A full-automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples and a method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a full-automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples and a method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of metallographic sample preparation.The application comprises a machine tool processing base, and the upper surface of the machine tool processing base is provided with a chuck.The surface of the chuck is provided with multiple groups of placement holes at intervals, and each group of the placement holes is provided with a fastening screw inserted therein.The automatic metallographic sample coarse grinding and leveling method of the application realizes the automatic transfer of the chuck between processes by the cooperation of the connecting column and the mechanical hand, reduces manual intervention, is stable in clamping, does not damage the sample, and effectively improves the efficiency and precision of coarse grinding and leveling.Through the cooperative design of the chuck, the leveling platform and the machine tool processing base, the automatic and efficient leveling preprocessing of the metallographic sample is realized, a stable foundation is provided for subsequent coarse grinding processing, batch clamping, automatic leveling and full-process automatic circulation of multiple shape samples are completed, the batch processing demand of the automatic production line is fully met, and the reliability of subsequent metallographic analysis is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metallographic sample preparation technology, and more specifically, to a fully automated metallographic sample leveling and pre-grinding device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Rough grinding and leveling of metallographic specimens is a fundamental step in metallographic analysis. Its accuracy directly affects the results of subsequent polishing, etching, and microscopic observation. Uneven surfaces can easily lead to distortion in microstructure observation. In existing technologies, metallographic specimen leveling largely relies on manual operation, such as manually holding the specimen and grinding it on sandpaper. This is not only labor-intensive and inefficient, but also suffers from poor processing consistency and is easily influenced by the operator's experience. Although some patents have attempted to optimize related processes, such as using a leveling machine to level steel plates and alloy steel strips in connecting rod bushing preparation to ensure the representativeness of subsequent metallographic specimen selection; or using automated grinding and polishing equipment to achieve clamping and grinding linkage through specimen clamping devices, such equipment mainly focuses on automating subsequent grinding and polishing, lacking dedicated automated leveling mechanisms for the rough grinding stage, and has insufficient adaptability to specimens of different shapes (such as semi-circular rings and small-sized blocks). At the same time, the existing leveling process has poor integration with mass production, making it difficult to meet the demand for rapid and high-precision leveling of large batches of metallographic specimens. In summary, there is an urgent need to develop an automatic leveling pretreatment method for metallographic samples that is compatible with multi-shaped specimens, can be automatically leveled, is adapted to automated production, and can balance processing accuracy and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] 1. The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] To address the shortcomings and deficiencies of existing technologies, this invention provides a fully automated metallographic sample leveling and pre-grinding device and method. By utilizing the cooperation of connecting columns and a robotic arm, the device achieves automated transfer of the clamping plate between various processes, reducing manual intervention, ensuring stable clamping without sample damage, and effectively improving the efficiency and accuracy of rough grinding and leveling. Through the coordinated design of the clamping plate, leveling platform, and machine tool base, the device achieves automated and efficient leveling pre-treatment of metallographic samples, providing a stable foundation for subsequent rough grinding. It enables batch clamping, automatic leveling, and fully automated flow of multi-shaped samples, perfectly adapting to the batch processing needs of automated production lines and ensuring the reliability of subsequent metallographic analysis.

[0005] 2. Technical Solution

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] The present invention provides a fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples, including a machine tool processing base, wherein a chuck is provided on the upper surface of the machine tool processing base and the chuck is clamped on the machine tool processing base;

[0008] The surface of the clamp is provided with multiple sets of placement holes at intervals, and each set of placement holes is fitted with a fastening screw.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper surface of the machine tool processing base is provided with positioning holes, and the bottom of the chuck is provided with connecting posts, and the chuck is engaged in the positioning holes of the machine tool processing base through the connecting posts.

[0010] Furthermore, the upper surface of the machine tool processing base is provided with a groove that matches the shape of the chuck, and a positioning key is fixedly provided on the inner wall of the groove. Correspondingly, a keyway matching the positioning key is machined on the outer peripheral surface of the chuck.

[0011] Furthermore, an annular positioning groove is formed on the surface of the connecting column.

[0012] Furthermore, the clamping plate is assembled to the machine tool processing base via a pressure cap screw, and an arc-shaped pressure head is assembled at the end of the pressure cap screw.

[0013] Furthermore, the upper surface of the clamping plate is provided with a calibration platform, and the outer ring of the calibration platform is provided with an annular limiting boss, the inner circumferential contour of the annular limiting boss being adapted to the outer circumferential contour of the clamping plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the fastening screw is horizontal and is inserted into the placement hole through the outer periphery of the clamp. An elastic pad is provided at the end of the fastening screw, and the sample can be pressed against the elastic pad by rotating the fastening screw.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner wall of the placement hole is provided with planar segments and arc segments, which are distributed alternately, and adjacent planar segments and arc segments are smoothly connected by transition fillets.

[0016] A method for a fully automated leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples, comprising the following steps:

[0017] S1: Automatic leveling

[0018] The clamp is inverted onto the calibration platform so that the outer circumference of the clamp fits against the annular limiting boss of the calibration platform to restrict radial displacement. According to the shape of the sample, multiple samples are placed into the placement holes of the clamp. Under the action of their own gravity, the sample automatically adjusts the machining surface to a flat state, thus completing the calibration.

[0019] S2: Clamping plate assembly:

[0020] Tighten the fastening screws corresponding to each placement hole, and press the sample against the elastic pad at the end of the fastening screw to ensure that the sample is firmly fixed and the surface is undamaged;

[0021] S3: Automated Transfer and Fixing:

[0022] The gripping mechanism of the automated robotic arm engages with the annular positioning groove of the connecting column at the bottom of the chuck, achieving axial positioning and gripping of the chuck. The chuck is then transferred to the groove of the machine tool processing base, where the keyway of the chuck engages with the positioning key on the inner wall of the groove, restricting circumferential rotation. The pressure cap screws are tightened, and the arc-shaped pressure head presses against the edge of the chuck, securing it stably.

[0023] S4: Rough grinding: After the chuck is fixed, start the machine tool to perform rough grinding. After the grinding is completed, the chuck is transferred by the robot arm.

[0024] S5: Automated transfer: After rough grinding is completed, the chuck is transferred to the next processing sequence by a robotic arm.

[0025] 3. Beneficial effects

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by this invention has the following advantages:

[0027] The automatic metallographic sample rough grinding and leveling method of the present invention can realize batch clamping of samples of various shapes such as square and round. It relies on the weight of the sample itself to complete the automatic leveling without manual adjustment. At the same time, the cooperation of connecting columns and robotic arms realizes the automated transfer of the clamping plate between each process, reducing manual intervention, ensuring stable clamping and no sample damage, and effectively improving the efficiency and accuracy of rough grinding and leveling. Through the coordinated design of the clamping plate, the leveling platform and the machine tool processing base, the metallographic sample leveling pretreatment is realized to provide a stable foundation for subsequent rough grinding. It can complete the batch clamping, automatic leveling and full-process automated flow of multi-shaped samples, fully adapt to the batch processing needs of automated production lines, and ensure the reliability of subsequent metallographic analysis. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Machine tool base; 101. Positioning hole; 2. Placement hole; 201. Flat section; 202. Arc section; 3. Connecting column; 301. Annular positioning groove; 4. Clamping plate; 5. Fastening screw; 501. Elastic pad; 6. Pressure cap screw; 7. Alignment platform; 701. Annular limiting boss. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0032] Example 1

[0033] from Figure 1-2As can be seen, the fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples in this embodiment includes a machine tool processing base 1, and a chuck 4 is provided on the upper surface of the machine tool processing base 1. The chuck 4 is clamped on the machine tool processing base 1.

[0034] The surface of the clamp 4 is provided with multiple sets of placement holes 2 at intervals, and each set of placement holes 2 is fitted with a fastening screw 5.

[0035] The upper surface of the machine tool processing base 1 is provided with a positioning hole 101, and the bottom of the chuck 4 is provided with a connecting post 3. The chuck 4 is engaged in the positioning hole 101 of the machine tool processing base 1 through the connecting post 3.

[0036] The upper surface of the machine tool processing base 1 is provided with a groove that matches the shape of the chuck 4. A positioning key is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the groove. Correspondingly, the outer circumferential surface of the chuck 4 is machined with a keyway that matches the positioning key.

[0037] An annular positioning groove 301 is provided on the surface of the connecting column 3.

[0038] The chuck 4 is assembled to the machine tool processing base 1 via the pressure cap screw 6, and the end of the pressure cap screw 6 is equipped with an arc-shaped pressure head.

[0039] The upper surface of the clamping plate 4 is provided with a calibration platform 7, and the outer ring of the calibration platform 7 is provided with an annular limiting boss 701. The inner circumferential contour of the annular limiting boss 701 is adapted to the outer circumferential contour of the clamping plate 4.

[0040] The fastening screw 5 is in a horizontal position and is inserted into the placement hole 2 through the outer periphery of the clamp 4. An elastic pad 501 is provided at the end of the fastening screw 5. By rotating the fastening screw 5, the sample can be pressed against the elastic pad 501.

[0041] The inner wall of the placement hole 2 is provided with a flat section 201 and an arc section 202. The flat section 201 and the arc section 202 are distributed alternately, and adjacent flat sections 201 and arc sections 202 are smoothly connected by transition fillets.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] from Figure 1-2 As can be seen, the method of a fully automatic metallographic sample leveling and pre-grinding device in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0044] S1: Automatic leveling

[0045] The clamping plate 4 is inverted onto the calibration platform 7, so that the outer periphery of the clamping plate 4 fits against the annular limiting boss 701 of the calibration platform 7 to restrict radial displacement. According to the shape of the sample (square or round), multiple samples are placed into the placement hole 2 of the clamping plate 4 respectively. The sample automatically adjusts the processing surface to a flat state under its own gravity, thus completing the calibration.

[0046] S2: Clamping disc 4 assembly:

[0047] Tighten the fastening screws 5 corresponding to each placement hole 2, and press the sample against the elastic pads 501 at the ends of the fastening screws 5 to ensure that the sample is firmly fixed and the surface is undamaged.

[0048] S3: Automated Transfer and Fixing:

[0049] The gripping mechanism of the automated robotic arm engages with the annular positioning groove 301 of the bottom connecting column 3 of the chuck 4, thereby achieving axial positioning and gripping of the chuck 4. The chuck 4 is then transferred into the groove of the machine tool processing base 1, so that the keyway of the chuck 4 matches the positioning key on the inner wall of the groove, restricting circumferential rotation. The pressure cap screw 6 is tightened, and the arc-shaped pressure head presses against the edge of the chuck 4 to secure the chuck 4 stably.

[0050] S4: Rough grinding: After the chuck 4 is fixed, start the machine tool to perform rough grinding. After the grinding is completed, transfer the chuck 4 by the robot arm.

[0051] S5: Automated transfer: After the rough grinding is completed, the chuck 4 is transferred to the next processing sequence by the robotic arm.

[0052] This invention specifically comprises two parts: core component structural design and preprocessing method, detailed below:

[0053] I. Structural Design of Core Components

[0054] 1.1 Clamping Plate 4 Structural Design: As the core component for sample carrying, clamping plate 4 adopts a multi-adaptability and automated adaptation structure design: 4-12 sample placement holes 2 are evenly opened along the circumference of clamping plate 4. The inner wall of each placement hole 2 adopts a special structure with alternating planar segments 201 and arc segments 202. Adjacent planar segments 201 and arc segments 202 are smoothly connected by transition rounded corners, which can simultaneously accommodate metallographic samples of conventional shapes such as square and round, thus improving the versatility of clamping plate 4;

[0055] Each placement hole 2 is equipped with at least one (preferably two) fastening screw 5. The end of the screw is fitted with an elastic pad and is connected to the clamp 4 by a thread. By tightening the fastening screw 5, the elastic pad can press against the sample, thus achieving reliable fixation of the sample. At the same time, the elastic pad can prevent the end of the fastening screw 5 from directly contacting the sample and causing surface damage.

[0056] A cylindrical connecting column 3 is fixedly connected to the center of the lower end face of the chuck 4. At least one annular positioning groove 301 is machined on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting column 3. The annular positioning groove 301 can be precisely matched with the gripping mechanism of the automated robot arm to realize the automated transfer of the chuck 4 between various processing stations and meet the needs of automated production.

[0057] 1.2 Structural Design of Alignment Platform 7: Alignment Platform 7 provides a supporting and positioning foundation for automatic sample leveling. Its supporting surface is integrally formed and has an annular limiting boss 701. The inner circumferential contour of the boss is precisely matched with the outer circumferential contour of the clamp 4, which is used to limit the radial displacement of the clamp 4 when it is placed upside down, ensuring the positioning accuracy of the clamp 4. When the clamp 4 is placed upside down in the annular limiting boss 701 of Alignment Platform 7, the sample fixed in the placement hole can automatically adjust the processing surface to a horizontal and flat state by means of its own gravity. Automatic sample leveling can be completed without additional power drive, simplifying the leveling process and improving leveling consistency.

[0058] 1.3 Structural Design of Machine Tool Machining Base 1: The machine tool machining base 1 is used to achieve precise positioning and fixing of the chuck 4. Its upper end face has a groove adapted to the shape of the chuck. A positioning key is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the groove. Correspondingly, a keyway matching the positioning key is machined on the outer circumferential surface of the chuck 4. Through the clearance fit between the positioning key and the keyway, the circumferential rotation of the chuck 4 in the groove can be effectively restricted, ensuring the machining positioning accuracy. The machine tool machining base 1 is evenly arranged with at least two pressure cap screws 6 along the circumferential direction. The ends of the screws are equipped with arc-shaped pressure heads, which are threaded to the machine tool machining base 1. Tightening the pressure cap screws 6 can make the arc-shaped pressure heads press against the edge of the chuck 4, stably pressing and fixing the chuck 4 in the groove, and preventing the chuck from shifting during the machining process.

[0059] II. Preprocessing Method Flow

[0060] Based on the above component structure, the specific implementation steps of the automatic leveling and pre-grinding method for metallographic samples are as follows:

[0061] 2.1 Automatic leveling: The clamping plate 4 is placed upside down in the annular limiting boss 701 of the leveling platform 7. The metallographic samples to be pre-treated are placed one by one into the placement hole 2 of the clamping plate 4. With the help of the sample's own gravity, the sample automatically adjusts the processing surface to a horizontal and flat state, thus completing the automatic leveling process of the sample.

[0062] 2.2 Sample clamping: For each sample, tighten the fastening screws in the corresponding sample placement hole 2, and use the elastic pads to reliably fix the sample in the placement hole 2, ensuring that the sample is not loose and the surface is not damaged.

[0063] 2.3 Workstation Transfer and Fixing: The automated robotic arm grasps the connecting column at the lower end of the chuck (the annular positioning groove and the robotic arm are precisely positioned and matched), and transfers the chuck 4 into the groove of the machine tool processing base 1, so that the positioning key on the inner wall of the groove is precisely matched with the keyway on the outer periphery of the chuck 4. Then, the pressure cap screw 6 on the machine tool processing base 1 is tightened, and the edge of the chuck is pressed against the arc-shaped pressure head to achieve stable fixing of the chuck on the machine tool processing base;

[0064] 2.4 Subsequent processing: After the chuck 4 is stably fixed, the machine tool can be started to perform subsequent processes such as rough grinding on the metallographic sample.

[0065] The automatic metallographic sample rough grinding and leveling method of the present invention can realize the batch clamping of samples of various shapes such as square and round, and complete the automatic leveling by its own gravity without manual adjustment. With the cooperation of connecting column 3 and robot arm, the clamping plate 4 can be automatically transferred between processes, reducing manual intervention. The clamping is stable and there is no sample damage, which effectively improves the efficiency and accuracy of rough grinding and leveling, fully adapts to the batch processing needs of automated production lines, and ensures the reliability of subsequent metallographic analysis.

[0066] This invention aims to address the requirement for high surface consistency of clamped samples during automated sample preparation for large-scale metallographic sample production. Its core is the coordinated design of the clamping plate 4, the alignment platform 7, and the machine tool processing base 1 to achieve automated and efficient leveling pretreatment of metallographic samples, providing a stable foundation for subsequent rough grinding. It enables batch clamping, automatic leveling, and fully automated flow of multi-shaped samples, improving the efficiency and accuracy of rough grinding and leveling, and is compatible with automated production lines.

[0067] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples, comprising a machine tool processing base (1), characterized in that: The upper surface of the machine tool processing base (1) is provided with a chuck (4), which is clamped onto the machine tool processing base (1); The surface of the clamp (4) is provided with multiple sets of placement holes (2) at intervals, and each set of placement holes (2) is fitted with a fastening screw (5).

2. The fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the machine tool processing base (1) is provided with a positioning hole (101), and the bottom of the chuck (4) is provided with a connecting column (3). The chuck (4) is engaged in the positioning hole (101) of the machine tool processing base (1) through the connecting column (3).

3. The fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper surface of the machine tool processing base (1) is provided with a groove that matches the shape of the chuck (4). A positioning key is fixedly provided on the inner wall of the groove. Correspondingly, a keyway matching the positioning key is machined on the outer circumferential surface of the chuck (4).

4. The fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples according to claim 3, characterized in that: The surface of the connecting column (3) is provided with an annular positioning groove (301).

5. The fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples according to claim 4, characterized in that: The clamping plate (4) is assembled with the machine tool processing base (1) by the pressure cap screw (6), and the end of the pressure cap screw (6) is equipped with an arc-shaped pressure head.

6. The fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper surface of the clamp (4) is provided with a calibration platform (7), and the outer ring of the calibration platform (7) is provided with an annular limiting boss (701). The inner circumferential contour of the annular limiting boss (701) is adapted to the outer circumferential contour of the clamp (4).

7. The fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fastening screw (5) is horizontal and is inserted into the placement hole (2) through the outer periphery of the clamp (4). An elastic pad (501) is provided at the end of the fastening screw (5). The sample can be pressed against the elastic pad (501) by rotating the fastening screw (5).

8. The fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner wall of the placement hole (2) is provided with a planar segment (201) and an arc segment (202). The planar segment (201) and the arc segment (202) are distributed alternately, and adjacent planar segments (201) and arc segments (202) are smoothly connected by transition fillets.

9. The method of a fully automatic leveling and pre-grinding device for metallographic samples according to claim 8, characterized in that: The steps are as follows: S1: Automatic leveling The clamp (4) is inverted and placed on the calibration platform (7) so that the outer periphery of the clamp (4) fits against the annular limiting boss (701) of the calibration platform (7) to restrict radial displacement. According to the shape of the sample, multiple samples are placed into the placement hole (2) of the clamp (4) respectively. The sample automatically adjusts the processing surface to a flat state under its own gravity to complete the calibration. S2: Clamping plate (4) assembly: Tighten the fastening screws (5) corresponding to each placement hole (2), and press the sample against the elastic pad (501) at the end of the fastening screw (5) to ensure that the sample is firmly fixed and the surface is undamaged; S3: Automated Transfer and Fixing: The gripping mechanism of the automated robotic arm is inserted into the annular positioning groove (301) of the bottom connecting column (3) of the chuck (4) to achieve axial positioning and gripping of the chuck (4), and the chuck (4) is transferred to the groove of the machine tool processing base (1) so that the keyway of the chuck (4) cooperates with the positioning key on the inner wall of the groove to restrict circumferential rotation; tighten the pressure cap screw (6) and press the edge of the chuck (4) with the arc-shaped pressure head to fix the chuck (4) stably; S4: Rough grinding: After the chuck (4) is fixed, start the machine tool to perform rough grinding. After the processing is completed, transfer the chuck (4) by the robot arm. S5: Automated transfer: After the rough grinding is completed, the chuck (4) is transferred to the next processing sequence by the robotic arm.

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