Procedure for hot and cold mounting of specimen
Hot mounting :
Process to be followed while placing the specimen.
* Switch on the power button .
* Apply antistick stearate powder to the surface of lower ram and upper ram to avoid sticking of resin.
* Place the specimen on the ram with the surface to be viewed facing downdards.
Pouring resin over the specimen.
* Press and hold the RAM DOWN to lower the ram to it's lower limit.
* Fill asuitable amount of resin about 1 big scoop into the cylinder through the funnel.
Installing the top closure.
* Place top closure with the upper ram on the mounting cylinder.
* Place the top closure downand turn it clockwise until it's lower limit.
* Turn the top closure a three quarters of a turn back.
Parameters before starting the mounting process.
* Check the table for correct resin specifications eg:heating time ;cooling time.
* Press start the process will run automatically .
* The machine automatically stops and relives the pressure when the cooling time has elapsed.
* Removing the top closure.
* Turn top closure in counter clock-wise direction until released from the thread.
* Hold the top closure and press RAM up to raise the lower RAM to it's upper limit.
* Remove the sample .
* Switch off the hot mount press.
COLD MOUNTING:
* Switch on compressor
* Insert tubing into the stopper ( ensure enough length for the epoxy to flow into the module).
* Place sample in the mould and place them inside chamber.
* Turn the vacuum knob clock wise to max.
* Turn the knob behind the Epovac to the anticlockwise to pump down the chamber.
* Place tubing on the metal stand and tighten the knob.
* Tighten stopper and knobto pump down to reach about 400m bar .
* Allow the vacuum to hold for about 5 minutes.
* Prepare epoxy compound. Get a disposable cup.
* Fill syringe with 20ml of epoxy resin. Inject 20ml of resin into mixing cup.
* Inject 5ml of hardner into cup and stirr slowly about 5 minutes to reduce the formation of bubbles.
* Place tubing into the cup and release the knob to allow epoxy to flow.
* Try not to release any bubbles into the mould.
* After sufficient epoxy is added, tighten the knob to stop the flow of epoxy.
*Turn the vacuum knob to min and wait for 30 minutes.
* vent the chamber by turning the knob behind the epovac clockwise.
* Remove the mould with the sample inside and leave it to harden for 8 hours before removing the cold mount from the mould.