Rock Preparation Laboratory
The aim of the Volcanic Petrology group is to conduct fundamental research on magmatic processes and rocks from active volcanoes, toward better understanding and forecasting of volcanic eruptions. Facilities include a sawing, lapping and polishing equipment to be used to make a high quality thin sections.
Equipment: Laboratory Micro Cutting Machine
Model/Brand: CUTLAM® Micro 1.1
Specifications
- Wheel Ø: 75 to 150 mm
- Shaft Ø: 12,7 mm
- Standard flanges Ø: 50 mm
- Lateral arm displacement: Stroke 25 mm (accuracy 0,02 mm)
- Lubrication/Cooling: Recirculation system, 10 litres, 800 L/ hour pump driven by the machine
- Rotational speed: Variable, from 50 to 1500 rpm
Applications
For precision cuts of the most sensitive materials
Equipment: Slicing Machine
Model/Brand: BROTLAB 1.02.15
Specifications
- Thickness adjustment via screw controlled by max travel micrometer 30 mm. Adjustment accuracy: 0.01 mm.
- 100 microns cutoff from glass bonded samples
- Ø175 diamond disc
- Recirculating cutting fluid tank: Capacity 25 litres
Applications
Study of materials in geology often forces to collect thin sections or slice samples on their object holders before lapping or polishing, for examination in optical microscopy, microphotography, spectrometry, microprobe, scanning or transmission microscopy
Equipment: Polishing Machine
Model/Brand: BROTLAB 1.03.17
Specifications
- Polishing machine with variable speed from 25 to 200 Rpm, high torque at low speed without vibrations
- Display for Rpm of the plate and effective torque
- Timer for polishing time 1 to 60 minutes
- Sample-holder for 3 samples (or 5 in option) ensuring 3 regular motions, to the preparation, without inversion jerk or push-pull.
Applications
High quality polishing while maintaining perfect flatness using diamond/aluminium compounds installed on a synthetic plate
Equipment: Polishing and Grinding Machine
Model/Brand: BUEHLER
Specifications
- Plate Ø 250 mm
- Variable RPM 0-600
Applications
This simple and robust turn-table allows the manual grinding and polishing
Equipment: Polarising Microscope
Model/Brand: SP-1500 XP Brunel
Specifications
- Full polarising specification and is available in both transmitted or transmitted and incident (ore) illumination
- Quadruple objective turret with x4, x10, x40 and x60 planachromatic long working distance
Applications
Polarising microscope
Equipment: Low Speed Saw
Model/Brand: IsoMet BUEHLER
Specifications
- Cutting Capacity: 1.50[in], 38.00[mm]
- Wheel Diameter: 5.00[in]
- Cut Action: Gravity Fed Chop
- RPM @60: Hz: 300
Applications
A precision sectioning saw that is designed for cutting various types of materials with minimal deformation.
Equipment: Lapping Machine for Thin Sections
Model/Brand: BROTLAB 1.03.16
Specifications
- Allows up to 12 samples to be taken simultaneously.
- Final thickness is adjusted using 3 micrometers graduated in 1/100 mm
Applications
Machine for automatic thinning at a specified thickness of object glass slides and rocks glued to glass slides (thin blades). It allows the heels to be used before sticking them to the glass slides.
Equipment: PetroBond Thin Section Bonding Fixture
Model/Brand: Buehler
Specifications
- Controls adhesive thickness by evenly distributing adhesive
- Holds up to 12 slides
Applications
Equipment: Cast N' Vac 1000 Vacuum System
Model/Brand: Buehlerv
Specifications
- Large chamber for multiple samples
- Unique tilting dispensing mechanism
- Built-in synchronous motor and rotating turn table
Applications
Vacuum impregnation systems for use with epoxy mounting. The Cast N’ Vac removes trapped air from mounting material, and fills voids in the specimen. This enhances edge retention and supports delicate and friable samples