Case study · Geoscience & subsurface studies
Automated laboratory coring machine with servo-control for intact sample retrieval
IRIAN Mecatronics designed and built a custom laboratory coring machine for a materials science R&D center. The equipment automates sample retrieval by using servo-control on the cutting force, ensuring the physical and structural integrity of the core plugs—a critical requirement for valid analysis.
At a glance
- Client
- A materials science R&D center
- Field
- Materials Science
- Technique
- Sample retrieval (coring)
01 — The research question
How to core a sample without altering its properties?
Coring a sample from a solid material is a fundamental step in many analyses, for both research and quality control. The challenge is to ensure the retrieved sample is perfectly representative of the original material. However, the cutting process itself inherently induces mechanical and thermal stresses that can alter its properties, causing microcracks, residual stress, or changes in the crystalline structure. The validity of all downstream analysis therefore depends on mastering the sample retrieval process. Our client, an R&D center, needed to core samples from a wide variety of materials, many of which were fragile or heterogeneous. Standard coring equipment, which operates with fixed cutting parameters, caused damage that rendered the samples unusable for analysis.
Performing an inherently destructive cutting operation while preserving the physical and structural integrity of the sample.
02 — Our approach
A design driven by sample integrity
Servo-controlling the cut to preserve material structure
The challenge was to cut without inducing stresses that would skew the analyses. Instead of using fixed, open-loop parameters, we implemented a servo-control system that adjusts the advance and rotation speeds based on real-time force measurements. This allows the machine to adapt to the material's resistance, minimizing stress and ensuring an intact sample.
Automating the cycle to ensure repeatability
For results to be statistically comparable, each sampling operation must be identical. We developed a fully automated and programmable cycle. The operator defines a recipe, and the controller executes the process and records all parameters, ensuring rigorous repeatability and traceability that would be impossible to achieve manually.
Designing a versatile system for various materials
An R&D center handles materials with various geometries. A hyper-specialized machine would have been a poor investment. We therefore designed flexible clamping interfaces and a versatile control system, allowing the equipment to be quickly adapted to new samples and materials, much like we do on our geotechnical test benches.
04 — Other applications
Does your project have similar requirements?
Civil engineering, structural health monitoring
The requirement is to core concrete or rock samples without creating microcracks that could weaken the structure. The principle of using force feedback to adapt the cutting process to the material's hardness would remain the same.
Food industry, quality control
The goal is to take a sample (e.g., cheese, fruit) without crushing it or altering its texture. The fine control of cutting speed and force, along with automation for repeatability, are directly transferable principles.
Biomedical, hard tissue research
For bone or implant biopsies, avoiding thermal or mechanical alteration is critical. The high-precision guidance and cutting parameter control of our approach are principles that would remain identical, just applied on a miniaturized scale.
An engineer from our design office replies as soon as possible.