The surface must be free from grease and other contaminants for the best possible adhesion of resin to sample. On the Mounting Materials Table, resins are displayed according to their properties. To simplify the choice between hot compression mounting and cold mounting, both techniques are explained. The sample is placed in the mounting press, the resin is added, and the sample is processed under heat and high pressure. They are also called duroplastics.
Thermoplastic resins soften or melt at elevated temperatures and harden during cooling.
Although thermosetting resins could be ejected at high temperatures, it is advisable to cool the mounts under pressure. This will result in the least shrinkage and maintain good adhesion between resin and sample. All Struers mounting presses use water cooling to allow the shortest possible mounting time. The correct amounts of two or three components are measured carefully by either volume or weight. Then they are mixed thoroughly and poured over the sample.