Sampling and Sample Preparation Equipment for Representative, Repeatable Refractory Testing

Accurate refractory testing starts with representative sampling and high‑quality specimen preparation. Our expanded sampling and preparation capability at Lucideon's Refractories Centre of Excellence provides the controlled mixing, cutting, grinding and core‑drilling tools needed to turn field samples, bricks, and laboratory batches into test pieces with the right geometry and surface finish, improving repeatability across mechanical, thermal shock and investigative programmes.

We have a suite of dedicated sampling and preparation equipment to support end‑to‑end refractory evaluation, from initial mixing and forming through to precision specimen preparation for standardised testing and failure investigation.

Overview

Refractory performance data is only as reliable as the specimens tested. Variation introduced during cutting, grinding, or surface preparation can affect strength results and microstructural interpretation. By investing in robust sample preparation capability, we can improve consistency and confidence in downstream testing, especially where flatness, parallelism, notch quality, and specimen dimensions are critical.

What this sampling and preparation suite enables

This capability supports:

High‑shear mixing of powders, slurries, pastes and doughs to create consistent laboratory batches for testing and development work
Cutting and sectioning of large dense refractory samples and field failure pieces for subsequent preparation and analysis
Preparation of standard‑size cubes and prisms for ASTM/ISO mechanical testing programmes
Generation of flat, parallel surfaces on large samples to improve repeatability in strength and thermal testing
Core drilling and sample notching to support cup tests, targeted sampling, and specialised specimen geometries

Key equipment in this suite

High‑shear mixers
Used for efficient mixing and dispersing of dry powders and slurries, and for mixing pastes/doughs and granulating, thus supporting consistent sample manufacture for testing and method development.

Automated precision cutting saw - Spectro Metcut 500
Automated precision cutting of dense refractories for specimen preparation, including applications such as thermal shock and strength testing. Typical cutting capability includes sample thickness up to 200 mm.

Surface grinder - Delta LC 500
Designed to generate flat and parallel surfaces on large samples, supporting high‑quality preparation ahead of mechanical and thermo‑physical testing. Handles samples up to 500 mm diameter × 300 mm thick.

Large sample masonry saw - Clipper ISM super 18/20”
For cutting larger refractory samples, including field failure samples and bricks; suitable for thicker sections (up to 130 mm thickness is referenced).

Small masonry saw - Clipper CM42 14/16”
For producing cubes and prisms to standard sizes for ASTM and ISO mechanical property tests - suitable for smaller sections (up to 80 mm thickness is referenced).

Wet core drill – Husqvarna DMS240
Wet core drilling capability up to 50 mm diameter, supporting core extraction, cup tests, and sample notching.

Why this matters

This suite is designed to reduce preparation‑related variability and improve confidence in test results by:

Improving specimen consistency (geometry, flatness and parallelism) for strength testing and comparative programmes
Enabling efficient handling of large, dense refractories and field‑return samples for investigation and microscopy workflows
Supporting repeatable preparation for thermal shock and mechanical testing where machining quality can influence outcomes

Part of our Refractories Centre of Excellence

By strengthening sampling and specimen preparation, we enhance the reliability of the complete testing pathway, supporting refractory development, quality assurance, and failure investigation with better repeatability and faster throughput.

Speak to our team

If you'd like to discuss field sampling, specimen preparation requirements, or how we can support your test programme from sample receipt through to reporting, contact us here.

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