Advanced automation with customised equipment combinations
Our passion for progress and innovation has been shaping our laboratory automation systems since 1971. That’s when we first introduced QCX solutions to cement producers. Over the years, we have applied our deep industry knowledge and drive for improvement to develop the QCX/RoboLab range into a complete solution for quality control in cement. Today, more than 200 QCX/RoboLab systems have been installed worldwide.
QCX/RoboLab is a high-tech robotics solution for automated sample preparation, analysis, and automated quality assurance and quality control procedures. This advanced laboratory automation system helps process laboratories deliver fast, accurate and safe analysis with as few operators as possible.
QCX/RoboLab receives and coordinates samples from QCX/AutoSampling, then handles the preparation and analysis tasks each sample requires. From dosing and particle characterisation to pressed pellets, fused beads, XRF and XRD analysis, the system can be configured around the laboratory’s workflow.
Flexible by design. Connected by default.
Modular architecture for any level of automation
Scale the system from small, task-oriented automation units to a large, fully automated cell, tailored to cement production needs including special cements and alternative fuels. Circular or linear layouts can be extended with additional sample-handling and preparation equipment as mills, production lines or throughput requirements change. A phased approach and manually operable units help the laboratory keep working while other system parts are serviced.
Seamless integration across the QCX software range
QCX/RoboLab works with other modules in the QCX software range, bringing cement quality-control activities into one coordinated system. The connected environment supports dependable sample analysis and higher laboratory productivity.
Quality control has to deliver more with less
Modern cement plants need faster, more accurate sample results while meeting stricter environmental, energy and documentation requirements. At the same time, production is expected to operate continuously, with very few interruptions. Meeting these demands is not only an equipment challenge; it also depends on the people available to run and maintain the laboratory.
Skilled laboratory and engineering resources can be difficult to recruit and retain. This makes dependable low-touch operation, early performance visibility and remote support increasingly important.
- Operate with fewer laboratory and engineering resources
- Improve the speed and accuracy of sample results
- Maintain reliable 24/7/365 laboratory operation
- Meet documentation and audit-trail requirements
- Reduce hazardous manual handling and operator exposure
Meeting the quality control challenge
In today’s production reality, the increased use of alternative fuels and additives requires stricter controls and special analysis within the cement industry. Accurate, traceable results have never been more important. By automating sample preparation and analysis, QCX/RoboLab supports more consistent results while integrated cleaning helps limit cross-sample contamination.
Error-free sampling, sample preparation and analysis
QCX/RoboLab reduces manual handling errors and keeps each sample identifiable and traceable from its origin to the final result. The software manages the route through preparation equipment and automatic analysers, helping the laboratory operate with minimal intervention and repeatable recipes.
Complete documentation and reporting
End-to-end traceability records information such as sampling time, sampling point, preparation route and analysis result. This documented material flow supports increasingly demanding reporting and audit-trail requirements and keeps the history available for later review.
Fast and accurate results lead to greater quality control
Automated routing uses available equipment efficiently, increasing throughput and getting reliable data to production faster. Performance views help teams identify bottlenecks, while equipment monitoring and access to global support contribute to dependable 24/7/365 laboratory operation.
Consistent analysis centred on advanced robotics technology
Unique set-up to suit your needs
Laboratory equipment can be arranged around a robot cell for robotic sample handling or configured as task-oriented automation. The QCX/RoboLab system brings the relevant equipment drivers, diagnostics and uniform faceplates into one environment.
RoboLab set-ups often include devices for drying, crushing, splitting and dosing, milling, pressing, and fused-bead or pressed-pellet preparation. Particle sizing, colour analysis, combustion analysis and composite-sample collection can be added to match the laboratory’s materials and required throughput.
Intelligent and fast sample processing
For each sample, the software selects a suitable path for preparation and analysis. Routing can take equipment availability and maintenance status into account, rerouting work around unavailable units while stored recipes keep the required steps repeatable.
Barcode identification connects each sample to its preparation and analysis recipe. The software can detect illogical instructions and document QA/QC routines using repeat, replicate and blank samples.
Safe and reliable operation
Operators are less exposed to repetitive and potentially hazardous manual work. Safety and maintainability are treated as part of the equipment and laboratory layout from the outset, including a locked robotic work area during operation. Uniform KPIs and integrated performance metrics support preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, spare-parts planning and long, continuous equipment service.
The QCX system
QCX unites software, sampling, preparation, analysis and expert delivery in one configurable quality-control system. Co-developed hardware and software keep the individual modules visible and serviceable while the complete workflow operates as one connected laboratory - from sample collection to validated result.
Consistent results
Complete traceability
Fewer manual tasks
Safer operation
24/7 availability
Scalable automation
Four essential elements, engineered as one systemised solution for laboratory automation
Software, equipment, project management and engineering, and services form the complete QCX system. Software makes sample routes, status and results visible, while the equipment portfolio supports manual operation, selected automation and high-capacity robotic laboratories. Fuller’s cement-process knowledge guides requirements, configuration, engineering and commissioning from initial design through handover. Training, service and remote support then help plant teams operate and maintain the integrated system with confidence.
The software backbone of the automated cement laboratory
Connect sample administration, equipment control, laboratory information and production decisions in one QCX environment - from collection and preparation to analysis, reporting and quality optimisation.
Gain continuous insight into product quality with QCX laboratory software
QCX/Manager provides sample status, recipes and laboratory data at your fingertips. The software is designed to support manual laboratories and extend into fully automated preparation and analysis.
Automated activities and manual interventions remain visible in the same workflow, giving operators the historical and current information they need to investigate results and optimise product quality faster.
Follow every sample through one connected QCX workflow
QCX/Manager - LIMS and automation system
QCX/Manager is the production laboratory information management system (LIMS) and laboratory automation system (LAS) at the foundation of the QCX system. It connects a hierarchical sample database, recipe management, manual and automated data acquisition, equipment control, data exchange, reporting and trending.
- Central overview of sample status, statistics and results
- Dedicated configurators and a visual preparation-recipe editor
- Equipment KPIs, alarms and error information for faster diagnosis
- Connections to laboratory instruments and plant systems
QCX/AutoSampling
QCX/AutoSampling controls automated sampling and sample transport across the plant. Flexible schedules can follow operating conditions, while automatic prioritisation keeps urgent samples moving toward the laboratory.
- Plant-wide schedules with configurable intervals
- Automatic sample prioritisation and transport control
- Downstream integration with QCX/RoboLab
QCX/BlendExpert
QCX/BlendExpert uses laboratory chemical-analysis results to support quality optimisation from the quarry to delivered cement, helping control raw-material piles, raw mills and cement mills around defined targets.
- Raw-material pile control
- Raw- and cement-mill quality control
- Closed-loop optimisation where the required plant integration is configured
QCX/RoboLab
The flexible QCX/RoboLab solution combines comprehensive software for automated sample preparation and analysis, managing each sample route through dedicated equipment and analysers.
It supports practically unmanned operation with the relevant equipment drivers, diagnostic tools and consistent equipment faceplates built into one configurable environment.
- Coordinate and receive samples from QCX/AutoSampling
- Dose sub-samples and characterise particles
- Prepare pressed pellets and fused beads
- Control combustion, XRF and XRD analysis
- Limit cross-sample contamination with integrated cleaning
- Use automated QA/QC, intuitive faceplates and uniform equipment KPIs
QCX/Reporting
QCX/Reporting provides historical laboratory data, live data and KPIs in plant-specific views that can combine laboratory results with relevant plant-operation data. It works alongside the reporting and trending capabilities built into QCX/Manager.
Pre-built daily or monthly reports can include actual analysis values, calculated quality values and statistics such as average, minimum, maximum and standard deviation.
- Historical laboratory data and live KPIs
- Combined laboratory and plant-operation reports
- Sample-level retrieval of particle-size, XRF and XRD analyses
One Connected software environment
QCX creates documented transparency from sample extraction and transport through preparation and analysis, keeping quality information available for immediate decisions and later investigation.
Easy to configure, easy to track and easy to report
- Full visibility from sample collection to completed analysis
- Traceability by sample key, time, point, material, type and status
- Simple reporting using current and historical quality information
- Pre-configured sample recipes prepared for consistent operator use
- XML and CSV import and export with layouts that can be adjusted on site
Robust laboratory software that meets the needs of your cement plant
From the moment a sample is collected to the time its analysis is complete, QCX laboratory software keeps track of automated activities as well as manual interventions.
A robust LIMS and flexible LAS
Cement plants need laboratory information management that adapts to their own workflows. Samples can be divided between automated and manual analysis, later inputs such as moisture values can still be recorded, and months of historical quality data remain available in the database.
As a laboratory automation system, QCX/Manager can control equipment and manual operations in the same environment, then work with the wider QCX suite to turn quality information into timely production decisions.
- Operate as both a Production LIMS and laboratory automation system
- Support manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratories
- Work with QCX/AutoSampling, QCX/RoboLab and QCX/BlendExpert to manage product quality in real time
- Retain manual interventions and later laboratory inputs in the sample history
Complete sample information in one place
Operators can focus on the samples that matter using filters based on a sample key, period, sample point, material, sample type or status. Once selected, the sample recipe, preparation history and analysis results are available together in one view.
This consolidated record makes it easier to investigate an individual result, follow the selected sample through the workflow and retrieve its XRF, XRD or particle-size analyses without moving between disconnected systems.
- Trace samples using the identifiers relevant to the plant
- Use configurable filters to focus on the samples that need attention
- Review the selected recipe and analysis results in one view
- Use stored information for later analysis and reporting
Dedicated equipment for every preparation and analysis step
Combine proven cement laboratory equipment modules for sample preparation and analysis in the configuration required by the laboratory.
Reliable equipment integration, from sample reception to result
The QCX portfolio of automated laboratory equipment is designed alongside the software that controls it. This provides transparency down to individual devices and reduces integration work during commissioning and maintenance.
Preconfigured faceplates show equipment status without requiring operators to enter PLC programs. Integrated metrics such as availability, produced-sample count, motor runtime and cylinder operations give managers, operators and maintenance teams practical information for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
QCX Equipment
X-ray sample preparation
The quality of XRF and XRD analysis is limited by the quality of the prepared sample. QCX brings the required grinding, dosing, pressing or fusion steps into a controlled route so representative samples reach the analyser with their identity intact.
- Grinding, dosing, pressing and fusion in repeatable workflows
- Sample identity and preparation recipe retained through the route
- Prepared pressed-powder samples or fused beads for XRF and XRD
QCX Centaurus automated powder sample preparation
QCX Centaurus combines fine grinding, dosing, cleaning and pellet pressing in an approximately one-square-metre footprint. It prepares pressed-powder samples for XRF and XRD and can also operate in pressing-only mode.
- Low sample-to-sample contamination
- Air-cooled mill with flexible grinding and pressing modes
- Pressed-pellet consistency check and input magazine
QCX DCF820 automated fused-bead preparation
QCX DCF820 automates flux and sample dosing, weighing and mixing, crucible cleaning and high-temperature fusion. The integrated process prepares reproducible fused beads for accurate XRF analysis with less manual work.
- Dosing and weighing precision to 0.0001 g
- Fusion above 1000°C with capacity for up to ten beads per hour
- Section-level access supports cleaning and maintenance
QCX ABA100 Automatic Blaine Analyser
QCX ABA100 automates Blaine fineness analysis for cement and other powdered materials in robotic laboratories. It uses less sample material than traditional methods and can be operated through a local touch panel or the remote supervisory system.
- Efficient, repeatable automated fineness analysis
- No mercury required
- Measured material can be reused
QCX ACS820L Automatic Carbon-Sulfur Analyser
QCX ACS820L analyses carbon and sulphur in cement, clinker, ores, minerals, ceramics and other inorganic materials. Automated recipe and sample handling reduces mix-up risk and operator exposure while fitting continuous laboratory operation.
- Automated carbon and sulphur analysis
- Integration into continuous automated laboratories
- Optional automated revalidation using certified reference material
QCX APS150 Automatic Particle Size Analyser
QCX APS150 automates laser particle-size analysis and captures the complete distribution rather than a single fineness value. The resulting data helps process teams evaluate and optimise grinding efficiency.
- Automated sample feeding and dedicated support stand
- Connection to central dedusting
- Detailed particle-size distribution for process optimisation
QCX ACM150 Automatic Colour Meter
QCX ACM150 automates colour measurement of pressed pellets for finished cement and intermediate products. Integrated sample handling brings a repeatable physical-property check into the connected QCX workflow.
- Automated lifting and presentation of pressed pellets
- Consistent colour measurement
- Supports automated colour control in the laboratory
Equipment for a complete automated laboratory
Configure a safe, reliable equipment route around the processes your laboratory needs today, then expand from selected automation to fully robotic preparation and analysis.
Automation for every laboratory process
Configure the route from sample reception and transport through dosing, preparation and analysis, with QCX software coordinating the equipment and sample flow.
- Automate sample reception, transport, routing and dosing
- Combine crushing, milling, pressing and fusion
- Connect XRF, XRD and specialised analysers
Safe, reliable and maintainable operation
Integrated cleaning, controlled routing and equipment visibility help keep the laboratory available while reducing routine operator intervention.
- Apply repeatable automated QA/QC procedures
- Reduce manual handling and operator exposure
- Use equipment information for faster troubleshooting
Engineered, coordinated and commissioned as one system
An automated QCX laboratory brings software, robotics, sample-preparation equipment and site interfaces together in one system. Successful delivery depends on keeping engineering, programming, manufacture, installation and commissioning aligned from the beginning.
A dedicated project manager coordinates internal and external activities across the full lifecycle, supported by site management and supply-chain specialists when project complexity requires it. This gives the plant one coordinated route through milestones, acceptance testing, purchasing, logistics, installation and handover.
- Project management
- Site management
- Supply chain management
- System engineering
- Shipment and installation
- Commissioning and optimisation
Protect QCX performance across the system lifecycle
After handover, sustained QCX performance depends on protecting both the automation equipment and its software. Fuller combines training and service coverage around the plant’s operating needs to support availability, utilisation, productivity and the value of the installed system.
PlantLine Essential connects the site with experienced automation specialists providing 24/7 global support, while advanced troubleshooting and preventive visits can be delivered on site or remotely to reduce downtime. For plants using QCX/BlendExpert, monitoring and remote optimisation add regular performance review, expert tuning and advice on upgrades and migration.
- PlantLine Essential and 24/7 global support
- Advanced troubleshooting and corrective reconfiguration
- On-site or remote preventive maintenance
- Training for plant personnel
- QCX/BlendExpert performance monitoring and optimisation
Downloads
Brochures
Industry 4.0 - A Cement Perspective - World Cement, April 2025
Anders Noe Dam, FLSmidth Cement, explores why the cement sector lags in embracing Industry 4.0 technologies and highlights key opportunities to accelerate the digital transformation of cement plants.
18.12.2025 |
2.53 MB |
English
Managed Endpoint Security
As plants become more integrated and interconnected, the need for proactive cybersecurity is becoming increasingly acute. Our Managed Endpoint Security (ENS) solution supports the operational cyber resilience that today’s cement industry requires. Offered as part of our PlantLine™ Service Agreements or as a standalone service, it helps safeguard critical systems from known and emerging threats.
15.12.2025 |
735.40 KB |
English
QCX® RoboLab Laboratory Automation
The QCX® system from Fuller Technologies is designed to control cement quality in cement plants and it fully meets industry standards for reliability and robustness in an industrial environment. Automated sampling, sample preparation and analysis provide fast, reliable and consistent information for quality and process control.
25.03.2026 |
4.56 MB |
English
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