Platinum Ware Polisher

The EQ-PUL Platinum Polishing Equipment is a precision-engineered solution designed to simplify and optimise the polishing of platinum crucibles and moulds used in EQUILAB’s FX Series and F Series induction fusion systems, however it is suitable for platinum ware from other leading fusion machines such as XRFScientific, Claisse and Katanax. Maintaining the integrity of platinum components is essential for achieving accurate and repeatable results in X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis. With its ergonomic design and efficient polishing capabilities, the EQ-PUL extends the service life of platinum parts and supports high-quality sample preparation workflows in industrial laboratories.

The EQ-PUL Platinum Polishing Equipment is essential for laboratories aiming to maintain optimal performance in their XRF and ICP workflows. It ensures platinum crucibles and moulds are free from scratches and imperfections that could compromise analytical results. Its role is especially valuable in environments that rely on industrial automation and robotics, where equipment uptime and sample integrity are critical. Ideal applications include:

• Laboratories using fusion systems for XRF and ICP sample preparation

• Geochemical and metallurgical analysis

• High-throughput industrial laboratories using automation and robotics

• Facilities focused on extending the lifecycle of platinum consumables

• Ergonomic and Compact Design: The EQ-PUL Platinum Polishing Equipment features an oscillating polishing module that enhances operator comfort and minimises strain during use.

• Secure Clamping System: Holds crucibles and moulds (30–40 mm) firmly in place for safe and consistent polishing.

• Variable Speed Control: Offers 8 selectable speeds (400–3000 rpm) to accommodate different polishing requirements.

• Multi-Grit Polishing Compatibility: Supports polishing with sandpaper ranging from 500 to 2500 grit and polishing liquids from 14 to 3 microns.

• Durable Construction: Designed for regular use in laboratory environments, with IP20-rated protection and CE/UKCA compliance.

• Lab-Friendly Design: Can be securely attached to any laboratory table, making it a stable and convenient addition to any sample preparation station.

• Low Energy Consumption: Operates on just 150 W, making it both powerful and energy efficient.

How to polish platinum ware:

EQ-PUL Platinum Polishing Equipment is designed to correct for minor distortions and blemishes to the surface. Major structural issues require remake. When polishing is required, the following process should be followed:

1. Place the platinum into the polisher and secure it
2. Start the polisher and adjust the speed to moderate.
3. Lightly spray some polishing oil onto the 1000 grit paper.
4. Use 1000 grit paper to lightly prepare the surface, and then clean the surface with a soft tissue
5. Squeeze about 3-4mm of the 8-micron diamond paste onto some clean felt pad and press onto the platinum surface before starting the polishing machine. This will minimize the diamond paste from ‘flicking’ off the polishing surface. Now start the polishing machine and introduce the felt pad to the platinum surface. Do not use the polishing oil at this stage. Always use a circular motion with a backwards and forward motion across the surface of the platinum and try to concentrate equal effort on the outside and centre of the platinum while polishing machine is spinning.
6. Spray a small amount of oil onto the platinum and reintroduce the felt pad. The oil will thin out the diamond past, giving a finer finish and will be easier to remove completely using a soft tissue while the polishing machine is turning.
7. Once the 8-micron diamond paste has been removed, repeat stage 8 and 9 using the 3-micron diamond paste and a new felt pad. Once again, finishing by cleaning with a soft tissue.

Note:

When “working” the surface of the mould with either grit paper or diamond paste ensure the centre of the mould receives equal attention due to speed differences as you move outwardly towards the edge. To maintain good release of glass disks, hold the felt pad perpendicular to the bevelled surface during the polishing process and clean up as required.

The use of polishing oil should not be used at the start of the diamond paste stages as it reduces its cutting effectiveness and more effort and diamond paste will be required. Note excessive pressure is NOT required, let the grit paper and the felt pads do the task for you by applying light – firm pressure only.

If a ‘wobbling’ effect occurs whilst applying the felt pad then you are applying too much pressure. Be very careful in between stages not to cross contaminate the abrasive compounds. Ensure the 1000 grit paper, the 8 micron and the 3 micron polishing media are kept separate. Cleaning the mould surface completely with a clean soft tissue should also help to minimize this.

If a finer mould surface finish is required, the polishing process can include a three stage diamond paste procedure i.e. 14um – 8um – 3um.

Although the EQ-PUL Platinum Polishing Equipment does not require complex software integration, it includes a simple and efficient user interface that offers:

• Start/Stop Control for safe and reliable operation

• 4-Digit Speed Display for precise RPM monitoring

• Speed Selector with 8 adjustable levels to match specific polishing needs

This user-friendly design ensures seamless operation in both manual and semi-automated laboratory settings.