LAPPING SAMPLES ON THE LOGITECH LP50: USER GUIDE

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TRODUCTION

This user guide will help thin section technicians bring their sample to 40 microns thick. This will prepare the sample for the final stage of polishing on the Logitech WG2. For more information refer to the Logitech Thin Rock Section Production manual, available in the Thin Section Lab both on a Logitech thumb drive in the bookcase and computer under the "Manual" folder on the desktop. Or, refer to Operation and Maintenance of the LP50 Lapping and Polishing Machine manual, located in the black binder in the Thin Section Lab cabinet labeled "LP50, PM5 and Associated Equipment".

PROCEDURE

SETTING THE JIG

1. Use the jig labeled "Lap".
2. Clean jig and Logitech scale by wiping them with a kimwipe and isopropyl alcohol.
   1. Refer to the Logitech LP50 Set Up user guide for more information on scale use.
3. Gently set the scale on the jig (Fig. 1) and wiggle the scale.
4. The jig should be set to 1201.
   1. Use the middle gauge on the scale.
      1. The small dial (Fig. 1) on the bottom left side should read 12.
      2. The large face (Fig. 1) should read 01.
         1. If it is not set to 1201, change it by inserting the Tommy bar into the holes on the main post in the middle of the jig (Fig. 1).
            1. Rotating the Tommy bar clockwise will lower the chuck face causing the numbers on the scale to increase.
            2. Rotating the Tommy bar counterclockwise will raise the chuck face, causing the numbers on the scale to decrease.

                                                   Figure                                          Figure 1

5. Remove the scale after the jig has been set.

LAPPING SAMPLES

1. Clean samples and the chuck face with kimwipe and isopropyl alcohol.
2. Set six clean samples (unfrosted side down) on the chuck face over the vacuum grooves. There should be no spaces between any of the slides.
   1. If there are 1 or 2 samples, place them in the middle of the chuck face and frosted slides on the outer sides.
      1. The same frosted slides can used be as "filler slides" throughout the expedition.
   2. If there are 3 or 4 samples, place them on the outer sides of the chuck face and the filler slides in the middle (Fig. 2).

                                         Figure                                  Figure 2

3. Connect vacuum hose, if not already connected.

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                                      Figure                                         Figure 3

1. 1. If there is not a proper vacuum seal right away, try pressing lightly on the slides to help them seal and make sure the exhaust flap (Fig. 3) is clean.
   2. If that does not work, take off the slides and clean them and chuck face again.

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22. Rinse the samples with warm water, and then wipe them with a kimwipe and isopropyl alcohol. Blow them dry with the air gun.

MEASURING SAMPLES

1. Hold the micrometer with your pinkie and ring finger through the "C" part of the micrometer. Your index finger and thumb will move the dial.
2. Clean the micrometer before use by placing a piece of paper in between the two bars and closing it gently (do not apply force). Pull the paper out and repeat.
   1. Gently close the micrometer all the way. It should read zero.
3. To measure the sample, place it in between the two bars and close them gently onto the slide where the sample sits.
   1. Take a measurement at the middle and sides to make sure that the sample is even all the way across.
4. On the micrometer, each tick mark is 10 um. The difference between the thickness you measure and the thickness of the slide is the thickness of the sample. For an example, if you measure 19 on the micrometer and the slide is 15, that mean the sample is 40 um.
   1. Soft samples should be about 45 to 50 um.
      1. If the sample is too thin, they will either not get a good polish before they reach their target thickness of 30 um, or, they will become too thin.
   2. Medium or hard samples should be about 40 um. This is the majority of samples.
   3. Very hard samples should be about 35 um.
      1. If the sample is too thick, it will take a very long time to polish down to the target thickness.
5. Write the thickness next to each sample on the sample tray.
6. If the samples are too thick, put them back on the lapping wheel for a couple more minutes.

Credit

Original version created by Emily Fisher 

4/30/2013

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