Equipment & Consumables

Mounting protects samples and provides edge retention during grinding and polishing. Compression mounting uses heat and pressure to encapsulate samples in thermosetting resins (phenolic, diallyl phthalate, or epoxy) for excellent edge retention and durability. Our TERAPRESS mounting presses offer hydraulic and pneumatic options with precise temperature and pressure control. Castable mounting is ideal for heat-sensitive or delicate samples, using cold-cure resins applied under vacuum (TERAVAC), pressure (TERACOMP), or UV curing (TERAUV). Mounting materials include conductive options for SEM analysis, transparent resins for edge observation, and various hardness levels to match sample properties. Proper mounting prevents edge rounding, protects fragile features, and ensures consistent results.

Rough polishing removes grinding scratches and refines surface finish using diamond compounds on polishing pads. Our NANO (manual), FEMTO (semi-automatic), and ATTO (controlled removal) grinder-polishers provide precise control over material removal and surface quality. Polishing consumables include diamond suspensions (polycrystalline and monocrystalline) in various particle sizes (9µm to 0.25µm), polishing pads (synthetic, silk, or canvas) matched to material and application, and magnetic polishing systems for easy pad changes. The polishing sequence typically uses 9µm, 6µm, 3µm, and 1µm diamond compounds, progressively removing scratches while maintaining flatness. Proper pad selection, compound concentration, and rotation speed are critical for optimal results. This step prepares the surface for final polishing or can serve as the final step for many applications.

Etching reveals microstructural features by selective chemical attack, highlighting grain boundaries, phases, and other important characteristics. Our comprehensive range of etchants includes standard solutions (nital, picral, Vilella's reagent) and specialized formulations for specific materials and applications. Cleaning removes polishing residues, oils, and contaminants that can interfere with etching and analysis. Proper cleaning ensures accurate etching results and prevents contamination. Etchant selection depends on material composition, heat treatment, and the features you want to reveal. Application methods include swabbing, immersion, and electrolytic etching for different materials and requirements. Our etchants database provides detailed information on composition, application, and results for hundreds of materials. Safety data sheets (SDS) are available for all chemical reagents.

Microscopy and analysis enable detailed examination of microstructures, phase identification, and quantitative measurements. Our metallurgical microscopes provide brightfield, darkfield, and polarized light illumination for comprehensive microstructural analysis. Stereo microscopes offer 3D visualization for surface features, defects, and macro-scale examination. Digital imaging systems capture high-resolution images for documentation, analysis, and reporting. Image analysis software provides quantitative measurements including grain size, phase fraction, inclusion content, and dimensional analysis. Advanced systems support automated analysis, batch processing, and integration with laboratory information systems. Proper illumination, magnification selection, and image calibration are essential for accurate analysis. Our microscopy solutions support both research applications requiring high resolution and production environments needing rapid, repeatable measurements.