.

NOTE

METKON Instruments Inc. can make any changes without notice on the equipment, accessories, consumables and miscellaneous products.
Consequently; visual or written information on the instruction manuals, technical materials, catalogues, website, product videos and other marketing materials may show inconsistencies and may be different from the product

OPERATION

Without Sucking Function

• Add 100 gr/23 gr (85 ml/20 ml) Epoxy resin/Hardner into a mixing cup and mix continuosly 3
• Place the sample in the middle of mounting cup (embedding form) and fill the mounting mixture into the mounting cup.
• Place the mounting cup into the vacuum
• Close the plexyglass top cover and Switch ON (Start) the VACUMET 52.
• Adjust the vacuum to 560 mmHg with the help of vacuum gauge.
• After a short time, you can observe air bubbles on the mounting mixture.
• Regarding to the temparature and vacuum, air bubbles nearly disappear in 45
• Then adjust the vacuum to 100 mmHg – 130 mmHg with the help of vacuum gauge.
• Hardening time is approximately 8
• After Hardening, Switch OFF (Stop) the VACUMET 52, then remove the Plexyglass cover and take the mounting cup from the vacuum chamber.

With Sucking Function

• Add 100 gr/23 gr (85 ml/20 ml) Epoxy resin/Hardner into a mixing cup and mix continuosly 3
• Place the sample in the middle of mounting cup and place this in the vacuum Please be sure that the mounting cup should be under the vacuum hose end. You can place the hose end by using the small steel pipe.
• Before Switching ON (Start), close the Plexyglass top
• Insert the silicone tube into the black plastic
• If your sample is light or it can be moved during the filling of cold mounting mixture, press the steel pin to the sample carefully. By this way, your sample is fixed and the surface of the sample will be parallel to the base
• Dip the hose end into the mixture
• Switch ON (Start). Open the Pressure gauge little by little and adjust the vacuum to 560
• Fill the mounting cup very Fill the other cups accordingly by same method. You can adjust the epoxy mixture flow rate with black-plastic head adjusting screw.
• After a short time, you can observe air bubbles on the mounting mixture.
• Regarding to the temparature and vacuum, air bubbles nearly disappear in 45
• Pull the steel pin back when the hardening Adjust the vacuum to 100 mmHg – 130 mmHg with the help of vacuume gauge.
• Hardening time is approximately 7
• After Hardening Switch OFF (Stop) the VACUMET 52, then remove the plexyglass cover and take the mounting cup from the vacuum chamber.

Customer Service

Our factory-trained assembly personal is at your disposal for customer service. Please contact the following address:
Head Quarter
Metkon Instruments Inc.
Demirtas Dumlupinar Organize Sanayi Sitesi Ali Osman Sonmez Cad. No:14 Bursa/TURKEY
Tel: +90 (224) 261 1840
Fax: +90 (224) 261 1844
E-Mail: metkonsales@metkon.com
Web: www.metkon.com

References

• Metkon Instruments Inc. - Metallography & Hardness Testing
• Metkon Instruments Inc. - Metallography & Hardness Testing
• Metkon Instruments Inc. - Metallography & Hardness Testing

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