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I have always worked with the Multi-Grinder Thin-section Machine supplied by Brot Technologies, in France. These machines were originally designed for geological samples, and were later adapted to soils and sediment. Unlike, most sectioning machines which grind on a horizontal plate in loose abrasive powders, the Brot machines grind on a vertical axis and with fixed diamond wheels. The removable mounting plate enables the user to run samples on a variety of slides sizes, thereby gearing the nature of the sample to the right thin-section slide. Please see my Gallery for a photo of the machine. As loose abrasive powders are never used in production, the final thin-section slide has a ‘clean and clear' appearance under the microscope. In the last few years, because of market prices and delivery charges, I changed the main resin I use to a product called ‘Polylite Clear Casting Resin’, supplied by ABL Stevens Resin and Glass, in Cheshire, UK. This resin comes packed safely according to regulations, and is delivered quickly. It is easy to use, and it cures to a ‘water clear’ finish. The price is extremely reasonable. I would like to recommend this resin to any customer who would like to prepare and impregnate their samples before sending them to me for thin-section production. On request, I can recommend different resin impregnation mixes for different soil and sediment types, or archaeological materials. Please feel free to contact me on any details concerning the resin. The glass I use for my slides are supplied and cut by a local UK glass company. I choose to use a 3mm glass width for all of my slide sizes, as it offers more durability through the thin-sectioning process, and longer life as archived slides. One of my trademarks, is that I hand-finish all of my slides to a 25-30 micron width with fixed abrasive silicon carbon papers, before sealing with a glass cover slip. I feel this provides the customer with a premium product for analysis under the microscope. The final covered thin-section should last for years with proper care and storage. If there are any questions on the products and supplies I use for thin-section production, please do not hesitate to contact me at julie@earthslides.com. |