Products

Metallographic samples are mounted to protect edges of fragile materials and to prepare multiple samples of uniform size.  Compression mounting is carried out using a mounting press where the sample and the selected mounting media material are inserted in the mounting cylinder.  Heat and pressure are simultaneously applied during the mounting cycle of the sample. 

Thermoplastic mounting material remains fluid at elevated molding temperatures and hardens during cooling.  This resin can be used for fragile materials.  Pressure can be applied when resin is in the molten state.  A useful property of the thermoplastic resin is its transparency once cooled.  It is much easier to detect the area of interest.

Thermosetting mounting material is wood flour filled with phenolic compound that cures at elevated temperature and pressure.  The available thermosetting powders are phenolic, diallyl phthalate and epoxies.  The phenolic powder in the form of powders or preforms is the more commonly used.  The diallyl phthalate is available with mineral or fiberglass filler.  The edge retention of the glass filled is better than phenolic powder.  The epoxies provide the best edge retention with low shrinkage. The selection of the type of compression mounting powder to use will depend on the abrasion rate of the media and the sample being mounted.  Normally, one would choose a mounting medium with an abrasion rate comparable to that of the sample.