Metkon VACUMET 52 Operation and Instruction Manual

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

Metkon Instruments Inc. hereby declares that the Vacuum Impregnation Unit VACUMET 52 is in conformity with the provisions of the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EEC), as amended, and with national implementing legislation. Furthermore, it declares that the following standards have been applied: EN ISO 12100:2010, TS EN 60204-1.

Authorized Person: Ercin Senay

Position: Manager of Research and Development Department

Year: 2019

Location: Bursa / Turkey

[CE] Mark of Conformity

Description

Design

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

The VACUMET 52 is designed for embedding and impregnation of porous materials. It removes trapped air from the mounting material and eliminates gaps between the specimen and the resin. Most mineralogical specimens have porosities, cavities, and cracks, necessitating vacuum treatment. The VACUMET 52 efficiently fulfills this requirement. Additionally, it can be used for gluing specimens onto glass slides for further processing in thin section preparation.

METKON offers a wide range of cold mounting consumables and high-quality embedding forms for various mineralogical applications. Operation requires only an air connection; no electric or water connection is needed.

Embedding mineralogical specimens is straightforward: place the specimen in the embedding form, fill it with cold mounting resin, place it inside the VACUMET 52, close the cover, and activate the vacuum. The unit supports two operation modes: with or without a sucking function. It also accommodates specimens with very low density that might float in the resin, featuring a mechanism to fix them.

Technical Data

Warranty

The VACUMET 52 is guaranteed against defective material or workmanship for 12 months from the date of receipt by the customer, or a maximum of 18 months after the shipping date. The warranty is void if inspection reveals misuse or unauthorized repair. It covers only the replacement of defective materials. For service, contact your distributor and provide the unit's serial number, invoice number, and date. Transport costs are the customer's responsibility.

NOTE: The equipment is designed for use with METKON accessories and consumables. METKON accepts no responsibility for damages to the operator or equipment resulting from misuse, improper installation, alteration, use of non-METKON parts, or improper repair. Disassembly should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Safety Precautions

Read the following instructions carefully before use:

• Place the machine on a sturdy and safe table.
• Install the equipment in compliance with local safety regulations.
• Use only approved METKON accessories and consumables for maximum safety and lifetime.
• Follow instructions and safety regulations when lifting and carrying the equipment.
• Wearing gloves is recommended when working with cold mounting consumables.
• Follow periodic maintenance schedules.

NOTE: METKON Instruments Inc. reserves the right to make changes to the equipment, accessories, consumables, and products without prior notice. Consequently, visual or written information in manuals, technical materials, catalogues, websites, and marketing materials may differ from the actual product.

Installation & Set Up

Unpacking & Checking Contents of Package

Carefully unpack and check all package contents. If any components are missing or damaged, save the packing list and materials, and notify your distributor and the carrier of the discrepancy.

Ensure the following items have been received:

• VACUMET 52 unit
• Silicon Tubes, 10 pieces
• Air Hose, 1.5 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 in equipment damage.

• The VACUMET 52 is a benchtop unit.
• Place the VACUMET 52 on a sturdy and safe platform capable of supporting its weight.
• Ensure at least 30 cm of space around the equipment for comfortable operation.

Dimensions and weight of the VACUMET 52:

Electrical Installation

The VACUMET 52 requires no electrical connection.

Water & Drain Connections

The VACUMET 52 requires no water or drain connection.

Air Connection

• The VACUMET 52 requires an air supply of 6 bar pressure to generate vacuum.
• A compressor with a capacity of over 6 bar and 50 liters is sufficient for one unit. For multiple units, consult a compressor dealer.
• If air supply quality or pressure is uncertain, connect a filtering and regulator unit for compressed air before the VACUMET 52. METKON supplies the GR 0440 Air Filtering and Lubricating Unit, which regulates air pressure to 6 bar.
• Ensure you have a suitable connection fitting for the air hose.

Noise Level

Approximately 60 dB is measured at idle running at a distance of 1 meter from the machine.

NOTE: If the equipment is used at very high altitudes (above 2000 meters), the vacuum level may not reach its maximum potential.

Control Panel

The VACUMET 52 features an easy-to-use operator panel with simple controls designed for quick operation. A vacuum gauge allows for monitoring instantaneous vacuum generation.

Control Button Functions

• START/STOP: Activates the instrument.
• VACUUM GAUGE: Indicates the pressure inside the vacuum chamber. Adjust the vacuum using the central valve.

Operation

Without Sucking Function

1. Add 100g/23g (85ml/20ml) of Epoxy resin/hardener into a mixing cup and mix continuously for 3 minutes.
2. Place the specimen in the middle of the mounting cup (embedding form) and fill the mounting mixture into the cup.
3. Place the mounting cup into the vacuum chamber.
4. Close the plexiglass top cover and switch ON (Start) the VACUMET 52.
5. Adjust the vacuum to 560 mmHg using the vacuum gauge.
6. Air bubbles will appear in the mounting mixture. After approximately 45 minutes, bubbles will nearly disappear due to temperature and vacuum.
7. Adjust the vacuum to 100 mmHg - 130 mmHg using the vacuum gauge.
8. Hardening time is approximately 8 hours.
9. After hardening, switch OFF (Stop) the VACUMET 52, remove the plexiglass cover, and take the mounting cup from the vacuum chamber.

With Sucking Function

1. Add 100g/23g (85ml/20ml) of Epoxy resin/hardener into a mixing cup and mix continuously for 3 minutes.
2. Place the specimen in the middle of the mounting cup and position it in the vacuum chamber, ensuring the cup is under the vacuum hose end. Use the small steel pipe to guide the hose end.
3. Before switching ON (Start), close the plexiglass top cover.
4. Insert the silicone tube into the black plastic valve.
5. If the specimen is light and may move during resin filling, carefully press the steel pin onto the sample to fix it, ensuring the sample surface is parallel to the base.
6. Dip the hose end into the mixture cup.
7. Switch ON (Start). Gradually open the pressure gauge valve and adjust the vacuum to 560 mmHg.
8. Fill the mounting cup slowly. Fill other cups similarly. Adjust the epoxy mixture flow rate using the black plastic head adjusting screw.
9. Air bubbles will appear in the mounting mixture. After approximately 45 minutes, bubbles will nearly disappear due to temperature and vacuum.
10. Pull the steel pin back when hardening begins. Adjust the vacuum to 100 mmHg - 130 mmHg using the vacuum gauge.
11. Hardening time is approximately 7 hours.
12. After hardening, switch OFF (Stop) the VACUMET 52, remove the plexiglass cover, and take the mounting cup from the vacuum chamber.

Service and Maintenance

Maintenance

Clean the vacuum chamber after each operation. Cold mounting resins left in the chamber can clog the vacuum system.

Accessories and Consumables

Accessories

Consumables

Cold mounting is preferred for samples sensitive to heat and pressure (e.g., coatings, PCBs). Cold mounting resins are easy to use.

Technical Documentation

Recommended Spare Part List

Customer Service

Factory-trained assembly personnel are available 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