Buehler Minimet 1000 Instructions For Use

Buehler Minimet 1000 Polisher/Grinder
Instructions for Use
Sample Preparation:
1. Clean stages (Figure 1) and back of sample with 2-propanol. Mount round sample on metal stage with
double-sided masking tape. Make sure not to touch the part of the masking tape that will be holding the
sample. Make sure to push down very hard on top of a tissue. (Sample facing down into tissue)
Polishing:
1. The back of the SiC "sand" paper peels off to reveal a sticky side. Adhere the SiC paper onto the glass
platen (Figure 2) using the same technique used on the metal stages. Make sure the SiC paper (Figure 4)
is completely stuck on the glass platen. Avoid touching the surface of the SiC paper with your hands.
Use the scratched platen for regular paper and the newer platen for the diamond paste.
2. Use a different bowl (Figure 3) for each sample. It is important to use the same one throughout the
procedure for each sample.
3. Match up the notch in the glass platen with the bowl, and set the platen into the bowl. Make sure it is
flat in the bowl.
4. Put the bowl onto the platform so that it locks into place. (Dots on bowl facing either perpendicular or
parallel to polishing arm)
5. Squirt about 5 drops of soap and water solution from the squeeze bottle onto the SiC paper.
6. Lift lever and fit sample stage into the peg. The sample should be facing down.
7. Turn on the machine.
8. Use Table 1 to determine what the settings the machine should be set on. The appropriate settings may
be entered by pressing the select mode button to toggle through the menu. When the light is lit up next
to the setting you want to change, press the up or down arrows to adjust it. The soft stop setting should
always be on. (The force should be in Newtons. If it isn't, turn off the machine and reset it)
Figure 1: Metal Stages
(Round Samples)
Figure 2: Glass Platen