Cold and Hot Mounting Media, Molds, and Pressure Chamber
EMS introduces a selective range of embedding and mounting medium on the market for both HOT MOUNTING and COLD MOUNTING – for literally all kinds of material specimens.
See our complete line of Embedding Media Kits.
1. Hot Mounting
When preparation requirements include less expensive, uniform size and shape, and short processing times, hot mounting (hot compression mounting) is ideal.
Hot mounting takes place under pressure in a mounting press, where the specimen is placed in a cylinder together with the appropriate mounting resin. A temperature of up to 200°C, and a pressure of up to 50kN are then applied during the embedding of the specimen. There are two types of hot mounting processes: thermoplastic resins and thermo-setting resins.
Thermoplastic Resins melt when heated, offering the opportunity of repeating the process with the same specimen if the result is not satisfactory the first time. Thermoplastic resins harden during a chemical reaction with or without pressure. That means high pressure is not necessary during heating and cooling. This process is good when mounting fragile specimens.
Thermo-setting Resins cure at elevated temperatures under pressure. Thermo-setting resins cannot be re-melted after mounting.
Choosing a Hot Mount*
| * | 30 mm dia. mount with a 45% carbon steel specimen (20 vol%) |
| ** | Embedded abrasives can occur in the aluminium filler |
| *** | For some materials, using sensitive mode |
Specifications
| Cat # | Heating Temp |
Heating Time |
Heating Pressure (bar) |
Cooling Time |
Cooling Rate |
Total Process Time |
Removal Rate |
| 1210 | 180°C | 3.5 min | 250 | 1.5 min | High | 5 min | High |
| 1211 | 180°C | 2.5 min | 300 | 1 min | High | 3.5 min | High |
| 1212 | 180°C | 4 min | 350 | 6.5 min | Low | 10.5 min | High |
| 1213 | 180°C | 3.5 min | 325 | 2 min | High | 5.5 min | Low |
| 1214 | 180°C | 3 min | 250 | 2 min | Medium | 5 min | Medium |
| 1215 | 180°C | 3.5 min | 250 | 2 min | High | 5.5 min | High |
| 1216 | 180°C | 3.5 min | 250 | 1.5 min | High | 5 min | High |
| 1217 | 180°C | 3 min | 250 | 2 min | Medium | 5 min | Medium |
| 1218 | 180°C | 3 min | 250 | 2 min | Medium | 5 min | Medium |
| Cat. # |  |
| 1210 | 1210 |
| 1212 | 1212 |
| 1214 | 1214 |
| 1216 | 1216 |
Ordering Hot Mount Resins
| Cat # | Description | Pkg Size | Price | |
| 1210 | Black/gray acryl with iron filler, thermoplastic | 1 kg | 158.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1211 | Gray acryl with aluminium filler, thermoplastic | 1 kg | 90.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1212 | Clear acryl, thermoplastic | 1 kg | 150.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1213 | Black epoxy with mineral filler, thermosetting | 1 kg | 140.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1214 | Green bakelite with wood filler, thermosetting | 1 kg | 130.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1215 | Light yellow melamine with mineral and glass filler, thermosetting | 1 kg | 148.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1216 | Black bakelite with carbon filler, thermosetting | 1 kg | 160.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1217 | Black bakelite with wood filler, thermosetting | 1 kg | 80.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1218 | Red bakelite with wood filler, thermosetting | 1 kg | 40.00 | Add to Cart |
2. Cold Mounting
Cold mounting or embedding is when a resin is mixed with a hardener (or accelerator) to provide the mounting compound, and then the polymerization process take place to form the block. In some cases, this process gives-off heat. However this heat generation can be controlled by the use of ice or cool air blow setting. Cold mounting compounds are preferred for specimens that are sensitive to the heat or pressure, which applies during the hot mounting process. There are three types of cold mounting:
1. Epoxy Systems - Epoxies have the lowest shrinkage of all cold mounting resins. The curing time is relatively long, but the adhesion to most materials is excellent. They are also used for vacuum impregnation. The hardened epoxy is duroplastic and not affected by moderate heat or chemicals.
2. Acrylic System - Acrylics are easy to use resins with short curing times and negligible shrinkage. They consist of self-polymerizing components that harden with the addition of catalyst. Hardened acrylic is thermoplastic and resistant to most chemicals.
3. Polyester Systems - Polyester belongs to the catalyzed system, like acrylics. Curing times are relatively short and the hardened specimen is duroplastic.
Choosing a Cold Mount*
| * | 30 mm dia. mount with a 45% carbon steel specimen (20 vol%) |
Specifications
| Cat # | Mixing Ratio Weight |
Mixing Ratio Volume | Mixing Time |
Potlife | Color | Can be colored with EpoDye | Can be colored with AcryDye | Peak Temp |
| 1232 | Resin: 25 parts Hardener: 3 parts |
Resin: 15 parts Hardener: 2 parts |
2 min |
30 min |
Clear, Transparent Refractive index: ND = 1.578 |
X | 40°C 104°F |
|
| 1233 | Resin: 25 parts Hardener: 7 parts |
Resin: 31 parts Hardener: 10 parts |
5 min |
>60 min |
Clear, Transparent Refractive index: ND = 1.561 |
X | 170°C 338°F |
|
| 1234 | Resin: 7 parts Curing Agent: 1 part |
Resin: 26 parts Curing Agent: 5 parts |
3 min |
60 min |
Clear, Transparent Refractive index: ND = 1.573 |
X | 60°C 140°F |
|
| 1235 | Liquid: 11 parts Powder: 9 parts |
Liquid: 1 part Powder: 2 parts |
30 sec |
2 min |
Colorless, clear (extremely clear when cured under pressure). Otherwise semi-transparent | X | X | 115°C 239°F |
| 1245 | – | – | – | – | Fluorescent dye for use in microscopy to make cracks and pores visible | – | – | – |
| 1256 | Liquid: 10 parts Powder: 15 parts |
Liquid: 1 part Powder: 2 parts |
30 sec |
3 min |
Dull yellowish, partly transparent | – | X | 100°C 212°F |
| 1257 | Liquid: 6 parts Powder: 10 parts |
Liquid: 2 parts Powder: 5 parts |
1½ min |
1½ min |
Colorless, clear (extremely clear when cured under pressure) | X | X | 90°C 194°F |
| 1258 | Liquid I: 8 parts Liquid II: 4 parts Powder: 14 parts |
Liquid I: 10 parts Liquid II: 5 parts Powder: 15 parts |
1½ min |
4 min |
Light yellow | – | X | 138°C 280°F |
| 1259 | Liquid: 10 parts Powder: 20 parts |
Liquid: 1 part Powder: 2 parts |
45 sec |
1½ min |
Off-white | – | X | 75°C 167°F |
| 1265 | – | – | – | – | Blue, Red & Yellow | – | – | – |
| 1270 | – | – | – | – | Transparent Polyester Low viscosity |
– | – | – |
| 1276 | – | – | – | – | White Polyester/Acrylic |
– | – | 114°C |
| Cat. # |  |
|
| 1232 | EpoFix Cold-Setting Embedding Resin | 1232-A |
| 1232-B | ||
| 1233 | EMSFix Kit | 1233-A |
| 1233-B | ||
| 1234 | Unimount Epoxy Kit | 1234-A |
| 1234-B | ||
| 1245 | Epoxy Dye Set | 1245 |
| 1256 | AcryMount Embedding Resin | 1256-H |
| 1256-R | ||
| 1257 | Geo-Fix Cold Mounting Embedding Kit | 1257-H |
| 1257-R | ||
| 1258 | MatFix Kit | 1258-H1 |
| 1258-H2 | ||
| 1258-R | ||
| 1265 | Acrylic Dye Set | 1265 |
| 1270 | Poly-Mount | 1270-A |
| 1270-B | ||
| 1276 | Poly-AcryMount Embedding Kit | 1276-A1 |
| 1276-A2 | ||
| 1276-B |
Ordering Cold Mount Resins
(a) Epoxy Systems
| 1232 | EpoFix Kit with 1L liquid resin, 130 ml hardening liquid | Kit | 170.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1233 | EMSFix Kit with 1L resin, 325 ml hardenening liquid | Kit | 250.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1234 | UniMount Kit with 500 ml liquid resin, 200 ml hardening liquid | Kit | 370.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1235 | TransFix Kit with 570g powder, 500 ml liquid | Kit | 250.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1245 | Epoxy-Dye, 20g | Kit | 90.00 | Add to Cart |
(b) Acrylic Systems
| 1256 | AcrylMount Kit with 500g resin powder, 225 ml hardening liquid | Kit | 250.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1257 | GeoFix Kit with 800g powder, 500 ml liquid | Kit | 295.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1258 | MatFix Kit with 570g powder, 300 ml liquid I, 150 ml liquid II | Kit | 295.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1259 | LiteFix Kit with 600g powder, 300 ml liquid | Kit | 260.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1265 | Acrylic-Dye, 60 ml (20 ml each yellow, red, blue) | Set of 3 | 116.00 | Add to Cart |
(c) Polyester Systems
| 1270 | PolyMount Kit with 500 ml liquid resin; 15 ml hardening liquid | Kit | 70.00 | Add to Cart |
(d) Polyester/Acrylic Systems
| 1276 | PolyAcryMount Kit with 870 g resin powder; 300 ml hardening liquid | Kit | 395.00 | Add to Cart |
EMS Petrographic Epoxy
Formulated specifically for the preparation of petrographic thin sections, EMS Petrographic Epoxy Kits are the only epoxy mounting medium which is supplied with everything needed to dispense, mix and apply the medium. No more guessing at proportions, and improvising stirring rods and mixing containers.
Best Refractive Index - nd=1.540±0.001
EMS Petrographic Epoxy is the only epoxy based mounting medium with this refractive index, which is considered ideal for general petrography. In addition, EMS Petrographic Epoxy is the only mounting medium for which the refractive index is given and warranted to four significant figures. Many manufacturers of mounting media give no refractive index information at all, and of those that do, some are wrong.
A mounting medium of known refractive index can be a powerful aid in mineral identification. For example, a medium of 1.540 is useful for distinguishing between feldspars. In addition, the relief of a mineral is, in part, dependent on the r.i. of the cover glass mounting medium. Particularly when scanning a slide at low power, the difference in the relief of various minerals can be a valuable aid in mineral and texture determination.
Highest Bond Strength
For almost all rocks and minerals, the EMS Petrographic Epoxy bond to unfrosted slides is stronger than either the specimen or the slide. Therefore, slides need not be frosted, which saves a production step and eliminates attendant refraction and consequent poor image at high contrast, as, for example, when observing the Becke line.
This tremendous strength allows you to saw and rough grind a much thinner section than with any other mounting medium. Remounting of specimens due to plucking and bond separation is virtually eliminated.
Longest Pot Life
Once the two EMS Petrographic Epoxy components are mixed, the pot life of EMS Petrographic Epoxy is about 5 days at 21°C (70°F). This eliminates waste due to the rapid gelation (0.5 to 3 hours for all other epoxy mounting media) of unused mixed material. And you won't spend up to 1 hour per week constantly mixing epoxies. With EMS Petrographic Epoxy, you mix the two components as infrequently as once per week - for 5 minutes.
In addition, the long pot life of EMS Petrographic Epoxy frees you from having to organize your time so that several specimens can be mounted or covered at the same time. Mounting only one or two sections with EMS Petrographic Epoxy is both convenient and efficient.
Shortest Cure Time
Cure time for a high strength bond is only 10 minutes, a tremendous time saver. Optimum cure temperature is 135°C (275°F).
Best Impregnation
The low viscosity of EMS Petrographic Epoxy provides excellent penetration during impregnation and specimen mounting.
Best For Cover Glasses
Because of its low viscosity and long pot life, applying cover glasses with EMS Petrographic Epoxy is faster, easier, and simpler than with any other mounting medium. EMS Petrographic Epoxy is a 100% solids system - there are no solvents to vaporize; and there are no by-products of the cure reaction. Therefore, no bubbles will form under the cover glass during cure.
Blue Dye
10 mg Blue Dye per 1 ml EMS Petrographic Epoxy Resin will give a light transparent blue in a 30 micron section. 20 mg/ml will give a bright transparent blue.
Ordering Information
| 1292-00 | EMS Petrographic Epoxy - Evaluation Kit, includes: 50 ml EMS Petrographic Epoxy Resin 5 ml EMS Petrographic Epoxy Curing Agent 8 Mixing Beakers 5 Stirring & Applicator Rods 3 Syringes and 1 User's Manual |
kit | 40.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1292-01 | EMS Petrographic Epoxy - Basic Kit, includes: 500 ml EMS Petrographic Epoxy Resin 50 ml EMS Petrographic Epoxy Curing Agent 3 Syringes and 1 User's Manual |
kit | 220.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1292-02 | EMS Petrographic Epoxy - Standard Kit, includes: 500 ml EMS Petrographic Epoxy Resin 50 ml EMS Petrographic Epoxy Curing Agent 3 Syringes and 1 User's Manual |
kit | 300.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1292-03 | EMS Petrographic Epoxy - Standard Kit with Thermometer, includes: 500 ml EMS Petrographic Epoxy Resin 50 ml EMS Petrographic Epoxy Curing Agent 3 Syringes and 1 User's Manual Surface Thermometer - 0°C to 400°C |
kit | 340.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1292-B | Blue Dye - for 1000 ml of EMS Petrographic Epoxy Resin | 10g | 21.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1292-R | Resin Only | 500 ml | 225.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1292-C | Curing Agent | 50 ml | 42.00 | Add to Cart |
| 1292-T | Surface Thermometer - 0°C to 400°C | each | 60.00 | Add to Cart |
Cold Embedding Molds
These 2 part molds may be used for all cold embedding epoxies. Comes with a detached cap for easy removal. The molds come in 3 different sizes to accommodate all of the samples you may have. The molds are made from HDPE and we recommend the use of mold release spray (Catalog #72619) prior to use.
| 50481-20 | Cold Embedding Molds 1" | 10/pk | 39.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50481-21 | Cold Embedding Molds 1½" | 10/pk | 42.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50481-22 | Cold Embedding Molds 1¼" | 10/pk | 44.00 | Add to Cart |
Mounting Cups for Cold Mounting/Embedding
Disposable Mold Cup
Polyethylene, one part molds. Closed one end. Red
| 50480-10 | Disposable Mold Cup 1⅛" | 50/pk | 32.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50480-15 | Disposable Mold Cup 1¼" | 50/pk | 32.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50480-20 | Disposable Mold Cup 1½" | 50/pk | 32.00 | Add to Cart |
Form Mold
The form mold is a two part mounting cup, designed to be as user-friendly as possible. It has practical handles for removing of the lid and the cylinder is slightly conical for easy removal of the mounts.
| 51012-01 | Form 25 mm / 1" dia | 5/pk | 35.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-02 | Form 30 mm dia | 5/pk | 42.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-03 | Form 40 mm dia | 5/pk | 60.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-04 | Form 50 mm / 2" dia | 5/pk | 85.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-05 | Form 1¼" dia | 5/pk | 42.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-06 | Form 1½" dia | 5/pk | 42.00 | Add to Cart |
Silicone Mold
This mold is for acrylic resins only and the best mounting cup for all of our acrylic resins. The flexible silicone rubber makes it very easy to remove the mount from the mounting cup.
| 51012-25 | Silicone 25 mm | 5/pk | 122.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-30 | Silicone 30 mm | 5/pk | 122.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-32 | Silicone 32 mm | 5/pk | 71.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-38 | Silicone 38 mm | 5/pk | 80.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-40 | Silicone 40 mm | 5/pk | 122.00 | Add to Cart |
Flexible Mold
The rectangular flexible moldis made of very flexible transparent silicone rubber which makes it very easy to remove the mounts. The inner sides are polished, so the sides of the mounts get clear. The sides are also straight which makes it easier to fasten the mounts in a specimen holder.
| 51012-55 | Flexible 68 x 37 x 35 mm | 2/pk | 50.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-60 | Flexible 90 x 50 x 35 mm | 2/pk | 65.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-65 | Flexible 120 x 60 x 45 mm | each | 48.00 | Add to Cart |
Parallel Mold
Mounting cup with parallel sides that help avoid tilting of the mount when clamped into a specimen holder.
| 51012-70 | Parallel 25 mm dia | 5/pk | 60.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-75 | Parallel 30 mm dia | 5/pk | 62.00 | Add to Cart |
| 51012-80 | Parallel 40 mm dia | 2/pk | 60.00 | Add to Cart |
Phenolic Ring Mold
Impregnated phenolic, ¾" high
| 50483-15 | Phenolic Ring Mold ¼" | 10/pk | 13.50 | Add to Cart |
| 50483-20 | Phenolic Ring Mold 1½" | 10/pk | 14.00 | Add to Cart |
 |
 Fixation Clip 50487-30-31 |
 Taper Section Angle 50487-32 |
Hot & Cold Mounting/Embedding Accessories
| 50486-00 | 6 mm height metal spring clip to hold or position a small specimen upright. | 100/pk | 52.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50487-25 | PlastiClips - Plastic clip used to support up to 5 small, thin specimens. (May not be suitable with Acrylic Resins), | 25/pk | 68.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50487-30 | Fixation Clips, 6 mm dia; Support spring for small and thin specimens during mounting. | 50/pk | 85.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50487-31 | Fixation Clips, 9 mm dia; Support spring for small and thin specimens during mounting. | 50/pk | 82.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50487-32 | Taper Section Angle, Aluminium; Make measuring thickness of thin layers easier. By inclining the specimen you will get a magnification of the layer and this will enable you to make your measurement more reliable. | 25/pk | 80.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50487-33 | Taper Section Angle, Copper | 25/pk | 75.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50487-34 | Taper Section Angle, Steel | 25/pk | 75.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50487-35 | Silicone Oil/Release Agent | 100 ml | 44.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50488-10 | Mold Release - Mold release agent to be used with mounting press. | 8g | 70.00 | Add to Cart |
| 72619 | Mold Release - Mold release agent to be used with cold mounting mold, PTFE-like spray. | 15 oz can | 23.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50494-25 | Thermo Conductive Paste - For better heat transfer between heating/cooling unit and cylinder in hot mounting press. | 25g | 58.00 | Add to Cart |
Silicone Rubber Molds, Reusable
These reusable molds for cold embedding are made from sturdy, flexible, white silicone, and are easily removed without the need for release agents. Much smoother than rubber molds, enabling easy identification of samples in clear resins. They hold their shape to produce consistent, reliable round embedding.
Round Silicone Rubber Molds, Reusable
1" high, ¾" internal depth.
| 50484-10 | 1" (25.4 mm) dia. | 10/pk | 68.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50484-12 | 1¼" (31.75 mm) dia. | 10/pk | 70.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50484-14 | 1½" (38.1 mm) dia. | 10/pk | 78.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50484-16 | 2" (50.8 mm) dia. | 5/pk | 78.00 | Add to Cart |
Rectangular Silicone Rubber Molds, Reusable
1" high, ¾" internal depth.
| 50484-17 | 2¼ x 1" | 5/pk | 163.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50484-18 | 3 x 2" | each | 173.00 | Add to Cart |
Pressure Chamber
This chamber is designed in conjunction with our cold molded acrylic and epoxy media. After encapsulating the sample, they are placed inside the chamber. By applying between 30 to 40 PSI during the cure time, the mounting compound is compressed down and around the sample, forcing air up to the surface. This process helps eliminate shrinkage and increase clarity and edge retention. As an option an air pump tank is available. This Air Pump is designed for hand pumping pressure.
| 50465-10 | Pressure Chamber | each | 425.00 | Add to Cart |
| 50465-20 | Air Pump | each | 193.00 | Add to Cart |
