Automatic preparation device for metallographic coating and method of use

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic preparation device and a use method of a metallographic coating. The automatic preparation device of the metallographic coating comprises a liquid inlet mechanism, a film preparation mechanism, a base and a driving mechanism. The liquid inlet mechanism comprises a liquid inlet funnel, a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid inlet adjusting valve. The bottom of the liquid inlet funnel is connected with the liquid inlet pipe. The liquid inlet adjusting valve is connected with the liquid inlet pipe. The film preparation mechanism comprises a disc, a liquid guide groove and a leakage hole on the liquid guide groove. The liquid guide groove is fixed on the liquid inlet pipe. The liquid guide groove is pivotably connected with the disc through the liquid inlet adjusting valve. A liquid guide groove is arranged on the liquid guide piece. The base is detachably connected with the disc. The driving mechanism is located on the base and drives the disc to rotate. The automatic preparation device and the use method of the metallographic coating provided by the application have the advantages of high film preparation efficiency and high film formation quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metallographic testing technology, and in particular to an automated apparatus for preparing metallographic films and a method for using them. Background Technology

[0002] AC paper stock solution, prepared from acetone, triphenyl phosphate, dyes (such as methyl violet), and cellulose acetate, is an essential material for coated metallographic paper used in on-site metallographic testing. The preparation of AC paper stock solution requires thorough dissolution and prolonged sedimentation of the aforementioned raw materials until a homogeneous liquid is formed. This liquid is then spread thoroughly on a clean, flat glass plate, and the metallographic coated paper is obtained after the acetone has fully evaporated. However, because the fully dissolved AC paper stock solution is quite viscous and has poor fluidity, the film produced using traditional methods exhibits uneven thickness: the film is thinner at the edges and thicker in the center, and the edge shape is uncontrollable, resulting in large unusable areas, significant waste, and very low film-making efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, embodiments of this invention provide an automated apparatus and method for preparing metallographic films, which have the advantages of high film-forming efficiency and high film quality.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic metallographic coating preparation apparatus includes a liquid inlet mechanism, a film forming mechanism, a base, and a drive mechanism. The liquid inlet mechanism includes a liquid inlet funnel and a liquid inlet pipe, the bottom of which is connected to the liquid inlet pipe. The film forming mechanism includes a disc, a liquid guide groove, and a liquid inlet regulating valve. The liquid guide groove rotates on the disc with the liquid inlet pipe as the center. The liquid guide groove is pivotally connected to the disc through the liquid inlet regulating valve. The liquid guide is provided with a liquid guide groove. The base is detachably connected to the disc. The drive mechanism is located on the base and drives the disc to rotate.

[0005] The automatic metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention has the advantages of high film preparation efficiency and high film quality.

[0006] In some embodiments, the film-forming mechanism further includes an upper cover that covers the disk, the edge of the upper cover abutting against the edge of the disk to form a first cavity.

[0007] In some embodiments, the top cover has a hole in the center for the liquid inlet pipe to pass through, and the edge of the disc has a groove, with a portion of the top cover entering the groove to form the first cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the edge of the disc is provided with two liquid outlets, which are symmetrical about the liquid inlet pipe, and the distance between the two liquid outlets is greater than the length of the liquid guide groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outlet of the inlet funnel is connected to the inlet pipe via an inlet valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inlet funnel is provided with graduation lines.

[0011] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet regulating valve is a flow control valve, the flow control valve is located in the center of the liquid guide groove, the flow control valve is located in the center of the disk, and the projection of the liquid inlet pipe on the top surface of the disk coincides with the flow control valve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism includes a speed control switch and a drive motor, the drive motor being electrically connected to the drive motor and connected to the disc drive.

[0013] The method of using the automated metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: To calibrate the disk, place the base on a stable plane, install the disk, and ensure the disk is level. Adjust the flow control valve to change the distance between the liquid guide tank and the disc to the target distance; Close the inlet valve and pour the stock solution into the inlet funnel until the target volume is reached; Turn on the speed control switch, the disc rotates, open the liquid inlet valve, the raw liquid flows through the liquid inlet pipe to the rotating disc, the liquid guide groove and the leakage hole spray the liquid onto the top surface of the disc, close the liquid inlet valve, and the excess liquid is discharged from the liquid outlet. Remove the disc with the film attached and place it on a stable surface to air dry naturally. Then install the new disc on the base. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated metallographic coating preparation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Attached reference numerals: 1. Liquid inlet; 2. Liquid inlet valve; 3. Top cover; 4. Liquid inlet regulating valve; 5. Liquid guide groove; 6. Liquid outlet; 7. Disc; 8. Speed ​​control switch; 9. Base; 10. Liquid inlet pipe; 11. Leakage hole. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated metallographic coating preparation apparatus includes a liquid inlet mechanism, a film forming mechanism, a base, and a drive mechanism. The liquid inlet mechanism includes a liquid inlet funnel and a liquid inlet pipe, with the bottom of the funnel connected to the inlet pipe. The film forming mechanism includes a disc, a liquid guiding groove, and a liquid inlet regulating valve. The liquid guiding groove rotates on the disc around the inlet pipe and is pivotally connected to the disc via the liquid inlet regulating valve. A liquid guiding groove is provided on the liquid guiding component. The base is detachably connected to the disc. The drive mechanism is located on the base and drives the disc to rotate. The liquid inlet mechanism adds fully dissolved AC paper stock solution to the surface of the disc, controlling the volume of the stock solution. The film forming mechanism controls the film thickness through the cooperation of the liquid guiding groove and the disc. The drive mechanism drives the disc to rotate, ensuring uniform coverage of the stock solution and improving film formation efficiency. The detachable base and disc facilitate disc replacement, improving sample preparation efficiency.

[0018] The automatic metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention has the advantages of high film preparation efficiency and high film quality.

[0019] In some embodiments, the film-forming mechanism further includes an upper cover that covers the disk, with the edge of the upper cover abutting against the edge of the disk to form a first cavity.

[0020] Specifically, the top cover is positioned above the disc to facilitate the drying of the thin film of the concentrate, allowing the solution on the disc to evaporate slowly. The liquid guide groove rotates within the first cavity, pushing the concentrate to spread evenly across the surface of the disc.

[0021] In some embodiments, the top cover has a hole in the center for the liquid inlet pipe to pass through, and the edge of the disc has a groove, with part of the top cover entering the groove to form a first cavity.

[0022] Specifically, the grooves on the disc allow for a tighter fit between the top cover and the disc, forming a sealed cavity and preventing the original liquid from leaking out. The grooves improve the sealing performance and can also store a certain amount of excess original liquid as a buffer for the outlet.

[0023] In some embodiments, the edge of the disc is provided with two liquid outlets, which are symmetrical about the liquid inlet pipe, and the distance between the two liquid outlets is greater than the length of the liquid guide groove.

[0024] Specifically, the two liquid outlets facilitate the discharge of excess liquid after film formation. The two liquid outlets are located on the diagonal of the outer periphery of the disc. The distance between the two liquid outlets is greater than the length of the liquid guide groove to avoid affecting the film scraping of the liquid guide groove. The liquid guide groove pushes the excess liquid on the disc to the liquid outlet, and the liquid flows out along the liquid outlet.

[0025] In some embodiments, the outlet of the inlet funnel is connected to the inlet pipe via an inlet valve.

[0026] Specifically, controlling the opening and closing of the inlet funnel via the inlet valve facilitates control over the timing of the raw liquid entering the funnel and makes it easier to replace the disc.

[0027] In some embodiments, the inlet funnel is provided with graduation lines.

[0028] Specifically, the inlet funnel has graduations to help determine the volume of the original liquid entering the funnel. When the inlet valve is closed, the liquid level at the inlet can be controlled by reading the graduation data, thereby controlling the amount of solution flowing into the inlet pipe.

[0029] In some embodiments, the inlet regulating valve is a flow control valve, which is located at the center of the liquid guide groove and the center of the disk, and the projection of the inlet pipe on the top surface of the disk coincides with the flow control valve.

[0030] Specifically, by rotating the liquid inlet regulating valve to change the distance between the liquid guide groove and the top surface of the disc, according to the relevant requirements of DL / T 652-1998 "Metallographic Replica Technology Process Guide", the required thickness of the metallographic coating is generally 50-80μm. At this time, the distance between the liquid guide groove and the rotating disc can be controlled at about 100μm.

[0031] In some embodiments, a plurality of leakage holes are provided on the liquid guiding groove. The diameter of the leakage holes is smaller than the width of the liquid guiding groove and they are neatly arranged on the liquid guiding groove. The diameter of the leakage holes decreases as the distance from the flow control valve increases.

[0032] Specifically, multiple leaks are arranged in a line along the extension direction of the liquid guiding channel. The liquid in the liquid guiding channel falls onto the rotating disk through the leaks. The diameter of the leaks is different from that of the adjacent leaks. Starting from the flow control valve, the diameter of the leaks decreases as the distance from the flow control valve increases, so as to control the amount of leakage and avoid excessive liquid accumulation at the edge.

[0033] In some embodiments, the inlet regulating valve further includes a spiral height gauge, which is disposed on the spiral regulating valve.

[0034] Specifically, the spiral height gauge is used to detect the height between the liquid guide groove and the disc at the spiral regulating valve.

[0035] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism includes a speed control switch and a drive motor, the drive motor being electrically connected to each other and connected to a disc drive.

[0036] Specifically, the speed of the drive motor is controlled by a speed control switch, which in turn changes the speed of the disc to ensure that the film is evenly distributed on the disc and to prevent the raw liquid from accumulating or being thrown off the disc.

[0037] The method of using the automated metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: To calibrate the disc, place the base on a stable surface, install the disc, and ensure it is level. In this step, you can choose a relatively flat and stable table in a cool indoor environment, use a leveling instrument to ensure the surface of the rotating disc is level, and then turn on the power.

[0038] Adjust the flow control valve to change the distance between the liquid guide tank and the disc to the target distance; the target distance can be 100μm, or it can be adjusted according to specific needs and the concentration of the original solution.

[0039] Close the inlet valve and pour the stock solution into the inlet funnel until the target volume is reached; Turn on the speed control switch, the disc rotates, open the liquid inlet valve, and the raw liquid flows through the liquid inlet pipe onto the rotating disc. The liquid guide groove and the leakage hole spray the liquid onto the top surface of the disc. Close the liquid inlet valve, and the excess liquid is discharged from the liquid outlet. In slow mode, open the liquid inlet valve, and the raw liquid flows slowly onto the disc. As the liquid guide groove moves relative to the disc, the raw liquid is evenly coated.

[0040] Remove the disc with the film attached and place it on a stable surface to air dry. Install the new disc on the base. After turning off the power, remove the disc with the film attached and place it on a level, cool table to air dry. Install the new disc and top cover onto the base, and repeat the above steps for the next round of sample preparation.

[0041] The technical advantages of the automatic metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to the present invention are the same as those of the automatic metallographic coating preparation apparatus described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0046] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated apparatus for preparing metallographic coatings, characterized in that, include: The liquid inlet mechanism includes a liquid inlet funnel, a liquid inlet pipe, and a liquid inlet regulating valve, wherein the bottom of the liquid inlet funnel is connected to the liquid inlet pipe; A film-forming mechanism includes a disc, a liquid guiding component, and a liquid inlet regulating valve. The liquid guiding component rotates on the disc with an inlet pipe as its center. The liquid guiding component is pivotally connected to the disc via the liquid inlet regulating valve. A liquid guiding groove is provided on the liquid guiding component, and multiple leakage holes are provided on the liquid guiding groove. The diameter of the leakage holes is smaller than the width of the liquid guiding groove and they are neatly arranged on the liquid guiding groove. The diameter of the leakage holes decreases as the distance from the liquid inlet regulating valve increases. A base, which is detachably connected to the disk; A drive mechanism is located on the base and drives the disc to rotate.

2. The automated metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The film-forming mechanism also includes an upper cover, which covers the disk and the edge of the upper cover abuts against the edge of the disk to form a first cavity.

3. The automatic metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the upper cover has a hole in the center for the liquid inlet pipe to pass through, the edge of the disc has a groove, and part of the upper cover enters the groove to form the first cavity.

4. The automated metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The disk has two liquid outlets on its edge, which are symmetrical about the liquid inlet pipe, and the distance between the two liquid outlets is greater than the length of the liquid guide groove.

5. The automated metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the inlet funnel is connected to the inlet pipe via an inlet valve.

6. The automated metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid inlet funnel is equipped with graduation lines.

7. The automated metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid inlet regulating valve is a flow control valve, which is located at the center of the liquid guide groove and the center of the disc. The projection of the liquid inlet pipe on the top surface of the disc coincides with the flow control valve.

8. The automated metallographic coating preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a speed control switch and a drive motor. The drive motor is electrically connected to the drive motor and is connected to the disc drive.

9. A method of using an automated metallographic coating preparation apparatus, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: To calibrate the disk, place the base on a stable plane, install the disk, and ensure the disk is level. Adjust the flow control valve to change the distance between the liquid guide tank and the disc to the target distance; Close the inlet valve and pour the stock solution into the inlet funnel until the target volume is reached; Turn on the speed control switch, the disc rotates, open the liquid inlet valve, the raw liquid flows through the liquid inlet pipe to the rotating disc, the liquid guide groove and the leakage hole spray the liquid onto the top surface of the disc, close the liquid inlet valve, and the excess liquid is discharged from the liquid outlet. Remove the disc with the film attached and place it on a stable surface to air dry naturally. Then install the new disc on the base.

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