Flexible specimen
holder
AbraPol-30, LaboForce-100,
Tegramin-25, Tegramin-30
Instruction Manual

Original Instructions

Doc. no.: 17067026-02_A_en
Date of release: 2023.09.07

CopyrightThe contents of this manual are the property of Struers ApS. Reproduction of
any part of this manual without the written permission of Struers ApS is notallowed.
All rights reserved. © Struers ApS.

2

Flexible specimen holder

Table of Contents
1

2

Safety4

1.1

Intended use

4

1.2

Safety messages

4

1.3

Safety messages in this manual

5

Get started

6

2.1

Device description

6

2.2

Overview

7

2.3

Check the packing list

7

3

Transport and storage

7

3.1

8

4

Instructions for use

Long-term storage or shipping

8

4.1

Specimen size and shape8

4.2

Place the specimens

11

4.3

Use the flexible specimen holder on AbraPol-30

11

4.4

Use the flexible specimen holder on LaboForce-100,
Tegramin-25, or Tegramin-30

14

4.4.1 Adjust the height of the flexible specimen holder

16

Adjust the horizontal position of the flexible
specimen holder

17

4.4.2
5

Maintenance17

6

Technical data

18

7

Troubleshooting

19

8

Disposal

20

9Manufacturer

21

Declaration of Incorporation ofPartly Completed Machinery

23

Flexible specimen holder

31 Safety

1

SafetyNote
If you have an older version of the Instructions Manuals for thefollowing machines you may have to download an updated version
containing instructions on how to use the flexible specimen holder:•Tegramin-25•

Tegramin-30•

LaboForce-100•

AbraPol-30

Visit the Struers web page for the latest manual version, or contact
your sales representative.

1.1

Intended use
The device is intended to be used as a specimen holder to secure the specimen
during a semi-automatic materialographic preparation process.
The device is intended to be used in combination with Struers equipment for
grinding/polishing:•

AbraPol-30: 160 mm diameter flexible specimen holder•

Tegramin-25: 140 mm diameter flexible specimen holder•

Tegramin-30: 160 mm diameter flexible specimen holder•

LaboForce-100:
140 mm diameter flexible specimen holder if you have a 250 mm MD disc
160 mm diameter flexible specimen holder if you have a 300 mm MD disc

Do not use the device for thefollowing

1.2

Any other equipment than stated inthis section.

Safety messages
Signs used in safety messages
Struers uses the following signs to indicate potential hazards.

ELECTRICAL HAZARD
This sign indicates an electrical hazard which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.

4

Flexible specimen holder

1 Safety

DANGER
This sign indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING
This sign indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION
This sign indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

CRUSHING HAZARD
This sign indicates a crushing hazard which, if not avoided, could
result in minor, moderate or serious injury.
General messages

NoteThis sign indicates that there is a risk of damage to property, or aneed to proceed with special care.

Hint
This sign indicates that additional information and hints areavailable.

1.3

Safety messages in this manual
CAUTION
Ignoring this information and mishandling of the equipment canlead to severe bodily injuries and material damage.

WARNING
Struers equipment must only be used in connection with and as
described in the Instruction Manual supplied with the equipment.

CAUTION
Read this Instruction Manual, as well as the Instruction Manual
for the machine with which you are going to use this accessory.

Flexible specimen holder

52 Get started

CRUSHING HAZARD
Keep your hands clear of the flexible specimen holder when lowering
the specimen mover.

CAUTIONTo ensure that the machine with which you are using the flexible
specimen holder can fixate the specimen securely, the following
software version must be installed on the machine:•
AbraPol-30: V. 1.12 or later•

LaboForce-100: V. 3.03 or later•

Tegramin-25, Tegramin-30: V. 1.33 or later

Failure to do so can result in specimens being ejected from themachine.

CAUTIONTo prevent specimens from detaching from the specimen holder,make sure that the specimen or specimens are covered completelyby the flexible specimen holder.

CAUTIONUse only specimens that are within the recommended dimensions. Ifthey are not within the recommended dimensions, they can detachfrom the flexible specimen holder and drop.

2

Get started

2.1

Device description
The device is a specimen holder with spring-loaded pins that secures the
specimen during the preparation process.
The operator secures the specimen in the device, and makes sure that the
specimen does not protrude from the specimen holder.
The operator places the device in the machine.
The operator places the specimen on the preparation surface and starts themachine by pressing the Start button.
The machine stops automatically when the process is completed.
The operator cleans the specimen before the next preparation step or inspection.

6

Flexible specimen holder

3 Transport and storage

2.2

Overview
A: 149 mm (5.86")
B: 72 mm (3")

A: 169 mm (6.65")
B: 72 mm (3")

2.3

Check the packing list
Optional accessories may be included in the packing box.
The packing box contains the following items:

3

Pcs.

Description

1

Flexible specimen holder

1

Instruction Manual set

Transport and storageIf, at any time after the installation, you have to move the unit or place it instorage, there is a number of guidelines we recommend that you follow.
•

Package the unit securely before transportation. Insufficient packaging
could cause damage to the unit and will void the warranty. Contact
Struers Service.

•

We recommend that you use the original packaging and fittings.

Flexible specimen holder

74 Instructions for use

3.1

Long-term storage or shipping•

4

Before storage or shipping, place the device in its original packaging.

Instructions for use
CRUSHING HAZARD
Keep your hands clear of the flexible specimen holder when lowering
the specimen mover.

CAUTION
Read this Instruction Manual, as well as the Instruction Manual forthe machine with which you are going to use this accessory.

CAUTIONTo ensure that the machine with which you are using the flexible
specimen holder can fixate the specimen securely, the following
software version must be installed on the machine:•
AbraPol-30: V. 1.12 or later•

LaboForce-100: V. 3.03 or later•

Tegramin-25, Tegramin-30: V. 1.33 or later

Failure to do so can result in specimens being ejected from themachine.

4.1

Specimen size and shape
CAUTIONUse only specimens that are within the recommended dimensions. Ifthey are not within the recommended dimensions, they can detachfrom the flexible specimen holder and drop.
Flexible specimen holder

140 mm (5.5")

Recommended size of thespecimen
HeightMin.: 10 mm (0.4")
Max.: 20 mm (0.8")

Area

Min.: 20 x 40 mm (0.8 x 1.8")
Max.: 90 x 90 mm (3.5 x 3.5")8Flexible specimen holder

4 Instructions for use

Flexible specimen holder

160 mm (6.3")

Recommended size of thespecimen
HeightMin.: 10 mm (0.4")
Max.: 20 mm (0.8")

Area

Min.: 20 x 40 mm (0.8 x 1.8")
Max.: 100 x 100 mm (3.9 x 3.9")

Note
Do not use the flexible specimen holder for preparing solid, round
specimens.

Flexible specimen holder

94 Instructions for use

AB

The height of the specimens must not vary more than 6 mm (0.23").
Holes, cavities, etc. must not exceed 50 % of the total specimen area.
The angle of the edge of the specimen must not be greater than 50°.
If the angle is greater, the specimen can fall out of the flexible specimen
holder.

Note
Do not use the flexible specimen holder to prepare specimens where
the top part of the specimen is not supported by the bottom part of thespecimen. If you do, the specimen will tilt.

10

Flexible specimen holder

4 Instructions for use

4.2

Place the specimens
Note
Place the specimens so that they do not extend beyond the MDdisc while rotating the polishing head.
Always place the longest side of the specimen so that it is parallel with therotational direction.

4.3

Use the flexible specimen holder on AbraPol-30
Note
Remove burrs and sharp edges from the specimen before
preparation.
The display
1. From the Main menu screen select Flexible specimen holder
preparation.
2.

If the menu item Flexible specimen holder preparation is not available
in the main menu, you must activate it in the software:– In the Configuration menu, select Options.
– Set Flexible specimen holder to Yes.

Flexible specimen holder

114 Instructions for use

Insert the flexible specimen holder

CRUSHING HAZARD
Keep your hands clear of the flexible specimen holder when lowering
the specimen mover.

CAUTIONTo prevent specimens from detaching from the specimen holder,make sure that the specimen or specimens are covered completelyby the flexible specimen holder.
1.

Place the flexible specimen holder under the quick coupling and support itwith your fingers.

2.

Press and hold down the flange of the column while you guide the pressure
tap of the flexible specimen holder into the coupling.

3.

Release the flange carefully.

4.

Rotate the flexible specimen holder until the three pins engage with thecorresponding holes.

5.

Make sure that the flexible specimen holder is securely fixed in the coupling.

Remove the flexible specimen holder
1. Support the flexible specimen holder with your fingers.

12

2.

Press and hold down the flange while you press the flexible specimen holder
slightly upwards. At the same time, use the heel of your hand to press andhold down the flange.

3.

Support the flexible specimen holder with one hand while you lower it torelease it from the coupling.

4.

Release the flange and remove the flexible specimen holder.

Flexible specimen holder

4 Instructions for use

Procedure for use

Hint
Make sure that you use sufficient force according to thespecimen size and Struers recommendations.

Hint
The Struers Metalog Guide methods are based on a specimen
with an area of 7 cm2. Adjust the method according to yourspecific specimen area.

Hint
Make sure that the preparation surface is sufficiently wet before
you start the preparation process.
1.

Place the specimen or specimens on the preparation
surface.

2.

Close the cover.

3.

Press the Start button once to lower the flexible
specimen holder.

4.

Make sure that no specimens protrude from theflexible specimen holder. If they do, adjust the
specimens.
– Press the Stop button to raise the flexible
specimen holder.
– Adjust the specimens.

5.

Repeat until all specimens are placed correctly.

6.

Start the preparation process by pressing Start withthe flexible specimen holder lowered.
The preparation process stops automatically when theset preparation time has expired.

7.

Clean the flexible specimen holder before the next
preparation step.

Flexible specimen holder

13

4 Instructions for use

4.4

Use the flexible specimen holder on LaboForce-100,
Tegramin-25, or Tegramin-30
Note
Remove burrs and sharp edges from the specimen before
preparation.
The display
1. From the Main menu screen select Flexible specimen holder methods.
2.

If the menu item Flexible specimen holder methods is not available in themain menu, you must activate it in the software:– In the Configuration menu, select Options.
– Set Flexible specimen holder to Yes.

Insert the flexible specimen holder

CRUSHING HAZARD
Keep your hands clear of the flexible specimen holder when lowering
the specimen mover.

Hint
Make sure that you use sufficient force according to the specimen
size and Struers recommendations.

Hint
The Struers Metalog Guide methods are based on a specimen withan area of 7 cm2. Adjust the method according to your specificspecimen area.

14

Flexible specimen holder

4 Instructions for use

Hint
Make sure that the preparation surface is sufficiently wet before
you start the preparation process.
1.

Press the Lower/Raise button to make sure that the
specimen mover head is fully raised.

2.

Press the black button on the specimen mover head.

3.

Insert the flexible specimen holder and rotate it until
the three pins are aligned with the holes in thespecimen mover.

4.

Push the flexible specimen holder upwards until it
locks into position.

5.

Release the black button on the specimen moverhead. Make sure that the flexible specimen holder issecurely fixed.

Procedure for use
1.

Place the specimen or specimens on the preparation
surface.

2.

Press the Lower/Raise button to lower the flexible
specimen holder.

3.

Make sure that no specimens protrude from theflexible specimen holder. If they do, adjust the
specimens.
– Press the Lower/Raise button to raise the flexible
specimen holder.
– Adjust the specimens.

4.

Repeat until all specimens are placed correctly.

5.

Start the preparation process.
The preparation process stops automatically when theset preparation time has expired.

6.

Clean the flexible specimen holder before the next
preparation step.

Flexible specimen holder

15

4 Instructions for use

4.4.1

Adjust the height of the flexible specimen holder
On AbraPol-30, Tegramin-25 and Tegramin-30
To prevent the flexible specimen holder from coming into contact with the
preparation surface, you can adjust the height between the flexible specimen
holder and the preparation surface.
1.

Select Configuration> Options >Min. distance flexible holder - surface.
The lower the value, the closer the flexible specimen holder can movetowards the preparation surface before the software stops it from moving
further downwards.

On LaboForce-100
Adjust the height of the ring to be able to use the flexible specimen holder with
LaboForce-100.
1.

Attach the distance piece as shown in the illustration below.

A

LaboForce-100
Distance piece

B

16

Flexible specimen holder

5 Maintenance

B Distance piece

Note
Make sure to remove the distance piece if you are going to workwith mover plates or regular specimen holders again.

4.4.2

Adjust the horizontal position of the flexible specimen holder
See the manual supplied with the specific equipment.

5

Maintenance
Proper maintenance is required to achieve the maximum up-time andoperating lifetime of the device.
Cleaning

Note
Do not use acetone, benzol or similar solvents.

Frequency•

Clean the device between each preparation step or every day.

Procedure•

To clean the device, use either Lavamin, or a dish brush and a common
household detergent.
If you have prepared specimens using a large amount of resin, clean thedevice with a dish brush.

•

Dry the device with the pins facing downwards.

•

Store the device with the pins facing downwards.

Flexible specimen holder

17

6 Technical data

6

Technical data
Subject

Specifications

Safety StandardsSafety
standards

CE-labeled according to EU directives

REACH

For information about REACH, contact your local
Struers office.

Noise level

See the noise level stated for the specificmachine using this device.

Operating environment

Surrounding
temperature0 – 40°C (41 – 104°F)

Humidity

N/A

Surrounding
temperature-30 – 60°C

Humidity

Non-condensing

Diameter

140 mm dia.:

Storage and transportconditions

Dimensions and weight(32 – 140°F)

149 mm (5.86")
160 mm dia.:
169 mm (6.65")
Height

140 mm dia.:
72 mm (3")
160 mm dia.:
72 mm (3")

Weight

140 mm dia.:
1.3 kg (2.86 lbs)
160 mm dia.:
1.7 kg (3.74 lbs)

18

Flexible specimen holder

7 Troubleshooting

7

Troubleshooting
ProblemPossible cause

Solution

The process
cannot be started.

The flexible
specimen holder
is too close to thesurface.

Change the force.

See error
messages for themachine.

This can becaused byincorrect
configuration orheightadjustment, i.e.
the specimen is
too low, or theforce is too high.

The pins on theflexible specimen
holder are touching
the preparation
surface.

The force setting
is too high, or the
specimens are
too low.

The specimens fallout of the flexible
specimen holder.

The specimens
have not beenplaced correctly.

Use higher specimens.
Change the configuration. See
the Instruction Manual for themachine you are using.

Decrease the force. See theInstruction Manual for themachine you are using.
Increase the specimen height.

The value in thesoftwareindicating how
close to theturntable theholder can go are
set to a too low
value.
See Place the specimens ►11.
Increase the force.

Insufficient force
is applied.
The pins on theflexible specimen
holder get stuck tothe bottom plate.

Flexible specimen holder

The flexible
specimen holder
is dirty.

Clean the flexible specimen
holder. See Maintenance ►17.

19

8 Disposal

ProblemPossible cause

Solution

The specimens
develop a pencil
shape.

The specimens
have not beenplaced correctly.

See Place the specimens ►11.

The sample area
is too small.

Change your surface.

Turn the specimen and repeat
the step.

The specimen is
too high.
The specimen
geometry isround and solid,
and your surface
is not plane.
It is difficult toinsert the flexible
specimen holder inthe machine.

The coupling isworn out.

Check the coupling.

The surfaces arebeing damaged.

The specimen
has burrs.

Remove burrs.

The specimen
has sharp edges.

Lower the force.

Contact Struers Service.

Remove sharp edges.

To high force isapplied to thespecimen.
The specimen
area is too small.
Short lifetime of thepolishing cloth

8

The polishingcloth is too soft.

Use a harder polishing cloth.
Download the brochure"Polishing cloth guide" on theStruers website.

DisposalContact your local authorities for information on the correct method of disposal inaccordance with national legislation.
Specimen holders are made of stainless steel and plastic and do not contain any
components classified as hazardous.

20

Flexible specimen holder

9 Manufacturer

Flexible specimen holders can be disposed of as metal waste.

9

Manufacturer
Struers ApS
Pederstrupvej 84
DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
Telephone: +45 44 600 800
Fax: +45 44 600 801
www.struers.com
Responsibility of the manufacturer
The following restrictions should be observed, as violation of the restrictions
may cause cancellation of Struers legal obligations.
The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for errors in the text and/or
illustrations in this manual. The information in this manual is subject to change
without notice. The manual may mention accessories or parts not included in
the supplied version of the equipment.
The manufacturer is to be considered responsible for effects on safety,
reliability, and performance of the equipment only if the equipment is used,
serviced, and maintained in accordance with the instructions for use.

Flexible specimen holder

21

Based on: 17067901 B

Declaration of Incorporation ofPartly Completed Machinery
Manufacturer

Struers ApS • Pederstrupvej 84 • DK-2750 Ballerup • Denmark

Name

Flexible specimen holder

Model

N/A

Function

Specimen holder for AbraPol-30, LaboForce-100, Tegramin-25 andTegramin-30

Type07066941 and 07066961

The above listed machinery is only intended
to be used with:

AbraPol-30, LaboForce-100, Tegramin-25 and Tegramin-30

And shall not be put into service until the final
machinery into which it is to be incorporated
has been declared in conformity with thisregulation, where appropriate.
Serial no.

EU

Module H, according to global approach

We declare that the product mentioned is in conformity with the following legislation, directives and standards:
2006/42/EC

Authorized to compile technical file/
Authorized signatory

Date: [Release date]en

For translations seebgЗа преводи вижте

csPřeklady vizda

Se oversættelser pådeÜbersetzungen finden Sie unterelΓια μεταφράσεις, ανατρέξτε στη διεύθυνση

esPara ver las traducciones consulteetTõlked leiate aadressiltfiKatso käännökset osoitteesta

fr

Pour les traductions, voir

hr

Za prijevode idite nahu

A fordítások itt érhetők elit

Per le traduzioni consultareja

翻 訳 については、

ltVertimai patalpintilv

Tulkojumus skatītnlVoor vertalingen zie

noFor oversettelser sepl

Aby znaleźć tłumaczenia, sprawdź

pt

Consulte as traduções disponíveis emroPentru traduceri, consultați

seFör översättningar besökskPreklady sú dostupné na stránkesl

Za prevode si oglejtetrÇeviriler için bkz

zh

翻译见

www.struers.com/Library