From Hot to Cold: A Smarter Mounting Solution Transforming Materials Testing Labs

Problem

The laboratory faced inefficiencies and quality risks when using hot compression mounting compounds, including thermal damage to heat-sensitive specimens, deformation of electronic components and coatings, limited edge retention on complex geometries, and safety concerns for operators due to heat and pressure during mounting.

Solution

The lab replaced hot mounting compounds with advanced Cold Mounting Adhesives based on epoxy, acrylic, and polyester resin systems. These adhesives cure at ambient temperature without heat or pressure, providing low shrinkage, excellent adhesion, high optical clarity, and bubble-free encapsulation suitable for delicate, porous, and irregularly shaped samples.

Result

The transition led to significantly improved sample preparation efficiency, enhanced edge retention and dimensional stability, reduced specimen damage, and improved operator safety. Overall, the laboratory achieved higher preparation accuracy, better repeatability, and increased productivity across metallography, failure analysis, quality control, and R&D applications.

QY Research has recently published a comprehensive market study on this essential materials-testing consumables segment. Key findings are summarized below.

https://www.qyresearch.com/reports/5545681/cold-mounting-adhesive

Core Market Data

Global market size: USD 410 million
CAGR (2024-2030): 5.2%
Average price: USD 24,800 per ton
Annual production: 16.5 kilotons
Gross margin: 37%
Production capacity: 20.5 kilotons

List of Main Players

Henkel (ETR:HEN3)
3M Company (NYSE:MMM)
H.B. Fuller (NYSE:FUL)
Arkema (EPA:AKE)
Sika (SIX:SIKA)
Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW)
Huntsman (NYSE:HUN)
RPM International (NYSE:RPM)
BASF (ETR:BAS)
Evonik (ETR:EVK)
DuPont (NYSE:DD)
Wacker Chemie (ETR:WCH)
Eastman Chemical (NYSE:EMN)
Ashland (NYSE:ASH)
Solvay (EBR:SOLB)
Parker LORD (USA)
Momentive (USA)
Permabond (USA)
Chemence (USA)
Soudal Group (Belgium)

1. By Resin Chemistry

Acrylic Based
Epoxy Based
Polyurethane Based
Cyanoacrylate Based
Silicone Based
Hybrid Type

2. By Performance Characteristics

Low-Shrinkage Mounting Adhesives
Fast-Curing Cold Mounting Systems
High-Transparency Optical Mounts
Edge-Retention Enhanced Adhesives
Vacuum-Assisted Impregnation Grades

3. By Application

Electronic
Automotive
Aerospace & Defense
Medical Device
Industrial Machinery
Construction

Case Study for Bidding

Time: March 2024
Supplier: Struers
Buyer: Advanced Materials Testing Laboratory (Germany)
Product: Low-Shrinkage Epoxy Cold Mounting Adhesive (High Edge Retention Grade)
Quantity: 1,450 tons
Contract Value: USD 28.6 million
Delivery Timeline: January 2025

Detailed Application Scenario

The materials testing laboratory adopted Struers' epoxy-based cold mounting adhesive for routine metallographic preparation of steels, aluminum alloys, electronic assemblies, and coated components. The adhesive's low exothermic reaction and minimal curing shrinkage preserved microstructural integrity while ensuring excellent bonding between the specimen and mounting medium. Vacuum impregnation capability allowed complete penetration into pores and cracks, improving defect visibility and polishing stability.

The transparent cured mounts enabled precise optical microscopy and SEM analysis without edge pull-out or smearing. By eliminating heating steps, the lab reduced preparation time, improved operator safety, and achieved more consistent, reproducible results across high sample volumes. The project demonstrated how cold mounting adhesives are essential for high-precision materials characterization, quality assurance, and advanced failure analysis.

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This release was published on openPR.