Mounting methods in materialography – an overview

Sample mounting in materialography serves to fix the material samples to be analysed. For this purpose, the samples are embedded in standardised embedding moulds. In addition to that, the samples are thus stabilized and kept in a precise position. This is done by embedding the samples, preferably in synthetic material, applying particular metallographic mounting methods. When the samples are appropriately mounted, pieces cannot break-off during grinding and coatings are not removed. When small or irregularly shaped samples are embedded, they can be handled safely and with much more ease. Effective mounting using the appropriate method thus provides better, reproducible preparation results. Mounting the sample particularly improves flatness and edge retention. In principle, two mounting methods are used in materialography: hot mounting and cold mounting. Both mounting methods require specific auxiliary materials and mounting resins. Cold mounting has become the preferred method in many areas, as it can be performed more quickly and it is more economical than warm mounting.

An economical and quick mounting method – cold mounting with SCAN-DIA

From the beginning of the company's history, the company SCAN-DIA has favoured cold mounting as quick, flexible and economical mounting method. With the comprehensive SCAN-DIA Range of Mounting Resins, Embedding Molds and Auxiliary Materials samples are quickly and easily mounted. The tried and tested SCANDIFORMS are available in more than 30 different dimensions and shapes. They are absolutely dimensionally stable and provide an easy and residue-free release. SCANDIPLAST, SCANDIQUICK and SCANDIPLEX are high grade mounting resins which are suitable for most diverse mounting procedures. SCAN-DIA's SCANDIQUICK, a cold-curing mounting resin, is characterised by a particularly short pot life and curing time (approx. 6 minutes) and thus ensures a quick mounting process. This acrylic mounting resin is quite fluid and provides an excellent sample attachment. It provides slightly transparent, light orange samples with an excellent chemical resistance. The bubble-free samples allow for facilitated mechanical processing. The SCAN-DIA product range is continuously enhanced and improved in order for us to be able to provide high level cold mounting solutions. All SCAN-DIA products are particularly easy to handle and optimally matched.