Abrasive Blades

Abrasive cutting is the most common method of sectioning to achieve a clean and efficient cut. Buehler's abrasive blades are designed to provide high quality sectioning results with no burning and minimal surface deformation.

Buehler carries a wide range of different metallographic abrasive blades for sectioning machines that can be used for many different applications. Our abrasive blades have diameter ranges from 5 in (127 mm) to 18 in (455 mm), arbor sizes ranging from 0.5 in (12.7 mm) to 1.25 in (31.75 mm), blade thicknesses ranging from 0.0020 in (0.5 mm) to 0.063 in (1.6 mm) and dimensions ranging from 5.9 in (150 mm) to 9 in (230 mm).

Our abrasive blades are frequently used for sectioning many different materials including but not limited to ferrous materials, soft, medium, hard, and tool steel, stainless steel, super alloys, titanium alloys, and zirconium alloys.

• Efficient Cutting with Extended Life:
  To acheive a clean and efficient cut, a blade needs to break down during cutting to expose new abrasive particles. Depending on the hardness of the material, the blade needs to break down at different rates. Buehler's abrasive blades have been developed for specific applications to ensure the proper rate of wear. This balance provides an efficient cutting action while maximizing blade life. The selection table on the "Ordering" tab provides the recommendations by material type and hardness.
• Thin, Precise Abrasive Sectioning:
  For certain applications, it is important to minimize the amount of damage done to the sample during sectioning. The AcuThin series offers thin blades that have been developed to minimize the area of cutting thus reducing the amount of damage to the sample. These blades allow for precise, delicate abrasive sectioning with minimal surface damage.
• Wide Diameter Range:
  With abrasive blades from 5" [127mm] up to 18" [455mm], Buehler's abrasive blades can be used on Buehler's full range of abrasive and precision saws.

Abrasive Vises For Sectioning

Vising is a critical component to efficient sectioning. Buehler's abrasive vise offering for abrasive cutting machines provides reliable and versatile clamping options that ensure the sample is secure and properly presented for sectioning.

• Fast Clamping:
  Toolless clamping mechanisms provide fast and secure installation of the vises in the cutting chamber. Simple handle rotation to tighten the clamping plates against the sample.
• Durable Designs for Harsh Environments:
  Stainless steel construction prevents corrosion and ensures secure clamping even in the harsh cutting environment.
• Versatile Clamping Options:
  Multiple V-grooves on clamping plates provide secure clamping on parts of varying sizes and shapes.
  Clamping kits with supports, risers, and V-blocks provide customizable solutions for clamping nearly any part.

Diamond and CBN Blades

Diamond blades and CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) cutting blades are the preferred blade type when delicate and precise sectioning is needed. Diamond and CBN blades also perform better than traditional abrasive blades when cutting certain materials, especially very hard materials.

Buehler carries many different CBN blades and diamond blades in various diameters and thicknesses for many materials and applications including general use, hard materials, ceramic and petrographic samples, plastics and polymers, steel, and many more. Refer to the Ordering chart below to find the ideal diamond blade or CBN blade for your material and end application.

• Precise, Clean Cuts:
  Diamond and CBN blades offer thin blades that remove small amounts of material and reduce the surface damage.
  Ideal choice when a precise and delicate cut is required.
• Unique Blades for Specific Applications:
  Depending on the material being cut, a different combination of abrasive size, concentration and bond strength is needed. Buehler has developed blades for specific applications to ensure a high quality result is achieved. The selection table on the "Ordering" tab provides a recommended blade by application.
• Wide Diameter Range:
  Precise sectioning is typically done on smaller precision cutters, but can also be done on larger saws. With diamond and CBN blades ranging from 3" [76mm] to 18" [450mm], precise sectioning can be done on all Buehler saws.

Sectioning Coolants

Proper cooling is critical to the sectioning process of metallographic sample preparation. Buehler's line of cutting fluid coolants are designed to dissipate heat and remove swarf from the cutting point. Cutting coolant fluid helps to dissipate heat and remove swarf from the cutting point. This enables the abrasive, diamond, or CBN blade to achieve maximum cutting efficiency and prevent any unnecessary surface damage to the sample.

Our cutting fluid coolants and lubricants include water miscible and oil based coolants. We also carry cleaning agents, additives for coolants to prevent corrosion, and clear pastes for cutter windows to improve visibility.

Refer to the specifications and ordering information below to find the right coolant for your sectioning application.

• Proper Cooling Enables High Quality Cutting:
  Coolant helps to dissipate heat and remove swarf from the cutting point. This enables the blade to achieve maximum cutting efficiency and prevent any unnecessary surface damage to the sample.

Precision Vises

Often times, the samples being cut are not standard shapes and a unique clamping solution is required. Buehler's precision vises offer solutions for varying shapes and sizes to allow for precise and consistent cut locations.

Buehler has many different types of precision vises for various applications including slotted vises, sliding vises, single and double saddle chucks, glass slide chucks, mount chucks, wafer chucks, and more.

Refer to the Ordering tab below to find the ideal precision vise for your sectioning application.

• Ensure Consistent Sectioning Results:
  Proper specimen clamping is critical to achieving the desired results. Making sure the sample is presented properly to the blade and doesn't move during the cut leads to the desired precise sectioning results.
• Clamp Irregular Samples:
  Often times, the samples being cut are not standard shapes and a unique clamping solution is required. Buehler's vises offer solutions for varying shapes and sizes to allow for precise cut locations.

Flange Sets

Flange sets support Diamond, CBN, and abrasive blades when using the IsoMet saw line. Choose the best diameter size flange depending on the size and type of material.

Our precision cutter flange sets support Diamond and CBN blades for best cut. Buehler carries aluminum flange sets and stainless steel flange sets of varying diameters. Find the ideal flange set for your application by using the Ordering section below.

• Precise, Clean Cuts:
  Flanges support Diamond and CBN blades for best cut
  Diamond and CBN blades are thin blades that remove small amounts of material and reduce the surface damage
  Ideal choice when a precise and delicate cut is required.
• Wide Diameter Range:
  Precision sectioning is typically done on smaller precision cutters. Flanges are provided in a range of diameter to best fit the application and support the blade at the same time.

Compression Mounting Powder & Pre-Molds

Compression mounting compounds utilize heat and pressure to encapsulate a specimen. Buehler's compression mounting media includes resins, phenolic powder, compression mounting powder and pre-molds that minimize shrinkage while protecting and preserving sample edges during the preparation process.
The choice of a compression mounting media compound depends on the goals of the lab and requirements of final analysis. Many different powders and pre-molds are available to meet the wide variety of needs including colored general purpose phenolic powder, hard mineral filled compounds, clear thermoplastic compounds and conductive compounds for SEM analysis.

• Wide Portfolio for Every Application:
  The choice of a mounting compound depends on the goals of the lab and requirements of final analysis. Many different compounds are available to meet the wide variety of needs including colored general purpose phenolic, hard mineral filled compounds, clear thermoplastic compounds and conductive compounds for SEM analysis.
• Excellent Edge Retention for Optimal Preparation:
  EpoMet offers excellent edge retention with a high hardness making it ideal for processing very hard materials. The fine particle size of EpoMet F is great for intricate structures and penetration while the granular size of EpoMet G is easier and cleaner to use.
• Quick Cycle Set-Up with No Mess:
  Eliminate measuring from the mounting process with PhenoCure Pre-Molds. Simply place a pre-measured puck of pressed phenolic powder into the mounting chamber and the cycle is ready to begin. Save time and maximize cleanliness by eliminating any measuring and pouring of powder.

Acrylic Mounting Systems

Acrylic mounting systems offer a short cure time and are recommended for mounting specimens that are sensitive to high pressures and temperatures. Buehler's offering includes acrylic liquid, powder and kits designed for different metallographic sample testing applications.

SamplKwick - acrylic mounting compound is designed for rapid and effective encapsulation of PCB coupons. By dipping coupon in Acrylic liquid prior to potting, Buehler’s SamplKwick is able to wet and enter into smaller holes and recesses well, with ease offering good penetration and the edge retention needed for great electronics preparation. To reduce the viscosity of mixed acrylic, powder to liquid volume mixing ratio of 1:1 or 1.5:1 is preferable.
VariKleer - is ideally designed to use with pressure vessel to generate crystal clear acrylic mount resulting harden and minimum shrinkage, to determine the PCB coupon sample grinding to desire level. For crystal clear mount, SamplKup should be used rather than EPDM or Disposable mount.
VariDur - is a fast acrylic system containing filler resulted in harden mount particluarly for metals sample in short curing cycle with compare to epoxies and when edge retension is not critical.

• Increased Mounting Throughput:
  With cure times as low as 5 minutes, our line of acrylics is designed to increase throughput in your mounting process while providing consistent results.
• Quick, Easy Mixing:
  After a quick measure, only a short mixing time is required to fully combine the two components and begin creating your mounts.

Epoxy Mounting Systems

Epoxy mounting resin and hardener systems are recommended for mounting specimens that are sensitive to high pressures and temperatures. Buehler's epoxy resin and hardener products provide good physical adherence, low shrinkage, and excellent infiltration into pores.
Epoxy chemistry is a complex balance of many factors including shrinkage, cure time, viscosity and adherence. Each lab application requires a slightly different priority of these factors and our line of epoxy mounting resins and hardeners has been specially developed to provide the ideal product for your application.
Some applications require the performance of epoxies but demand a quick cure time. EpoKwick FC and EpoHeat CLR resins and hardeners are the ideal products for these applications.

• Optimized Chemistry for Excellent Results:
  Epoxy chemistry is a complex balance of many factors including shrinkage, cure time, viscosity and adherence. Each lab application requires a slightly different priority of these factors and our line of epoxies has been specially developed to provide the ideal product for your application.
• High Performance with Quick Cure:
  Some applications require the performance of epoxies but demand a quick cure time. EpoKwick FC and EpoHeat CLR are the ideal products for these applications.
  EpoHeat CLR can cure in as little as 60 minutes with a curing oven, while EpoKwick FC cures in 120 minutes at room temperature.
• Excellent Infiltration for High Quality Mounts:
  Some samples contain pores and voids that are difficult to fill during mounting but must be filled to acheive the correct results.
  EpoThin 2 offers excellent infiltration, great edge retention, and a low peak temperature to deliver high quality mounts.

Mount & Mold Release Agents

Release Agents help prevent mounts from sticking to the mold chamber or mounting cups during compression or castable mounting. Buehler offers multiple different mold release agent products to meet your application.

• Easy Mount Removal:
  Release agents can be used with mounting presses and mounting cups to help remove cured mounts.
• Quick Application:
  Available in powder or liquid forms for quick and easy application to mounting cups or chambers in mounting presses.

Mounting Accessories

Many different specimen support clips, mounting cups, pigments and fillers are available to help simplify, improve, or customize a mounting process for metallographic sample preparation.

• High Quality Mounts:
  SamplKups and EPDM mounting cups are available in multiple shapes and sizes to create high quality mounts with easy removal.
• Consistent Specimen Alignment:
  SamplKlips and other support clips allow for precise placement of the specimen in the mount to ensure the area of interest is properly presented for grinding and polishing.
• Unique Mounting Applications:
  A variety of colored pigments, fillers, and cements offer many options to customize the mounting process to meet any lab's needs.

Planar Grinding Stones

Buehler’s Planar grinding stones are multi-use abrasive discs designed for the PlanarMet 300 planar grinding machine. They provide high material removal rates and consistent scratch patterns.

Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone

Versatile abrasive recommended for both hard and soft materials and for extended wheel life. For grinding or cutting carbon steel, high speed steel, tool and die steel and other high alloy, high tensile strength materials.

Silicon Carbide Grinding Stone

A very hard, sharp abrasive grain. Used in grinding of cast iron, aluminum, copper, bronze and non-metallic materials such as plastic and glass. Find all planar grinding stone options in the Ordering tab below.

• Fast Material Removal with Consistent Surface Finish:
  High speed grinding stones provide rapid material removal with excellent flatness and surface finish. This can often allow for reduced processing in subsequent steps.
• Suitable for Many Materials:
  Available with Alumina or Silicon Carbide abrasives for grinding of many different material types.

Silicon Carbide Grinding Papers

Buehler’s CarbiMet & MicroCut Silicon Carbide grinding papers are the premier line of SiC grinding discs offering efficient material removal and minimal surface damage. Our discs come in various grit sizes, micron sizes and diameters.
CarbiMet Silicon Carbide grinding discs offers quick grinding times with minimal surface damage during the grinding process. Since there is less damage to remove, the amount of subsequent processing may possibly be reduced, saving valuable time the preparation process.
Apex S Backing allows for fast changeovers between CarbiMet steps. Simply remove the previous SiC grinding paper and apply the next one without needing to remove any backings or liners.
MicroCut abrasive papers provide gentle material removal and superior surface finish when processing delicate or sensitive materials.

• High Material Removal with Superior Surface Finish:
  CarbiMet offers quick grinding times with minimal surface damage during the grinding process. Since there is less damage to remove, the amount of subsequent processing may possibly be reduced, saving valuable time the preparation process.
  Tightly controlled particle sizes ensures consistent scratch depths and patterns to prevent sample damage and rework.
• Quick Change-Overs:
  Apex S Backing allows for fast changeovers between CarbiMet steps. Simply remove the previous paper and apply the next one without needing to remove any backings or liners.
• Delicate Preparation:
  MicroCut papers provide gentle material removal and superior surface finish when processing delicate or sensitive materials.

Diamond Grinding Discs

Diamond grinding discs offer a long-wear surface that provides excellent surface flatness for a wide variety of materials. Fixed diamond particles in Buehler's diamond grinding discs provide consistent removal rates and extended lifetime with only an occasional dressing to maintain the surface. The combination of great edge retention, long lifetime, and consistency makes Buehler’s diamond grinding discs the perfect choice for controlled material removal on automated systems.

Buehler offers multiple different types of diamond grinding disc products depending on the material being processed as well as the speed and surface quality needed.
CGD provides: Very high removal rate with excellent flatness designed for materials not susceptible to excessive damage; excellent for high strength materials and stock removal.
DGD Mosaic provides: high material removal rate with good surface quality and great flatness; excellent for strong materials and stock removal.
DGD Ultra provides: relatively high removal rate with good surface quality; great for initial grinding steps for samples with mixed hardness materials.
DGD Color provides: good removal rate with great surface quality, flatness, and consistency; great for a wide range of materials especially softer metals.
DGD Terra provides: very gentle removal rate with excellent flatness and surface quality; excellent for brittle and delicate materials (e.g. ceramics, glass) .

• Long Life Surfaces with Consistent Results:
  Fixed diamond particles in Buehler's Diamond Grinding Discs provide consistent removal rates and extended lifetime with only an occasional dressing to maintain the surface.
• Ideal Solution for Automation:
  Diamond Grinding Discs offer superb edge retention and excellent flatness making them the perfect choice for controlled material removal on automated systems.
• Specially Designed for Different Materials:
  Grinding hard materials requires a different type of surface than grinding softer materials. Buehler's Diamond Grinding Discs offer customized solutions for different material types to ensure efficient and consistent grinding.

Polishing Cloths

Polishing cloths for metallographic sample testing are used along with an abrasive to remove layers of surface deformation and expose the material structure for analysis. Because polishing is such a critical step in sample preparation, it’s important to choose a high quality polishing cloth. Buehler's metallographic polishing cloth pads are thoroughly tested and developed with MetaDi Diamond to provide a complete solution that delivers reliable results for each sample processed. The type of polishing cloth used depends heavily on the material being processed and the requirements for the final analysis. With a variety of fabrics, weaves and naps, Buehler has a cloth to fit every application. Polishing cloths are available with PSA and Magnetic backings. Utilize the magnetic backing for an efficient and easy-to-use solution. The durable magnet provides consistent polishing results while reducing the changeover time between cloths. See the Buehler Polishing Guide for more information, tips, and selection guide.

• Increase Efficiency with Magnetic Backing:
  Simplify the polishing process by eliminating the time-consuming process of removing a worn polishing cloth and adhering a new cloth to a carrier plate. Magnetic backed polishing cloths are ready to use straight out of the box!
• Highest Quality Results:
  Buehler's premium performance cloths are engineered for long life and superior surface finish.
• Advanced Solutions:
  Buehler’s offering of polishing cloths provides industry leading solutions for a wide variety of applications. Trust the experts at Buehler to develop a process to meet the specific needs of your lab.

Diamond Suspensions and Paste

MetaDi diamond suspensions and pastes are high-quality monocrystalline and polycrystalline diamond polishing products that provide repeatable performance and deliver exceptional sample quality.
Buehler's MetaDi diamond suspension polishing and paste products are tightly controlled to prevent any deviations in particle size or concentrations. This ensures reproducible polishing results and a high quality surface finish for every sample processed.
Color coded diamond suspensions and pastes based on the micron size helps prevent cross contamination on polishing surfaces.
Some materials are not compatible with traditional water-based suspensions due to water-sensitivity or diamond embedding. The Oil-Based MetaDi Monocrystalline diamond suspension as well as MetaDi diamond pastes offer multiple options when working with water-sensitive materials.

• Consistent, Repeatable Polishing Results:
  Buehler's MetaDi diamond products are tightly controlled to prevent any deviations in particle size or concentrations. This ensures reproducible polishing results and a high quality surface finish for every sample processed.
• Fast Preparation Time:
  MetaDi Supreme Suspension offers a high material removal rate and minimal deformation making it the product of choice for most materials. The high concentration of polycrystalline diamonds offers numerous sharp cutting faces to efficiently remove material and polish the surface.
• Simple Product Recognition:
  Color coded suspensions and pastes based on the micron size helps prevent cross contamination on polishing surfaces.
• Processing Unique Materials:
  Some materials are not compatible with traditional water-based suspensions due to water-sensitivity or diamond embedding. The Oil-Based MetaDi Monocrystalline Suspension as well as MetaDi pastes offer multiple options when working with water-sensitive materials.
  For soft materials where embedding is a concern, there are multiple pastes with different concentration levels to choose from.

Final Polishing Suspensions

Final polishing suspensions are designed to remove the final layer of surface deformation and prepare a sample for analysis. Deformities may not be visible to the naked eye, but must be removed for some specimen analysis techniques.
A variety of alumina and silica products are offered by Buehler including colloidal silica polishing suspension to meet many different application needs.
Refer to the Ordering tab below to find the right final polishing suspension or powder for your application.

• Excellent Surface Finish:
  Final polishing suspensions remove the final layer of surface deformation that may be left after diamond polishing. While this deformation is often invisible to the naked eye, it must be removed for some analysis techniques.
• Application Specific Solutions:
  Alumina suspensions and powders along with colloidal silica suspensions offer a solution for the wide variety of materials being processed in today's world.

Specialty Grinding & Polishing

Some applications can benefit from a specialty product or solution. Unique holders are available for processing circuit boards along with a variety of abrasive lapping discs and powders.

• PC-Met™ Precision High Volume Printed Wiring Board AccessoryHigh volume printed wiring board preparation system
  Prepares up to 36 coupons simultaneously
  Prepares reproducible cross-sections of through-holes down to 0.008in
  For use with EcoMet 30 and AutoMet 300
• PWB-Met Small Hole AccessoryHigh volume printed wiring board preparation system
  Prepares up to 18 coupons simultaneously
  For use with EcoMet 30 and AutoMet 300
  Prepares reproducible cross-sections of through-holes down to 0.004"
• FibrMet DiscsFibrMet Abrasive Discs are for fine grinding applications on glass, epoxy, or polymers and produces a fine surface finish.
  50/pack
• Abrasive Powders
  Abrasive Powders are for fine grinding on cast iron, tin, or cloth-covered platens. They should be mixed with distilled water to achieve desired consistency.
  5lb [2.3kg] containers
• UltraPrep Lapping
  UltraPrep Diamond Lapping Films are for fine grinding of hard materials such as ceramics. They provide a fine surface finish and gentle material removal.
  5/pack

Sample Holders

Sample holders are designed for use with Buehler's grinder-polishers to facilitate process automation and optimization. Many options for different sample sizes and shapes are available depending on the shapes, sizes, and capacities required.

• Available in All Shapes and Sizes:
  Standard holders for single force and central force applications capable of holding round mounted specimens, rectangular specimens and glass slides.

Platen Systems

Many different magnetic platen systems for sample preparation are available to facilitate the use of different grinding & polishing surfaces on Buehler's grinder-polishers.
Specialized, high friction surface allows for fast application and removal of surfaces during the preparation process. The base of the platen system is an aluminum platen with an Apex S film.
CarbiMet S and MicroCut S products are designed for use with this magnetic platen system.
Versatile Magnetic Platen System: The magnetic system offers quick changing of surfaces with a variety of surfaces to choose from. The base of the system is an aluminum platen with a magnet attached. Many diamond grinding discs and polishing cloths (link to each consumables page) are available with a magnetic backing to affix directly to the magnetic platen. Magnetic carrier plates are also available for use with PSA backed products.

• Quick Change Apex S System:
  Specialized, high friction surface allows for fast application and removal of surfaces during the preparation process. The base of the system is an aluminum platen with an Apex S film.
  CarbiMet S and MicroCut S products are designed for use with this system.
• Versatile Magnetic System:
  The magnetic system offers quick changing of surfaces with a variety of surfaces to choose from. The base of the system is an aluminum platen with a magnet attached.
  Many Diamond Grinding Discs and Polishing Cloths are available with a magnetic backing to affix directly to the magnetic platen. Magnetic Carrier Plates are also available for use with PSA backed products.

Replicating Media

Field metallographic replication is required in some applications where it is not possible to remove a component from service, or the size prohibits analysis in the lab. Replicating Media allows users to create a portable copy of the microstructure of interest.
Replicating Media for metallographic replication is a two-part silicon system that is simple to use, provides excellent dimensional stability, and has a relatively quick cure time. Metallographic replicating tape, or 'Acetate', is a thin film that provides excellent spatial resolution but demands extra care.
Both Replicating Media and Replicating Tape for metallographic field use create a 3D surface replica for analysis and examination.

• Excellent Dimensional Stability:
  Replicating Media is a two-part silicon system that is simple to use, provides excellent dimensional stability, and has a relatively quick cure time. Replicating Tape, or 'Acetate', is a thin film that provides excellent spatial resolution but demands extra care.
• Non-Destructive Testing & Field Use:
  Both Replicating Media and Replicating Tape create a 3D surface replica for analysis and examination. Replicating Media is ideal for flat surfaces, analysis of fracture surfaces, or applications where surface roughness measurements are critical. Replicating Tape is ideal for curved or complex surfaces and applications when time is critical.
• Easy to Use:
  Replicating Media is easily mixed and dispensed using the applicator gun and nozzles. Simply load the cartidge of media with a nozzle and begin use.

Burst Dispensing System

The Burst Dispensing System is a flexible, easy to operate dispensing system for all diamond and final polishing suspensions. With a variety of operating modes, solutions can be tailored for any Buehler grinder-polisher set-up. This system improves both productivity and consistency by dispensing suspensions at fixed intervals and configurable rates.

• Consistency
  Automation increases repeatability across all users
• Reduces Waste
  Control the amount of abrasive dispensed to save money from over-application
• Flexibility
  Three operating modes allow Burst Modules to be used independently on any set-up or fully integrated with some grinder-polishers