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Thermo Fisher Scientific Launches Automated Milling Solution for Fast and Reliable Ferrous Metals Sample Preparation

14 Dec 2010
Emily Marquez-Vega
Publishing / Media

Product news

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced the launch of an innovative solution for the preparation of ferrous metals samples for optical emission and X-ray fluorescence. The solution integrates the Haas Mini Mill milling machine from Haas Inc. with the Thermo Scientific ARL PrepControl automation extension.

Combining the power of a robust, rapid and flexible milling machine from the world’s largest CNC machine tool builder with the leading ARL PrepControl™ automation system, the new solution addresses the requirements of modern process control laboratories for high-quality, reproducible and reliable ferrous metals sample preparation.

Milling is increasingly becoming the preferred method for preparing ferrous metals samples for subsequent analysis with spectrometric techniques. Efficient, reproducible and dependable sample preparation plays a crucial role in the analytical performance of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers and optical emission spectrometers (OES). The Haas Mini Mill with ARL PrepControl produces the high quality and reproducible prepared sample surfaces required for spectrometer analysis. With samples and standards introduced manually via the front door, it facilitates a semi-automatic operation. Additionally, the system can be easily integrated with automated Thermo Scientific ARL metals analyzers and XRF spectrometers without the need for any modifications for entirely unattended, reliable and fast sample preparation and analysis.

The Haas Mini Mill with ARL PrepControl complies with the most stringent international safety and design standards. It yields unparalleled robustness and damping to resist vibrations and maximize cutting tips lifetime at high speed while reducing sample preparation time. The system is a true 3-axes milling machine designed for mass production of precision pieces and long life in a 24/7 non-stop operation. With speeds of up to 6,000 rpm, the direct drive spindle of the system provides optimal torque at low-end speeds for milling iron and steel. In addition, the rapid traverse rates of Haas brushless motors (up to 15.2 m/min) enable users to reduce response times and increase throughput. An ultra fast and reliable umbrella tool changer, with a storage capacity of up to 10 milling heads, performs changes in five seconds, reducing maintenance interventions as milling heads can be automatically changed after a user-defined number of production samples and standards have been processed. This choice of milling heads optimizes the milling process for specific material qualities while the fast de-burring of thick or thin standards ensures high- quality prepared surfaces.

The Thermo Scientific ARL PrepControl is a complete Haas Mini Mill automation extension, comprising a Siemens S7 programmable logic controller (PLC) with a movable color touch screen as user interface and the ARL EasyPrep™ software for setting up and modifying preparation programs quickly and without the need for CNC programming. The solution also incorporates a sample clamping vice fixed on the Haas Mini Mill XY table and a sample surface positioning system using a fast sample height measurement device. Fully automatic operation is achieved under the control of the Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-2500/3500 automation system using state-of-the-art industrial robots for sample handling and providing for direct sample loading and unloading via a separate side door.

The Thermo Scientific portfolio of sample preparation solutions has been designed exclusively to meet the requirements of demanding applications. By offering a range of innovative systems including the new Haas Mini Mill with Thermo Scientific ARL PrepControl, customers are given the freedom to choose the best sample preparation solution to meet their needs, preferences and budgets.

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Atomic Absorption / Emission SpectroscopyAtomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) — also called optical emission spectroscopy (OES) — are used to detect the elemental constituents in samples. Both techniques involve the atomization of a sample. Atomic absorption spectrometers may use a flame or furnace to create an atomic vapor of the sample before irradiation with spectral light. Optical emission spectrometers may use a flame, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), microwave plasma (MP) or spark arcs to atomize and excite the sample. At higher excitation energies, electrons can be emitted instead of photons, which can be useful for samples that can’t be atomized and for surface analysis. Explore electron spectroscopy equipment such as Auger spectrometers and photoelectron spectrometers for surface elemental analysis of samples. Find the best atomic absorption, photoelectron and optical emission spectrometers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Fluorescence SpectroscopyFluorometers and spectrofluorometers (also called fluorescence spectrometers) are used to measure the intensity and wavelength of fluorescent light emitted from a sample after excitation by illumination. Spectrofluorometers utilize monochromators to select the desired wavelengths, whereas filter fluorometers employ a set of filters. Spectrofluorometers for measuring steady-state fluorescence and lifetime fluorescence (or time-resolved fluorescence) are available, as well as fluorescence microscopes and microplate readers. Find the best fluorescence spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.X-Ray Diffraction and SpectroscopyX-Ray diffraction & spectroscopy are used in material characterization to discern the structure and elemental composition of a sample. X-Ray diffractometers (XRD) are superior instruments in elucidating the dimensional atomic structure of crystalline materials, including powders, thin films and single crystals. For large unit cells or ordered macromolecules, consider small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). X-ray spectroscopic techniques include X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), both providing simple and accurate methods for determining the elemental composition of a material. Energy dispersive (EDXRF) and wavelength dispersive (WDXRF) XRF spectrometers are available, as well as handheld/portable devices. High-resolution, 3D microstructure characterization of materials can be achieved with X-ray microscopes combining sub-micron resolution imaging with 3D computed tomography. Find the best XRD and XRF spectrometers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Robotic InstrumentsRobotic instruments can be used for high-throughput automation of many lab processes. Such processes use instruments for assays like cell based assays and ELISA, for sample preparation like shakers, centrifuges and incubators, and for analysis such as sequencing and western blot analyzers. Useful features of robotic instruments include speed, reproducibility, barcode readers, software and automation.

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