HOW DOES XMATIC SUPPORT YOUR GRINDING AND POLISHING PROCESS?

Optimize lab space

Xmatic has been designed to minimize the floor space it requires, for example using a vertical conveyor to optimize its footprint. However, for labs where space is particularly limited, Xmatic also comes in a smaller model, Xmatic Compact, that does not include a high-speed plane grinding station. Instead, plane grinding can be done on a MD grinding and polishing station, with a speed up to 600 rpm.

Intuitive user interface

The entire user experience is simple and intuitive, requiring less training to operate. A redesigned user interface gives a complete representation of the machine, with a vertical conveyor to the left, consumables on the bottom, and cloths to the right (so-called ‘embodiment’).

Automatic detection of consumables

Codes on each consumable bottle or MD surface give Xmatic the data it needs, which eliminates entering incorrect information and saves time when setting up the system. Xmatic can also detect what µm size it has previously used on each MD polishing surface, which eliminates risks of contamination.

Automatic tube cleaning

A special cleaning program for flushing the tubes means that Xmatic can help you to avoid contamination when changing suspension and lubricant. The machine can recognize if the tube has not been cleaned and will alert the operator if changing to a different µm size, without asking the system to clean.

Dressing of MD grinding surfaces

Xmatic is equipped with two dressers that fit different surfaces. The frequency can be set to keep the removal rate of a grinding surface. This means you do not need to supervise the surface performance or manually dress each surface.

Complete cleaning and drying

Xmatic features different cleaning options. A high-pressure cleaning system with optimal nozzle positioning and improved water pressure. Ultrasonic cleaning is also an option. Drying is done by spinning the specimen holder leaving you with perfectly clean and dry specimens.

Pre-cleaning

A pre-clean step can be added for specimens prepared with e.g. oil-based suspension/lubricants using a dedicated MD-Nap cloth adding soap and water.

Easy filtering of methods

An improved filtering functionality makes it easy to find and select a method in Struers’ vast method database.

2 sets of methods

Two separate sets of Struers methods are available. One set of methods for Xmatic includes a high removal grinding station and one set of methods for Xmatic Compact that does not include a high removal grinding station.

Inspect functionality

Xmatic allows you to stop the process at any given stage to inspect your specimens. When returning the specimen holder to the vertical conveyor, the machine will ask if it should continue from the process step it stopped or start from the beginning.

Step selection

Xmatic enables you to choose which steps to run in a method to give you full flexibility. Just choose which steps you want to run.

Accurate dosing pumps

Xmatic features a new type of pump system that is controlled in very small and precise steps, no matter the viscosity of the fluid. This ensures your process is reproducible, with no dosing variation.

High capacity on disc and in specimen holder

Xmatic is compatible with disc sizes either 250 or 300 mm dia. and specimen holders either 140 or 160 mm dia. A larger disc size gives you a larger preparation area and supports the processing of larger specimens.

Closed chamber

Everything is housed within a closed chamber, which means there is less human interaction and less risk to health and safety. This helps workers to feel more comfortable in the lab environment, reducing absenteeism.

Force adjustment according to number of specimens

Xmatic can automatically adjust the force in the method according to the number of specimens in the specimen holder. This eliminates the need for you to calculate the force yourself. It also reduces the number of methods required in the method database. Just select the number of specimens in the specimen holder by clicking on the icon.

Data reporting

Xmatic creates log files that can help you verify and improve the process, store records, and monitor for maintenance. The machine registers the number of specimen holders, the methods and consumables used, and more.

Automatic cloth run-in

Xmatic performs an automatic run-in process for new polishing surfaces to check whether pre-dosing should happen prior to starting. This removes the need for human attention when running in a new polishing cloth.

Load up to 8 specimen holders

You can load up to 8 specimen holders at a time and allocate the same or different methods to each specimen holder. The order they should be processed is selected by clicking on the icons.

Changing suspension and lubricant

When a consumable is inserted, Xmatic automatically recognizes the consumable by a unique data matrix code. If you run out of suspension or lubricant, you can change to a new bottle containing the same without cleaning the tubes. If you change to a different suspension or lubricant without asking to clean the tubes, Xmatic warns you and asks you to clean the tube or proceed without cleaning.