Annealing Made Perfect - Mark II DB with AZTEC

Annealing Made Perfect Mark II DB Induction Annealer with Aztec

that now is the time to give the Mark II a new interface to make it easier and more intuitive to use. The Mark II DB comes with all the annealing capabilities of the original Mark II with some added benefits and improvements.

Firstly, and most obviously they have removed the old buttons and LCD interface and replaced them with a more modern touch screen (Similar in feel to a smart phone). They have also added a more powerful processor which allows the user to store many programs that have been generated previously.

Users can now analyze a case using AZTEC mode and then once the setting is generated, name and save that setting which can be loaded for future use.

Changing between annealing settings now is as fast as swapping out the pilot.

They have simplified the feel of the annealer by making animations, text and layout clear and to the point, which we feel will enhance the ergonomics of the annealer greatly. 

In order to pass FCC/EMC and electrical safety testing there are additional internal shielding enclosures which isolate the screen from any source of high voltage. 

One major benefit of these enclosures is that this touch screen will be user replaceable. If there is a problem with the touch screen for whatever reason, say you drop something heavy on it and crack it, you don’t need to have it shipped back to them to fix. Now you can simply remove the old one and install a new one.

Another small update they have made is changing over to the much more abundant USB-C type port replacing the antiquated USB printer port.

 

Details:

• All program settings established by laboratory micro-Vickers neck hardness tests.
• No assembly required - start annealing brass right out of the box.
• Change from one cartridge type to another in seconds.
• Anneal all cartridges from 17 Hornet to 50 BMG.
• No guesswork – no temperature pastes. Just select the correct pilot and program for your cartridge, and start annealing.
• USB port to future proof for software updates.
• One  brass holder included with the annealer.

Extra pilots sold separately.

The MARK II model has the following improvements:

• Larger inductor to suit 50 BMG.
• Capable of annealing everything from .17 Hornet to 50 BMG.
• Significantly more output power.
• Ceramic heat shield in the inductor to aid in heat management.
• Superior cooling allowing near indefinite run time on smaller cases such as 223.
• User replaceable pilot boss should the existing one get damaged.
• An increase on the Warranty from one year to 3 years.
• AZTEC MODE included and ready to use.
• Existing STANDARD program range expanded and updated.

Power Input

The AMP annealing machine allows for a universal power input. This means it can operate anywhere in the world at any line voltage ranging from 85V to 265V. It is rated for up to 750 Watts, but operates at under 600 Watts, or less than a small microwave oven.

Cooling

The output inductor features a custom manufactured ferrite core with an air gap designed to focus magnetic fields. This means there is no work coil, and therefore nothing to burn out or need replacing. Because there is no work coil, there is also no need for water cooling. The ability of the annealer to run for extended time depends partly on the ambient room temperature. Avoid using in direct hot sunlight or high temperature conditions. A room temperature of 70˚F/20˚C is ideal.

Thermal Protection

In common with any induction heater, with extended use, the output inductor will gradually heat up. Multiple fans are installed in our annealer to keep the circuitry and inductor cool. After 40 – 50 cases have been annealed, the top of the unit behind the pilot will start to feel warm to the touch. This is normal.
In the event that the output inductor should reach 190F/90C (inside the annealer), a thermal cut out will activate to protect the unit. If that occurs, leave the annealer turned on so the fans continue cooling. It will automatically reset after 30 minutes, once cooling is complete.

Run time

Our new circuitry means that provided ambient temperature is around 70F/20C, the annealer can be run continuously for a minimum of 200 cases on any program setting without approaching cut out. Many customers go well beyond this.

Safety

AMP features a full shielded housing. By the very nature of induction, electromagnetic interference is produced when the unit is powered up. If uncontrolled this can affect other electrical devices, such as radios. For that reason federal regulations apply. Our shielded housing and electrical filtering effectively blocks and contains all these emissions. AMP has now passed all international EMC standards. The unit even features internal shielding enclosures to ensure accurate and reliable performance.

Innovations

Uniquely, the induction annealer has adjustable power and time settings built into the pre-programs. This allows small and very precise increments in annealed neck hardness. When setting the correct program for new brass, we start low and work up until we achieve the target hardness.

We then publish these results in the settings page on our website for the benefit of all AMP users. This is an on going effort made possible by the hundreds of samples we have received for testing. This is a free service we encourage customers to use as it guarantees an accurate result.   

Ergonomics

We are currently developing an auto feeder which will attach to the top of any existing AMP machine. This is expected to be released mid way through 2017. At present, AMP is designed to accurately insert each cartridge manually to exactly the same point in the air gap every time. We have found that a variation of just 2mm makes a significant difference to the result. Once the user is familiar with its use, it can be cycled at around 5 – 6 cases per minute or about the same as case sizing or bullet seating.

Pilots

Depth of insertion into the air gap is critical. A variation of only a few millimetres can make a significant difference to the result. Therefore we now will supply depth specific pilot which do not need adjustment. Just thread them all the way in and they are ready to go. There is still some commonality. For example, the family .243 W, 7-08 R and 308 W all share the same pilot #11.