(Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.: Ecublens, Switzerland) -- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., a global leader in serving science, has launched a solution for preparing ferrous metals samples for optical emission and X-ray fluorescence. The solution integrates the Haas Mini Mill milling machine from Haas Inc. with the Thermo Scientific ARL PrepControl automation extension which addresses the requirements of modern process-control laboratories for high-quality, reproducible, and reliable ferrous metals sample preparation.

Milling is becoming the preferred method for preparing ferrous metals samples for subsequent analysis with spectrometric techniques. Efficient, reproducible, and dependable sample preparation plays a crucial role in the analytical performance of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), spectrometers, and optical-emission spectrometers (OES). The Haas Mini Mill with ARL PrepControl produces the high quality and reproducible prepared sample surfaces required for spectrometer analysis. The system can be easily integrated with automated Thermo Scientific ARL metals analyzers and XRF spectrometers without any modifications for entirely unattended, reliable, and fast sample preparation and analysis.

The Haas Mini Mill with ARL PrepControl complies with the most stringent international safety and design standards. It yields unparalleled robustness and damping to resist vibrations and maximize cutting tips at high speed while reducing sample preparation time. The system is a true, three-axis milling machine designed for mass production of precision pieces and nonstop operation. With speeds of up to 6,000 rpm, the system’s direct-drive spindle provides optimal torque at low-end speeds for milling iron and steel. In addition, the rapid traverse rates of Haas brushless motors (up to 15.2 m/min) enable users to reduce response times and increase throughput. An ultra-fast and reliable umbrella tool changer, with a storage capacity of up to 10 milling heads, performs changes in five seconds. Milling heads can be automatically changed after a user-defined number of production samples and standards have been processed, which reduces maintenance interventions.

The Thermo Scientific ARL PrepControl is a complete Haas Mini Mill automation extension, comprising a Siemens S7 programmable logic controller (PLC) with a movable color touch screen as user interface and ARL EasyPrep software for setting up and modifying preparation programs quickly without computer numerical controlled (CNC) programming. The solution also incorporates a sample clamping vice fixed on the Haas Mini Mill XY table and a sample surface-positioning system that uses a fast sample-height measurement device. Fully automatic operation is achieved via the Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-2500/3500 automation system that uses industrial robots for sample handling and providing direct sample loading and unloading via a separate side door.

The Thermo Scientific portfolio of sample preparation solutions has been designed exclusively to meet the requirements of demanding applications. By offering a range of innovative systems, including the new Haas Mini Mill with Thermo Scientific ARL PrepControl, Thermo Scientific gives customers the freedom to choose the best sample preparation solution to meet their needs, preferences, and budgets.

For more information about the HAAS Mini Mill with ARL PrepControl, visit www.thermoscientific.com/minimill.