Buehler AutoMet 300 Pro | Semi-Automatic Grinder-Polisher
The AutoMet 300 Pro grinder‑polisher uses a powerful 2 hp [1.5 kW] base motor and a 12 in [305 mm] platen running at 50–400 rpm to process larger specimens and higher sample loads than 8–10 in systems, making it well suited for production environments, research labs and PCB preparation. Its 7 in color touchscreen lets users create and store multi‑step methods, program Z‑axis material removal by depth, and control up to five Burst automatic dispensing modules from the interface, ensuring consistent grinding and polishing across batches and operators.
The system offers both central‑force and single‑force preparation modes, with the power head accommodating 1 in, 1.25 in, 1.5 in, 2 in, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm specimens at forces up to 120 lb [535 N], so it can handle large mounts and irregular components. Rinse and Spin bowl cleaning, retractable water hose, bowl liners and compatibility with Apex S and magnetic platens simplify cleaning and consumable changes, while integration with Buehler CarbiMet™ papers, MetaDi™ diamond suspensions and polishing cloths provides a complete preparation workflow.
Technical Specification of Buehler AutoMet 300 Pro
AutoMet 300 Pro Base
| Machine power | 170–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, single phase. |
| Platen motor power | 2 hp [1.5 kW] motor for high‑volume processing. |
| Platen diameter | 12 in [305 mm]. |
| Platen speed | 50–400 rpm in 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 | 2.3 kW, 10 A @ 230 VAC. |
| Base + head power | 3.6 kW, 15 A @ 230 VAC. |
| Touchscreen panel | 7 in full‑color LCD, NEMA 4 / IP65 water‑resistant, with method creation and storage. |
| Membrane indicators | Three 3‑digit LED displays and 14 status LEDs; metric or imperial units. |
| Base sound rating | ≈51.5 dB at 100 rpm, no load (0.5 m distance). |
| Base + head sound | ≈64.5 dB at 100/60 rpm. |
| Weight | 219 lb [99 kg]. |
| Compliance | CE; EC applicable directives. |
AutoMet 300 Pro Power Head
| Head motor power | 0.75 hp [560 W]. |
| Head speed | 50–150 rpm in 10 rpm increments. |
| Central specimen force | 10–120 lb [40–535 N]. |
| Single specimen force | 1–20 lb [5–90 N]. |
| Central‑force capacity | 1 in, 1.25 in, 1.5 in, 2 in, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm and large or irregular specimens. |
| Single‑force capacity | 1 in, 1.25 in, 1.5 in, 2 in, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm. |
| Air supply hose | 0.25 in [6 mm] OD tube. |
| Air supply pressure | ≈35 psi [≈2.4 bar]. |
| Head power usage | 1.3 kW, ≈5.65 A @ 230 VAC. |
| Head weight | 92 lb [42 kg]. |
| Compliance | CE; EC applicable directives. |
Key Features & Benefits of Buehler AutoMet 300 Pro
Key Features
- Large 12 in platen: Provides a bigger working area for higher throughput and larger samples, including PCB panels.
- 2 hp high‑torque motor: Supports higher forces and faster material removal for high‑volume processing.
- Touchscreen programmability: 7 in color touchscreen with multi‑step method storage, Z‑axis removal by depth and integrated Burst control.
- Wide specimen range: Central and single‑force modes for round mounts from 1 to 50 mm and large or irregular pieces.
- Quick‑clean design: Rinse and Spin bowl cleaning, retractable water hose and bowl liners for fast changeover.
User Benefits
- Higher throughput: Larger platen, stronger motor and automated methods let labs process more samples per shift.
- Consistent results: Stored methods, Z‑axis control and Burst dosing give reproducible surface quality across operators.
- Versatile applications: Handles standard metallographic mounts, large components and PCB specimens with dedicated accessories.
- Reduced labor: Semi‑automatic head and automated dispensing free operators to focus on other tasks.
- Lower cleaning time: Integrated rinse functions and liners minimize downtime between grinding and polishing steps.
Ordering Information
| AutoMet® 300 Pro Grinder‑Polisher | |
|---|---|
| Part Number | Voltage |
| 49-7268 | 170–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, single phase |
Consumables and Accessories
Frequently Asked Questions
AutoMet 300 Pro is a 12 in semi‑automatic grinder‑polisher designed for high‑volume labs and larger specimens, including PCB panels and large metallographic mounts.
The power head supports central‑ and single‑force holders for 1 in, 1.25 in, 1.5 in, 2 in, 25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm specimens, as well as larger or irregular components in central‑force mode.
AutoMet 300 Pro requires 170–240 VAC single‑phase power, a water supply at about 40–100 psi via 0.25 in OD tubing, a drain for bowl rinse, and compressed air around 35 psi for the power head.
The 7 in touchscreen lets you store multi‑step methods and set a precise material removal depth, which improves flatness, layer exposure and repeatability between runs.
Recommended consumables include CarbiMet silicon carbide papers, MetaDi diamond suspensions and lubricants, Buehler polishing cloths, and Burst automatic dispensing units for controlled slurry delivery.
Yes, the 2 hp motor, 12 in platen and programmable semi‑automatic head are intended for continuous use in busy production and QA labs that need high throughput and consistent results.
