Epoxy and Acrylic castable mounting systems are recommended for mounting specimens that are sensitive to high pressures and temperatures. Epoxy mounting systems provide good physical adherence, low shrinkage and excellent infiltration into pores and cracks. Acyrlic mounting systems are typically selected for their short cure time. Dyes and fillers can be added to either system. Dyes can enhance pores and highlight the interface between the media and specimen. Conductive fillers allow castable mounting systems to be used in an SEM without additional processing.

Vacuum systems are used to evacuate air trapped in epoxy systems and specimens. This reduces or eliminates the gap at the specimen/epoxy interface, fills pores in the specimen with epoxy and enhances the end results.