Hot/Compression mounting is an economical method of encapsulating samples that can withstand the pressure and heat of the mounting process. A variety of mounting powders are available and include a measuring scoop.

Phenolic: Black, green and red phenolic powders are used for routine applications, when color coding for material identification, or as backfill for more expensive powders.

Epoxy, Glass-Filled: This powder provides excellent adhesion, chemical resistance and edge retention. It also offers very good flow characteristics for mounting samples with complex shape/geometry. The glass filler increases its hardness, and is recommended for mounting medium-hard to hard materials. A mold release product is required.

Blue Diallyl Phalate: This powder provides high hardness, excellent edge retention and chemical resistance for mounting extremely hard materials.

Thermoplastic: This acrylic powder cures transparent, making it suitable for site-specific sample preparation when there is a need to see the approaching target.

Conductive: These powders are used to make conductive samples for scanning electron microscopy and electrolytic polishing. The copper-based powder should be used when analyzing samples where copper is not a primary constituent. The graphite-based powder is recommended for specimens without carbon as a component.