Preparing the metallographic specimens for Vickers hardness testing

The specimen is prepared by various methods of cutting, mounting, grinding & polishing.

Specimens are typically "mounted" using a hot compression epoxy/thermosetting resin. A typical mounting cycle will compress the specimen and mounting media and heat to a temperature between 160 to 200°C.

Mounting a specimen provides a safe, standardized, and ergonomic way by which to hold a sample during the grinding and polishing operations.