eTraining Introduction How to Use This Module Introduction Choosing the Preparation Method Mount Fabrication Procedure Steel Etching Procedure Steel Polishing Procedure Rocks and Minerals Equipment Procedure Introduction Jet Spraying Lofting Suspension Odd Shapes - Fractures Cryo Fracture Technique Electronic Materials and Carbon Nanotubes Multiprep Polishing Procedure Handling Specimen Coating Reasons for Coating Metal Coating Procedure Carbon Coating Procedure Introduction Specimen Holders by Instrument Overview Interactive Parts Tour Operating Procedures Overview Chemicals and Materials Solution Preparation Chemical Calculations Fixation and Dehydration Mounting Safety and Disposal References Form and Function Signal Source and Detection Interactive Parts Tour Interactive Cutaway Tour Safety Procedures Operating Procedures Basic Imaging Advanced Imaging Shut Down FAQs Troubleshooting VIDEO: Specimen Loading Technique VIDEO: Start Up Technique VIDEO: Specimen Unloading Technique Form and Function 1 Form and Function 2 Chemical Analysis Interactive Parts Tour Interactive Cutaway Tour Software Tour Safety Procedures Preliminary Specimen Exchange Flashing Imaging Shut Down Backscatter Imaging Charging Specimen Types X-Ray Spectral Analysis X-Ray Mapping Why Use FESEM? Specimen Constraints General FAQs Troubleshooting X-Rays and Spectra Energy Dispersive Spectrometer Wavelength Dispersive Spectrometer Safety Procedures EDS Versus WDS Quantitative X-Ray Microanalysis Basic Science Interactive X-Ray Mapping Challenge FAQs Troubleshooting Overview Tapping Mode Laser Alignment Preliminary Alignment Operation Image Viewing/Offline Operation Shut Down System Requirements Alternative Content Contact General Lab Safety Disclaimers Usage Permissions Site Map

Metallurgical

Mount Fabrication Procedure

Equipment is PR-15 Mounting Press, LECO.

Making Acrylic Mounts

1. Put sample and powdered Lucite into the mounting press. VIEW
2. Raise pressure to 500 psi and turn on the heat. VIEW
3. Wait for 11 minutes, then turn the heat off.    
4. Increase the pressure to 4200 psi. VIEW
5. Set to cool for 3 minutes. VIEW

Making Bakelite 1.25 Inch Mounts

Procedure by Ruth Kramer.

NOTE: The bakelite procedure involves heat and pressure. This is unsuitable for some thermally sensitive samples.

1. Clean old Bakelite from top closure. VIEW
2. Turn pressure release valve clockwise until snug.    
3. Pump piston to top.    
4. Place the sample flat (upside down) on the piston top. VIEW
5. Lower piston to bottom by turning the knob counterclockwise. VIEW
6. Add 20, 25, or 30 ml Bakelite for 1.25 inch mold, depending on sample height. VIEW
7. Put screw in place and screw all the way down, then back off ~1/4 turn. VIEW
8. Turn on the heat, turn knob clockwise, and pump the piston pressure to the red dot on the middle scale. VIEW
9. Wait until the heater light turns off, plus an additional 8 minutes. VIEW
10. Cool for 3 minutes. VIEW
11. Release the pressure (turn the knob CCW), unscrew the top, turn knob CW, then pump the piston up and remove the mounted specimen. VIEW

Top of Page