In this interview, AZoM speaks to LECO's Matt Germscheid and John Hauck about the CX300 Series and how it is changing metallographic sample preparation.
Could you introduce yourselves and the CX300 Series?
Matt: I am the Product Manager for the Metallographic product line at LECO and have been with the company for 6 years. I oversee instruments from sectioning, grinding, and polishing, along with our hardness testers. For the CX300 series, I worked closely with R&D to develop this new sectioning machine to improve efficiency and precision in the lab.
John: I am the Software Research & Engineering Manager at LECo and have been with the company for 30 years. I work in R&D and lead software development like Cornerstone and ChromaTOF. I also serve as a product leader for several metallographic products, including the CX300 series, and work with all the R&D engineering disciplines such as marketing, production, service, labs, and sales to deliver a new product design for manufacture and sale as a LECO product.
What makes the CX300 Series stand out in the metallographic sample preparation market compared to previous models or competitors?
Matt: The CX300 Series embodies the trusted engineering expertise that LECO is known for. Designed for daily use with minimal maintenance, it combines durability with a compact and user-friendly design, making it an ideal solution for metallographic sample preparation.
John: The CX300 Series introduces several key innovations that set it apart. It features sealed bearings on the spindle, eliminating the need for lubrication with a grease gun and ensuring a longer lifespan. The counterweight springs for the door and spindle movement are fully enclosed and placed outside the cutting chamber for added durability and cleanliness. The design also offers a wide viewing angle and includes a bright, optimally positioned working light for enhanced visibility.
For application flexibility, the model with a fixed table is optimized for chop cuts, complete with a slot that allows the abrasive wheel to plunge through. Models with a moveable table also support manual chop cutting, providing versatility for different workflows. The machine is designed with user convenience in mind, featuring a one-handed abrasive wheel height adjustment and locking mechanism for ease of operation.
Engineered and manufactured in the United States, the CX300 Series is built to accommodate tight spaces with thoughtful features like front access to the electronics cabinet. Unlike many competitors, it requires no clearance at the back, allowing it to be placed flush against a wall. At just 28 inches wide, it’s compact enough to fit seamlessly into crowded workspaces.
Can you explain how the CX300 Series' compact design increases laboratory efficiency?
Matt: Many metallographic laboratories operate in tight spaces, sometimes even in closets. To address these constraints, the CX300, like the rest of our LECO met product line, is designed to be as slim as possible while still fitting perfectly on a standard 30-inch lab bench.
What safety innovations have been integrated into the CX300 to ensure user protection during long-term use?
Matt: The CX300 is equipped with a bright red emergency stop (E-stop) button for immediate use in emergency situations, but there are other important safety details as well. For example, the door is curved and designed to open upward, staying behind the work area. This means that any cutting liquids are directed away from the user.
John: The CX300 Series adheres to the "ISO 16089 Machine Tools – Safety – Stationary Grinding Machines" standard. It features a right-hand joystick that remains operable even when the door is open, accompanied by a left-hand override switch for enhanced control.
Additionally, all models are equipped with a Variable Frequency Drive, which prevents motor over-current situations. This drive automatically enters safe mode when the door is opened, the stop button is pressed, or the E-stop is engaged.
The CX300 is designed for 24/7 operation. How does this impact its durability and performance in high-demand environments?
Matt: The CX300 is engineered to handle constant and repeated use in demanding industrial settings. Its aluminum base is highly resistant to corrosion, addressing a common issue seen in harsh environments and ensuring long-term durability. Additionally, a soft-start function has been integrated to protect the cutting motor from the wear and tear caused by frequent start-and-stop cycles.
John: The Variable Frequency Drive also ensures a smooth start, provides electric braking for safer operation, and eliminates motor surge currents, enhancing both durability and performance during continuous use.
Could you elaborate on the customizable features, such as the adjustable cutting arm and the motorized table in the automated model?
Matt: The CX300 Automatic allows users to customize the cutting motor speed, table feed speed and cut distance to suit a variety of materials or parts that a lab may encounter. These settings can be saved and easily recalled via the rugged touch screen, enabling repeatable and high-quality cuts.
John: While the cutting arm itself is not adjustable (this was mistakenly included in an earlier version of the brochure), the handle on the cutting arm is reversible. It can be extended to either the left or right side to suit operator preference.
Image Credit: LECO Corporation
The touch screen is fully adjustable, allowing operators to modify both its height and viewing angle for comfort and ease of use.
Image Credit: LECO Corporation
What were some of the biggest challenges your R&D team faced in designing the CX300 Series, and how were they overcome?
Matt: One of our biggest challenges was finding the perfect balance between durability for constant use and providing a smooth, comfortable cutting experience. This required extensive testing and retesting to ensure the final product met our high standards.
John: We faced several design challenges during development. Creating a single-piece casting for the base was a significant hurdle, but it allowed us to enhance stability while minimizing areas where swarf could collect. For the motorized table model, we addressed user preferences by adding a hand wheel as an alternative to the touch screen, offering operators more control.
Another key innovation was the ability to automatically adjust the table feed rate in response to the load on the cutting wheel motor. We also designed the hood to open completely—a full 90 degrees—to eliminate any risk of drips onto the operator's hands.
What types of laboratories or industries do you believe will benefit the most from the new CX300 Series?
Matt: It’s hard to pick just one because the CX300 is so versatile. Its modern design and features make it a perfect fit for clean, polished demonstration labs, but it’s just as comfortable on the floor of a busy machine shop. If you need a dependable and durable foundation for your metallographic prep work, the CX300 is a great choice.
About the Speakers
Matt Germscheid
Matt Germscheid is the Product Manager for the Metallographic product line at LECO Corporation. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry along with an MBA. He has been with the company for 6 years.
John Hauck
John Hauck is a Manager, Software Research and Engineering at LECO Corporation where he leads the development of software such as ChromaTOF and Cornerstone. He is also a Product Leader on the Metallographic product line and works with the R&D engineering disciplines. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Michigan State University and has been with the company for 30 years.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by LECO Corporation.
For more information on this source, please visit LECO Corporation.
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