MetPrep 3x Brochure Digital

Refer to the original PDF for tables, figures and page layout.

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INTUITIVE, POWERFUL & RELIABLE
SYSTEMS FOR SEMIAUTOMATIC 
SAMPLE PREPARATION
Quality Products for Metallographic Sample Preparation & Analysis
Product Brochure
MetPrep 3x™
GRINDING / POLISHING SYSTEMS


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The MetPrep 3x™ grinding and polishing machines, 
with PH™ power heads, are powerful systems for 
semiautomatic operation, ideal for low to high volume 
sample preparation requirements. Two combinations 
provide ideal solutions that accommodate any lab, 
application or material.
The microprocessor-based system allows the 
operator to use either the manual Input Mode to 
enter parameters throughout a procedure, or the 
user-defined preprogrammed Steps and Sequences 
Mode to select steps in a sequence as the procedure 
advances.
Either standard or magnetic 8"/203 mm or 10"/254 mm 
platens may be used with any adhesive, non-adhesive 
or magnetic system disc.
Standard/magnetic platens, sample loading fixture/
system, sample holders and accessories are sold 
separately.
Item                     Description
5-2650                     MetPrep 3x™ / PH-3™, 100-240 V
5-2750                     MetPrep 3x™ / PH-4™, 100-240 V
Touchscreen Menu Navigation
Intuitive interface optimized for productivity and function
User-defined preprogrammed steps & sequences 
allows for quick, easy operation
Grinder/Polisher Features:
•	 Store and recall of up to ten (10) user-programmable 
sequences with up to ten (10) individual steps each, 
including settings for platen speed, force mode, 
comp/contra rotation (sample holder/platen), cycle 
time, fluid selection, sample force (lbf or N), sample 
rotation speed, water rinse, soft start and force 
reduction
•	 Built-in programming and seamless integration 
of optional ID-5x™ fluid dispenser for automatic 
operation
•	 7" (178 mm) color LCD touchscreen with intuitive 
interface to control all functions, with adjustable units 
(lbf/N) 
•	 Electronic coolant control with adjustable flow control 
valve
•	 Retractable coolant nozzle that allows quick and easy 
sample/bowl cleaning
•	 Constructed with components precision machined 
from solid billet aluminum and stainless steel 
•	 Molded one-piece corrosion resistant enclosure with 
overflow diversion to protect internal components
•	 Powerful, quiet 0.7 HP (535 W) Brushless DC motor 
that provides constant high torque output throughout 
the speed range
•	 Variable platen speed: 20 – 600 RPM (10 RPM 
increments) 
•	 Variable platen jog speed: 20 – 600 RPM (10 RPM 
increments)
•	 Emergency shut-off switch
•	 Two (2) year warranty
•	 Designed and manufactured by Allied in the USA
MetPrep 3x™/PH-4™ System shown with optional protective shield


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The PH-3™ and PH-4™ power heads offer maximum 
versatility for low to high volume semiautomatic sample 
preparation, using either central or individual sample 
force modes. The pneumatic-electric systems provide 
controlled sample force and allow up to nine (9) samples 
to be prepared simultaneously, depending on power 
head, mount diameter and holder size. The unique tilt-up 
design allows easy, unhindered access to the sample 
holder and platen, and eliminates the need to reposition 
the head during the preparation procedure.
PH-4™ individual force configuration: four (4) individual pistons 
apply force to each mount (1.5" mounts shown).
PH-3™ central force configuration: one (1) central piston applies 
force to up to nine (9) mounts (1.25" mounts shown).
Unique tilt-up feature allows easy access to platen and holder.
Sample holder release button faces the operator for easy
access upon cycle completion
Power Head Features:
•	 Unique tilt-up feature for easy access to platen and 
holder
•	 Central force sample preparation of up to nine (9) 
samples
•	 Individual force sample preparation of up to four (4) 
samples
•	 0.33 HP (250 W) motor with durable reduction 
gearbox for constant high torque output
•	 Variable sample rotation speed: 0 – 150 RPM (10 
RPM increments) with comp/contra direction control
•	 Soft-start/stop force control
•	 Sample holder release button that faces the operator 
for easy access upon cycle completion
•	 Simple push-button attachment and removal of 
sample holders
•	 Safety sensor that stops operation if power head is 
tilted up
•	 Quick-lock system to allow sample holder positioning 
across platen radius
•	 Compatible with #5-33XX, #5-34XX, #5-37XX      
(PH-4™) and #5-38XX (PH-3™) series sample holders
•	 Optional #5-3X346 Protective Shield available for 
added safety


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Individual Force Holders
Single Diameter Mount
Variable Diameter Mount
Individual force holders allow one or more samples to be 
prepared simultaneously. The advantage of individual 
preparation is that it allows removal of any number of samples 
from the grinding/polishing operation without affecting balance 
of the system. It is also ideal for applications where small 
geometry and site-specific cross-section requirements make 
alignment of more than three (3) samples to a common plane 
extremely challenging.
Mount 
Diameter
PH-3™  
(3 position)
PH-4™ 
(4 position)
1" / 25 mm
5-3835
5-3735
30 mm
5-3840
5-3740
1.25"
5-3845
5-3745
1.5"
5-3850
5-3750
40 mm
5-3855
5-3755
50 mm
5-3860
5-3760
2"
5-3865
5-3765
PH-3™  
(3 position)
PH-4™ 
(4 position)
Holder
5-3800
5-3700
1" / 25 mm Ring
5-3X35-40
5-3X35-50
30 mm Ring
5-3X40-40
5-3X40-50
1.25" Ring
5-3X45-40
5-3X45-50
1.5" Ring
5-3X50-40
5-3X50-50
40 mm Ring
-
5-3X55-50
Central Force Holders
Central force holders secure mounts/samples on a common 
plane.  A minimum of three (3) samples must be prepared at 
once for balance. Custom shapes and sizes available.
Teardrop holders allow flexibility in the shape and size of the 
sample that can be held. A setscrew secures each sample.
Dual-cavity holders feature a single tightening point, which 
is useful for rapid insertion and removal of either one or two 
round or irregular shaped specimens per cavity.  
Item                 Description
Item                 Description
5-3301                Continuous Surface, for Wax or Tape, w/ Heating Stage
5-3401                Continuous Surface, for Wax or Tape, w/ Heating Stage
5-3330                (6) 25 mm - 1.25" Samples, Teardrop
5-3435                (6) 25 mm - 1.5" Samples, Teardrop
5-3466                (3) 1.25" x 2" (32 x 51 mm) Capacity, Clamp Style
140 mm Diameter, for 8" or 10" Platens
160 mm Diameter, for 10" Platens
5-3340                (5) 25 - 40 mm Samples, Teardrop
5-3440                (3) 25 mm - 2" Samples, Teardrop
5-3490                (5) 1.2" x 2.1" (30 x 53 mm) Rectangles
5-3345                (3) 25 - 40 mm Samples, Teardrop
5-3445                (9) 25 mm - 1.25" Samples, Teardrop
5-3491                (3) 1.6" x 2.7" (40 x 68 mm) Rectangles
5-3361                (6) 25 mm - 1.25" Samples, Dual-Cavity
5-3460                (8) 25 mm - 1.25" Samples, Dual-Cavity
5-3494                (3) 2" x 2" (51 x 51 mm) Squares
5-3380                Sample Loading/Unloading Fixture, for 5-33XX Series
5-3461                (6) 30 - 40 mm Samples, Dual-Cavity
5-3480                Sample Loading/Unloading Fixture, for 5-34XX Series
Teardrop
This individual force holder utilizes spacer rings for specific 
diameter mounts.  Rings can be mixed or matched for 
maximum versatility.  
The three (3) position (40 mm openings) and four (4) position 
(50 mm openings) holders are used with the PH-3™ and PH-4™ 
power heads, respectively.  Rings are sold separately.
Rectangle
Sample Loading/Unloading Fixture 
(shown with dual-cavity holder)


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Standard/Magnetic Platens
Standard aluminum platens are precision lapped parallel, 
then hard anodized for maximum wear resistance. They are 
used with adhesive backed discs, double sided adhesive 
discs and a combination of non-adhesive discs and paper 
holding bands.
Magnetic platens combine a standard aluminum platen with 
a cross-hatched magnetic surface for maximum flatness 
and adherence. Only one platen is needed throughout the 
grinding and polishing process, allowing all magnetic system 
cloths/abrasive discs or ferromagnetic discs to be utilized.
Standard Platen
Magnetic Platen
CF-1™ System
The CF-1™ is a loading and unloading system for central 
force sample holders. The rotating base sets uniform mount 
protrusion to 3 mm and allows quick, easy positioning 
beneath the pad. Pneumatics are used to secure both the 
holder and sample/mount(s) when loading to establish a 
uniform plane, reducing initial grinding time and operator 
fatigue. Single pad attachment is included.
Item                      Description
5-CF00	
CF-1™ Central Force Sample Holder Loading/  
Unloading System
5-CF05	
Single Pad Attachment for Teardrop Fixtures
5-CF10	
Dual Pad Attachment for Dual Cavity & Large 
Mount Fixtures
Platen Storage Cabinet
Item                      Description
5-8100	
 Platen Storage Cabinet
5-8105	
 Aluminum Tray / Shelf
This durable aluminum cabinet accommodates up to 10 
aluminum trays/shelves (reversible) for storage of platens, 
discs or cloths up to 12" (305 mm) diameter. The hinged, 
clear plastic door with magnetic lock prevents dust 
contamination. Five (5) trays are included.
Recirculating System
The recirculating filtration system allows up to 3-stage 
filtering down to 2 microns and is housed in a durable 
cabinet that supports Allied grinding/polishing machines. 
The environmentally friendly filtration system saves up to 1/2 
gallon of water per minute with quick-change filters. System 
includes cabinet/stand, roll-out reservoir with 7-gallon (26.5 L) 
capacity and pull-out storage drawer. 
Item                      Description
100-40020	
Recirculating Filtration System, with             
Grinder/Polisher Control
Standard	
           Diameter	                      Magnetic
5-6010	
          10" (254 mm) 	
        5-6010M
5-2005	
            8" (203 mm)		
        5-2005M


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The ID-5x™ fluid dispenser provides automatic, 
unattended application of abrasive polishing solutions 
and lubricants. This five (5) position dispenser 
connects to the back of the MetPrep 3x™, and is 
controlled and programmed through the touchscreen. 
Positions 4 and 5 feature high-speed pumps for 
dispensing colloidal solutions, and a magnetic stirring 
function for use with polishing slurries that normally 
settle.
The dispenser features a pivoting manifold mounted 
on the powerhead to position the dispensing nozzles 
so liquids clear the sample holder.
Features: 
•	 Five (5) dispensing positions, 16 oz. (500 mL) 
capacity
•	 Dispenses fluids based on operator's input 
values (pulses/minute, pulse length)
•	 Provides repeatable fluid dispensing for 
consistent results
•	 Integrates with MetPrep 3x™ equipped with either 
PH-3™ or PH-4™ powerhead
•	 In-cycle priming that allows temporary "full rate" 
dispensing during use
•	 Pre-dosing function provides option to "charge" 
the cloth at the beginning of each cycle
•	 Pump reverse after cycle to prevent dripping/
contamination
•	 Positions 4 and 5 offer:
     - High speed pumps for oxide polishing
     - Rinse/flush function to eliminate clogging 	
	
       when using oxide solutions
     - Magnetic stirring for use with non-suspended     	
	
abrasives
•	 Pulse duration: 0.5 – 6 seconds, 0.1 second 
increments
•	 Pulse frequency: 1 – 10 per minute
•	 24 V DC power provided by grinder/polisher
•	 Dims: 8" W x 25" D x 9" H (203 x 635 x 229 mm)
•	 Two (2) year warranty
•	 Designed & manufactured by Allied in the USA
ID-5x™ Fluid Dispenser
Item                      Description
5-7125                      ID-5x™ Integrated Fluid Dispenser
Intuitive programming of all parameters
ID-5x™ Integrated Fluid Dispenser
ID-5x™ dispensing nozzles in a pivoting manifold


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Dimensions
Power Head Specifications
PH-3™
PH-4™
RPM
0 – 150
Power (HP)
0.33
Power (W)
250
Individual Force
No. of Samples
1 – 3
1 – 4
Force (Lbf)
0 – 16
0 – 12
Force (N)
0 – 70
0 – 52
Mount Size Capacity
2" (51 mm)
2" (51 mm)
Central Force
No. of Samples
3 – 9
3 – 9
Force (Lbf)
5 – 50
5 – 50
Force (N)
22 – 220
22 – 220
Grinder/Polisher Specifications
Voltage
100 – 240
Platen/Jog RPM
20 – 600
Power (HP)
0.7
Power (W)
535
Cycle Time
0:05 seconds – 180 minutes
Electronics
Microprocessor-based
Display
7" LCD touchscreen - imperial or 
metric units
Safety
Electronic sensor on powerhead
Emergency stop on polisher
Weight (PH-3/PH-4)
122/125 lbs. (55/57 kg)


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Allied Equipment and Fixtures are 
Designed and Manufactured by 
Allied in the U.S.A.
Equipment is subject to change due to 
innovations/improvements at any time.
Brochure #: MP3x V1.0
Visit us online!  www.alliedhightech.com
310.635.2466 Worldwide / 800.675.1118 U.S. & Canada
•	
Cerritos, California
•	
Norwalk, California
•	
Edmond, Oklahoma