Sample Size/Mold Compatibility Checker
Check if your sample fits in standard mounting molds and get recommendations for the appropriate mold size. This helps ensure proper mounting and prevents material waste.
Enter the length, width, and height of your sample. The tool will check if it fits in standard molds with appropriate clearance (2mm on each side).
About Mold Compatibility
Standard mounting molds come in several sizes:
- 1 inch (25.4 mm): Smallest standard size, for small samples
- 1.25 inch (31.75 mm): Most common size, good for medium samples
- 1.5 inch (38.1 mm): For larger samples
- 2 inch (50.8 mm): Largest standard size, for very large samples
Clearance requirements: Samples need adequate clearance (typically 2mm on each side) to ensure:
- Proper flow of mounting material around the sample
- Sufficient material thickness for edge retention
- Prevention of voids and defects
- Easier handling during grinding and polishing
Matching the resin to the sample: Mold size is only half the decision — the sample must also tolerate the mounting process:
- Heat- or pressure-sensitive samples (electronics, solder joints, polymers, fragile coatings, MEMS): avoid hot compression mounting (~150-180°C, 3,000-4,500 psi) — use a room-temperature castable resin instead
- Porous samples (thermal spray coatings, sintered parts, ceramics): cast in epoxy with vacuum (>25 inHg) and/or pressure (1-4 bar) impregnation so resin fills the pores
- Edge retention work (coatings, case depth, near-edge analysis): glass-filled epoxy compression mounts give the best edge retention
- SEM/EDS work: use a conductive (graphite- or copper-filled) resin to prevent charging
- Samples too large for any press mold: castable mounting in a custom mold
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Shop Mounting Equipment →Need More Help?
Learn more about mounting methods and selecting appropriate mold sizes.