LiteFix
EMS Catalog #1259
Introduction
LiteFix is an off-white, two component acrylic mounting system. Acrylics are easy-to-use resins with short curing times and negligible shrinkage. They consist of self-polymerizing components that harden with the addition of catalyst. Hardened acrylic is thermoplastic and resistant to most chemicals.
Mounting of Specimens
Measuring of Components
The ratio for LiteFix Powder: LiteFix Liquid is 20:10 by weight and 20:10 by volume. Weighing is recommended to obtain the best mounts and for reproducibility
Note: Do not pour excess liquid back into the bottle, as this will significantly reduce the shelf life.
Mixing of Components
- Measure out the amount of LiteFix Liquid into a mixing cup (max. 30g/30ml)
- Measure out the amount of LiteFix Powder into a mixing cup (max. 60g/60ml)
- Pour the powder into the liquid
- Stir thoroughly for 45 seconds, until the mixture is homogeneous and without lumps
- Mix carefully to avoid trapping air in the mixture
Selecting the Mounting Cups
All EMS mounting cups can be used. If possible, choose a mounting cup where the distance between the specimen and cup wall is approx. 5mm/0.2".
Pre-Treatment
To promote the best possible adhesion of LiteFix to the specimen, ensure that the specimen is thoroughly cleaned and dry prior to mounting. Each surface must be free from grease, moisture and other contaminants.
Mounting
- Place the cleaned specimen in the center of the mounting cup
- Mix the required amount of LiteFix
- Pour the mixture carefully over the specimen; run the mixture slowly along the stirrer or the mixing cup handle
- Ensure that no air remains trapped within cracks or cavities in the specimen by moving the specimen or by tapping the mounting cup on the table
Curing
LiteFix is a room temperature curing system. For a 30 mm / 1¼" dia. mount, the curing time is approx. 20 minutes. We recommend keeping the mount in the mounting cup until the temperature is below 40°C/104°F.
After removal from the mounting cup, the mount is immediately ready for preparation.
Technical Data
Mixing Ratio
| Components | Ratio by Weight | Ratio by Volume |
| LiteFix Powder | 20 | 20 |
| LiteFix Liquid | 10 | 10 |
Density
| LiteFix Powder | 0.95g/ml |
| LiteFix Liquid | 0.97g/ml |
Curing
| Can be prepared (ground and polished) after | 20 minutes |
| Peak temperature * | 75°C/167°F |
| Pot life after mixing | 3½ min |
Solubility
LiteFix Liquid is soluble in Acetone
Filler
The filling material in LiteFix is calcium carbonate
Properties after Curing
| Hardness | 84 Shore D |
| Density | 1.4g/ml |
| Chemical Resistance | LiteFix is resistant to the most common etching materials but can be colored |
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