A Universal Mounting Fixture.
The Universal Sample Mounting Fixture is a versatile spring-loaded fixture for securing samples with pressure during mounting using adhesives, waxes, and epoxies. The fixture can be used at room temperature or on a hot plate for heat curable epoxies or faster drying of conductive paint. A scale on the pressure rod allows the user to apply reproducible pressure, from very light to heavy. Two interchangeable trays accommodate six different sized disk sample mounts (½", ¾", 1", 1¼", 1½", and 2" diameters) and five angled SEM pin stubs (0°, 45°, 52°, 70°, and 90°). The angled SEM pin stubs are held with screws on the angled surface so that the sample lies horizontally and the pressure applied vertically normal to the sample's surface. The 70° angle is useful for pretilted EBSD sample holders and the 52° angle is useful for FIB holders. The "PTFE" tip contacting the sample is compliant and easily cleaned if any adhesive inadvertently comes in contact with it. The fixture adapts to a large range in sample height.