Mounting Press

After cutting the specimen, the next step is mounting. The aim of mounting is to handle small or odd shaped specimens and to protect fragile materials, thin layers or coating during preparation as well as to provide good edge retention. Mounting produces specimens with uniform size so that it is easier to handle in automatic holders for further preparation steps.

Basically, two methods are available: Hot Mounting & Cold Mounting

In hot mounting, the specimen is mounted under heat and pressure with a hot mounting press. Cold mounting is preferred for samples which are sensitive to damage from heat and pressure (like coatings, PCB, etc.) Cold mounting resins are easy to use and require mixing which is then poured into a mould and allowed to set.