For many types of analysis it is necessary to cut small samples from a larger piece of material. At MITECON use is made of a precision sawing machine (Struers SECOTOM-10) with a diamond sawing blade. The high speed of the sawing blade (up to 52 m.s^-1) combined with a low sample speed (typically 0.0001 - 0.00025 m.s^-1) results in minimal surface and subsurface damage. Depending on requirements the sample can be analysed directly with optical and scanning electron microscopy after cleaning and drying.

In many cases the sample is embedded in a resin (cold embedding to avoid cracking of material) and ground, lapped and polished. MITECON uses a semi automatic system (Struers LaboPol-5 and Struers LaboDoser) to produce the micro specimen quickly and reproducible. The micro specimen is used for microscopic analysis and is very suitable for coating and structural analysis. If necessary the polished surfaces can be etched with suitable etchants to reveal structural differences.

If special sample holders are made the equipment can also be used to produce small flat polished samples. This is ideal for prototyping and small series testing. It can also be used to produce surfaces for optical and other measurements.