Sample Epoxy Mounting

Loss Prevention

1. Safety glasses should always be worn in the metallography labs
2. Gloves should always be worn when working with chemicals

Procedure

1. Use an abrasive saw with a water-soluble oil as a lubricant to cut the sample to be mounted.
2. Clean the sample using ethanol and dry with compressed air
3. Grab the mold and place the sample into the mold. Make sure to place the surface to be examined face down.
4. Grab the epoxy resin and corresponding hardener. Read the directions on the resin container for the proper mixture of resin-hardener. (fig. 1)
   

   Figure 1. Epoxy resin and corresponding hardener
5. Place empty cup onto scale and tare
6. Weigh out the required amount of resin and tare the scale
7. Weigh out the hardener. If needed add a dab of color to the cup.
8. Mix the resin and hardener for 5 minutes
9. Pour the epoxy into the mold
10. Allow molds to site for the amount of time specified on the resin container
11. Remove the bottom cap of mold
12. Place mold in the bench vise and tighten it down (fig. 2)
    

    Figure 2. Mold tightened in the bench vise
13. Use the metal rod and hammer to knock the sample out of the mold.