Buehler AutoMet 250 Pro Semi‑Automatic Grinder‑Polisher
The AutoMet 250 Pro grinder‑polisher combines a powerful 1 hp [0.75 kW] drive, programmable platen speeds from 10–500 rpm, and a semi‑automatic power head with touchscreen method storage to deliver highly repeatable grinding and polishing in demanding metallography and QA environments. Its 7 in color touchscreen lets users build multi‑step methods, set Z‑axis removal by depth, and control up to five Burst automatic dispensing units, while quick‑load sample holders and Apex S / magnetic platens enable rapid changes between grinding discs and polishing cloths.
The system supports both central‑force and single‑force preparation for 1 in, 1.25 in, 1.5 in, 25 mm, 30 mm and 40 mm specimens up to about 40 mm diameter, making it well suited for steels, superalloys, coatings and electronic components. Integrated Rinse and Spin functions, a water‑resistant IP65 touchscreen, and compatibility with Buehler CarbiMet™ grinding papers, MetaDi™ diamond suspensions and polishing cloths give labs a robust, easy‑to‑use platform for high‑throughput, automated sample preparation with excellent surface quality and reduced operator variability
Technical Specification of Buehler AutoMet 250 Pro
AutoMet 250 Pro Base
| Machine power | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, single phase. |
| Platen motor | 1 hp [750 W] motor. |
| Platen diameter | 8 in [203 mm] or 10 in [254 mm]. |
| Platen speed | 10–500 rpm, 10 rpm increments. |
| Wheel direction | Clockwise or counter‑clockwise. |
| Water supply hose | 0.25 in [6 mm] OD tube. |
| Water pressure | 40–100 psi [≈2.8–6.9 bar]. |
| Base power usage | 1.1 kW, 9.6 / 4.8 A @ 115 / 230 VAC. |
| Base + head power | 1.73 kW, 15 / 7.5 A @ 115 / 230 VAC. |
| Touchscreen | 7 in full‑color LCD, IP65 water‑resistant, method creation and storage. |
| Noise level | ≈59.5 dB @ 100 rpm (base); ≈61.5 dB @ 100/30 rpm (base + head). |
| Weight | 170 lb [77 kg]. |
| Compliance | CE; EC applicable directives. |
AutoMet 250 Pro Power Head
| Head motor | 0.156 hp [116 W] motor. |
| Head speed | 30–60 rpm in 10 rpm increments. |
| Central specimen force | 5–60 lb [20–260 N]. |
| Single specimen force | 1–10 lb [5–45 N]. |
| Central‑force capacity | 1 in, 1.25 in, 1.5 in, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm and large/irregular specimens. |
| Single‑force capacity | 1 in, 1.25 in, 1.5 in, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm specimens. |
| Air supply hose | 0.25 in [6 mm] OD tube. |
| Air pressure | ≈35 psi [≈2.4 bar]. |
| Head power usage | 630 W, 5.5 / 2.7 A @ 115 / 230 VAC. |
| Head weight | 70 lb [32 kg]. |
| Compliance | CE; EC applicable directives. |
Key Features & Benefits of Buehler AutoMet 250 Pro
Key Features
- Touchscreen programmability: 7 in color display with multi‑step method storage, Z‑axis material removal and integrated Burst™ control for up to five dispensing units.
- High‑performance drive: 1 hp base motor with 10–500 rpm platen speed range for 8–10 in platens, supporting medium‑ to high‑volume grinding and polishing.
- Flexible preparation modes: Central‑force and single‑force operation for 1–1.5 in and 25–40 mm specimens, including large or irregular samples.
- Integrated cleaning functions: Rinse and Spin bowl cleaning with water‑resistant IP65 touchscreen for reliable use in wet grinding environments.
- Optimized consumable system: Compatible with CarbiMet™ grinding papers, MetaDi™ diamond suspensions and Buehler polishing cloths for a complete preparation workflow.
User Benefits
- Higher throughput: Automated multi‑step methods and Burst dosing reduce manual intervention so more samples can be processed per shift.
- Improved consistency: Digital control of force, speed, time and Z‑axis removal delivers highly repeatable results across operators and days.
- Better surface quality: Controlled material removal with optimized consumables minimizes deformation and maximizes edge retention.
- Reduced operator workload: Semi‑automatic head, stored methods and intuitive touchscreen reduce repetitive manual adjustments.
- Lower cleaning time: Rinse and Spin functions and quick‑change platens shorten changeover between grinding and polishing steps.
Ordering Information
| AutoMet® 250 Pro Grinder‑Polisher | |
|---|---|
| Part Number | Voltage |
| 49-7258 | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, single phase |
Consumables and Accessories
Frequently Asked Questions
AutoMet 250 Pro adds a 7 in touchscreen interface, multi-step method storage, Z-axis material
removal and integrated Burst control, providing more automation and consistency than the membrane-keypad
AutoMet 250.
The power head supports central-force and single-force holders for 1 in, 1.25 in, 1.5 in,
25 mm, 30 mm and 40 mm samples and is recommended for specimens up to about 40 mm
diameter, including many irregular components.
AutoMet 250 Pro requires 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz single-phase power, a water supply at
40–100 psi via 0.25 in OD tubing, a drain for the bowl rinse and compressed air at about
35 psi for the power head.
Z-axis removal lets the instrument automatically grind away a specified material thickness, helping
achieve reproducible flatness and layer exposure while reducing the risk of over-grinding sensitive
coatings or interfaces.
Recommended consumables include CarbiMet silicon carbide papers for grinding, MetaDi diamond suspensions
and lubricants for polishing, Buehler polishing cloths, and Burst dispensing units for automated slurry
delivery and reduced waste.
Yes. The 1 hp motor, programmable multi-step methods, quick-load holders and Burst automation are
designed for medium- to high-volume metallographic labs that need consistent, repeatable preparation with
minimal operator time.
